The Unlikely Encounter Between the Tiger and the Dog
Last Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu made an unexpected appearance at the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) Conference 2025. This was a historic event, as it marked the first time any Nigerian president attended such a gathering. The press, often seen as the watchdog of democracy, willingly entered the tiger’s lair for discussions about its welfare. Ayinla Ade-Gaitor, a renowned Apala musician from Oyo State, expressed his bewilderment at this unusual alliance. He posed a rhetorical question in Igbo: “Can a tiger and a dog cohabit in the same lair?” His words echoed the skepticism surrounding the meeting.
At the 21st NGE Annual Conference (ANEC) 2025, held at the Aso Rock State House Conference Centre in Abuja, the tiger and the dog seemed to become inseparable. They shared wine and embraced each other, creating a scene that resembled a bizarre partnership. When the tiger finally spoke, it did so with a menacing tone, dripping with recent blood. This strange relationship reminded many of Sir Kitoye Ajasa, a Nigerian lawyer who once served as a loyal supporter of colonial authorities.
The Legacy of Kitoye Ajasa
Ajasa, born in 1866, was a conservative figure who believed that national progress could only be achieved through subservience to European ideas. Unlike figures like Herbert Macaulay, who opposed colonial rule, Ajasa supported the British government. He founded the Nigerian Pioneer newspaper in 1914, which aimed to serve as a counterpoint to more radical publications like the Lagos Weekly Record. Ajasa’s newspaper became a mouthpiece for the colonial government, attacking those who opposed its policies.
His views were met with disdain by many contemporaries, who saw him as a “guardian angel of an oligarchy of reactionaries.” Despite this, Ajasa remained a close confidant of Sir Frederick Lugard, the colonial Governor-General. His newspaper provided staunch support for the government, even mocking nationalists who fought for development.
The Modern Press and Government Dynamics
President Tinubu’s speech at the conference urged the media to report boldly but truthfully, emphasizing the need for fairness and constructive critique. However, many saw this as a facade, reminiscent of Ajasa’s approach. The president appeared to be seeking media allies who would remain blind to government flaws, much like Ajasa did for the British colonial rulers.
Since the Muhammadu Buhari administration, the Nigerian media has faced significant challenges. Economic hardships, misinformation, and declining public trust have placed the press in a precarious position. Eze Anaba, the editors’ president, highlighted these issues, urging the media to defend the sanctity of truth and hold power accountable.
The Decline of the Nigerian Press
Governments since 1999 have systematically weakened the Nigerian press, ensuring it “barks but bites seldom.” The battle to end military rule was largely fought on the pages of newspapers, with journalists sacrificing their lives for democracy. Despite this, the press has been gradually decimated, leaving behind a weakened institution.
Today, the Nigerian newspaper press is barely surviving, with many former strongholds abandoned. The cost of running newspapers has soared, making it nearly impossible for them to compete. The newsroom has become emaciated, struggling to maintain its former vigor.
The Current State of the Media
The Nigerian press now operates in a landscape dominated by broadcast and social media. These platforms have taken over the “mass” in print journalism’s former “mass media” pedigree. Without them, the press might have been entirely conquered.
Last Wednesday’s meeting between the president and the press was seen as a symbolic gesture. The tiger, now satisfied that the watchdog has been castrated, lay prostrate with a begging bowl. The challenges facing the Nigerian media today are physical manifestations of a conquered press.
The Future of the Nigerian Press
The Nigerian press must play its rightful role in the success of democracy, especially under the Tinubu government. It cannot afford to become a lapdog for those in power. A century after Kitoye Ajasa played his groveling role, history has not forgotten him. What will it say about us tomorrow?
The only way the Nigerian media can fulfill its role is by maintaining independence and integrity. As the Yoruba proverb warns, one must be wary of forming dangerous alliances. The press must remain vigilant, ensuring that it does not become a meal for the hawk.
In conclusion, the relationship between the press and government in Nigeria remains fraught with tension. The press must continue to expose deception and inform the people, as emphasized by US Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black. Only a free and unrestrained press can effectively prevent government from deceiving the people. The Nigerian press, though weakened, still holds the key to good governance.
