See previous threads here:

Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General
https://www.nairaland.com/5575529/punch-newspaper-vows-address-buhari

Femi Adesina Reacts As Punch Calls Buhari 'Major General'
https://www.nairaland.com/5576146/femi-adesina-reacts-punch-calls



Garba Shehu @GarShehu

The reported new editorial policy of the Punch Newspapers to address President Muhammadu Buhari as Major General in his official title and refer to his government as a regime instead of administration, comes to us as totally curious and utterly incredible.

The paper claimed that it is changing President Buhari's official title to General because of his government's alleged disregard for the rule of law.

Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), for that is his title, and he was indeed a Major General, but today retired from that position and now twice democratically elected president of Nigeria – is not the choice of Punch Newspaper’s editors and owners, that is clear.

He is, however, the two-time electoral choice of the voters of Nigeria, those very people who Punch Newspapers described this morning as “lethargic”: a disdaining epithet apportioned to decent,...

...hard-working, everyday Nigerians for not agreeing with, and for not having voted in line with their publication’s editorial and political opinions.

Punch’s editorial today is, however, entirely in line with holding and exercising the right of free speech and freedom of the press, as my friend and colleague, Femi Adesina said earlier today.

Femi, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity said the fact the Punch can insult the President in a front page editorial and they go home to sleep, peacefully, is the best testimony to the prevalence of the freedom of the press and of expression in the country.

To quote him, “rather than being pejorative, addressing President Buhari by his military rank is another testimony to free speech and freedom of the press, which this administration (or regime, if anyone prefers: it is a matter of semantics) has pledged to uphold and preserve.”

In countries around the world where this right does not exist, newspapers do not publish articles such as the one Punch did today; nor do they get to express political opinions contrary to that of government.

The exact freedoms Punch claims are missing are self-evident here – in print, on the internet – for all Nigerians and the whole world to see.

There is nothing wrong with expressing contrary opinions to this government - nor being in opposition to the president: this is the right of very Nigerian.

However, calling for the armed overthrow of the democratically elected administration is a different matter entirely: this Punch has in no way done – but others who they seek to defend, have.

There is the difference. Punch: oppose the government as much as you want to.

We welcome your contribution to the debate. But we ask you not to throw insults at the good voters of Nigeria for not agreeing to your choice at the last election.

It is not within the power or rights of a newspaper to unilaterally and whimsically change the formal official title or the designation of the country's President as it pleases.

It is unprecedented and absurd in our recent political history. The Punch never changed President Obasanjo's title from the President to General, despite the latter's refusal to comply with Supreme Court judgment, ordering him to release N30bn of Lagos State local councils funds.

When General Ibrahim Babangida who wasn't democratically elected assumed the title of President, why didn't the Punch challenge him or address him by any title it so desired?

In fact, IBB closed media houses for several months and years, including Punch.

But the paper didn't stop addressing him as President, despite the fact that he wasn't elected.

It is obvious that the Punch newspapers are playing partisan opposition politics which has nothing to do with journalism.

The Constitution of Nigeria recognises the President as the formal official title of the occupant of that office. Can the Punch newspapers, in their hubris address the President as Prime Minister as it pleases?

Is it within the paper's responsibility or power to change the official title of the man who occupies the office of the President? Does that mean any newspaper is free to address the Comptroller General of Customs a Colonel rather than his official title?

The Punch newspaper should separate journalism from partisan politics. What it is embarking upon is purely political and it is designed to play to the gallery and cause confusion.

Punch Newspaper's double standards in cuddling some of our past dictators and their open contempt for President Buhari clearly show that the paper has sinister motives for its current curious editorial judgment.

Its personal hatred for and animus towards President Buhari should not be allowed to becloud its good judgment.

https://twitter.com/GarShehu/status/1204769068227743744

naptu2:
Garba Shehu @GarShehu



https://twitter.com/GarShehu/status/1204769068227743744

The man should respond to Aisha's allegations against him and his principal.

Hmmmmmmm, the oponu agbalagba already claimed it to be a welcome development, seems garbage shehu has little sense on this issue compared to Femi mumushina.
Garba was even making reference to the case of Col Hameed Allí that was appointed against Custom Act, this people are just crazy
Let's see how the govt can handle the despotic attitude of theirs.

A garbage of a response from the unintelligent @Garba.

A very foolish man.


How could we have descended to the level of these clowns

only stupid people support Buhari

I’ll be right back.

This is a government of incredibly stupid people enabled by mor*ns.

It is unfortunate that most nigerians never understood the power of a Muslim president, especially in Africa and Arab nations.the Muslim president is power drunk, tyrant. Violation of human rights and creating tribal war. Pushing other tribes against their will. Meanwhile their side or region has nothing to offer, humanly or resourcefully. nigeria is in big problem with the presence of these Islamists. Quote me I am here.

Arrant nonsense. He deserves to continue answering Maj. Gen. Mohammadu Buhari ( retd.) Also being shown in military fatigue. Nigerians should learn a lesson. No retired officer of the Nigerian Military or Paramilitary should ever head a democratic government. They are misfits. Once a soldier always a soldier. The disdain they acquire for civilians and civil processes never leave them, ever!

Defending the dullardinhó is not a small something.


Buhari is going to end like abacha ...... Take that to the bank

Maybe the Major General Tag will get us power


But for now contact us for solar power solution at an affordable prices

The day Garba Shehu cup go full no body go show him mercy. Not even d masses. I know its Mamman Daura that authorised him 2 say dis nd not Buhari

Buhari no send us message .... The guyman wan flex our money till devil tell am say oboy e done do ...

Damage control

debetmx:


The man should respond to Aisha's allegations against him and his principal.

yeah,he should

naptu2:
See previous threads here:

Punch Newspaper Vows To Address Buhari As Major-General
https://www.nairaland.com/5575529/punch-newspaper-vows-address-buhari

Femi Adesina Reacts As Punch Calls Buhari 'Major General'
https://www.nairaland.com/5576146/femi-adesina-reacts-punch-calls



Garba Shehu @GarShehu



https://twitter.com/GarShehu/status/1204769068227743744

Na this kind rubbish government-serving news this old man naptu dey like post

Government apologist

Buhari is a tyrant. He can't help it

He is justifying his pay. What do you expect? To go against his master.?

He is major General na

Shehu Graba, the Mamman Duara Press man... the tittle remains "Major General Buhari" and his administration is "Regime" simple...you can hit your head on the nearby wall..

Garbage Isi-Ewu clap for yourself

Are they jobless there? Femi Adesina already responded, or is the presidency divided? anyways when a wife even begins to bring the husbands matter to the public you know they are more than divided.

Evil cabals....Nigerians will see their end as always that's one sure thing I know, we saw the end of Abacha and his cabals didn't we

The Punching Editorial from The Punch must have struck a nerve.

This regime is already jittery of what is to come should other media houses (both local and international) follow the steps of Punch .

Kudos to Punch for this unusual bravery.

What are they scared of yet. Didn't Femi Adesina argued that Major General is a rank he diligently earned?

It seems this punch by punch newspaper hit the gee-spot.

Imagine this Garba Shehu of a man subtly pitching the masses against The Punch Newspapers...


Informed Nigerians know the truth...

Power is transient, this phase will pass.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2D7L8Ueqv48

Watching in 10d

You will keep defending wrong until you are yourself a victim. These slowpokes of Femi and Garbage will also some day become a victim of the tyranny and lawlessless they are defending today. Their family members an loved ones won't escape it as well when power changes hands. Power is transient but while you are a beneficiary, it's drunkenness won't make you see clearly.