Don’t Give Them That Coverage’: Chief of Defence Staff Calls for Media Blackout on Hunger Protests

The Nigerian military has called for a media blackout on the ongoing nationwide protests against the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. During a press briefing on Friday, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa urged both international and local media outlets to cease coverage of the demonstrations.

“For the media, I want to appeal—I noticed yesterday all the stations are hooked up to the occasion. This is not an election. Don’t give them that coverage,” Mr. Musa stated. He emphasized that many protesters are seeking attention and media moments. “Some of them (protesters) are looking for moments to be on the screen. Together, I can assure you we are going to win,” he added.

The military’s appeal comes as the protests enter their second day, significantly disrupting commercial activities nationwide. Thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets, voicing their grievances over a worsening cost of living crisis.

Local and international media have extensively reported on the protests, highlighting the widespread public discontent. On Thursday, Peoples Gazette noted that poor telecom network coverage hindered the flow of information as demonstrators took to the streets. The Gazette reported, citing telecom sources, that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Security Agency (NSA) were allegedly slowing internet speeds to curb the dissemination of protest-related information.

The protests, which have already resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people, recall the EndSARS demonstrations of October 2020. During those protests, authorities disconnected electricity and disrupted telecom networks at the Lekki Toll Gate before military forces reportedly opened fire on protesters.