NN News Media has declared it will now refer to President Bola Tinubu as “General,” a pointed response to what it calls an assault on Nigeria’s democracy.
The decision follows Tinubu’s controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which the outlet views as a step toward authoritarian rule and militarized control over civilian affairs. However, the Nigerian Constitution does not provide Tinubu or any president with the authority to remove an elected governor from office.
A Stance Against the Undermining of Democracy
In a statement, NN News Media said, “The actions taken by President Tinubu, particularly in Rivers State, have left us with no choice but to adopt this stance. We believe the President’s recent actions reflect a deliberate move to sideline democratic institutions in favor of military-style control.”
Tinubu’s emergency decree suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected Rivers State House of Assembly members, appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) as Sole Administrator in his Tuesday braodcast.
The symbolic shift to “General” aims to spotlight what the outlet perceives as Tinubu’s militaristic approach to leadership and his undermining of Nigeria’s democratic framework, particularly through his intervention in Rivers State’s political turmoil.
A Defiant Stand for Democratic Values
NN News Media has framed its decision as a protest against an emerging authoritarian trend under Tinubu’s administration. “The President’s actions in Rivers State leave us no choice but to take this stance,” the outlet stated. “We see a deliberate effort to bypass democratic institutions in favor of military-style dominance.”
The media organization has sharply criticized the suspension of elected officials and the imposition of a military administrator, calling it a direct attack on Nigeria’s democratic foundations and a betrayal of civilian governance.
Militarization Creeping into Politics
The appointment of a retired Vice Admiral to oversee Rivers State has fueled concerns about the growing role of military figures in civilian matters. Critics, including NN News Media, warn that Tinubu’s use of emergency powers reflects a broader strategy to centralize authority and suppress political opposition, sidelining elected representatives in the process could trigger military takeover in the country.
By branding Tinubu “General,” NN News Media seeks to draw attention to this perceived shift toward militarized rule, accusing the administration of prioritizing control over democratic accountability.
A Rallying Cry for Democracy’s Survival
NN News Media’s decision to rechristen Bola Tinubu as “General” underscores mounting fears about the state of Nigerian democracy. Through this provocative gesture, the outlet aims to sound the alarm on the risks of militarization in politics and spark a wider conversation about safeguarding the nation’s democratic institutions from further erosion.
