Nigeria Replies FT On Editorial, Says Disgruntled Political Elements At Work

Nigeria on Wednesday responded to the editorial of the Financial Times of London, which described the country as “teetering on the brink” of becoming a failed state, saying the publication was procured by disgruntled political elements in the country who are bent on discrediting president Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, he accused some disgruntled political elements in the country of planning a smear campaign against the administration of President Buhari to the effect that he is not in vitriol of the government.

Although Adesina did not mention FT, he alleged that the disgruntled political elements in the country have been shopping for pliant online media that will serve as accomplices in their nefarious act.

He said the game plan is to launch orchestrated campaign of calumny in the days ahead, in which President Buhari would be portrayed as not being in charge of the country.

Specifically, in the editorial published on Tuesday, the influential tabloid stated that Nigeria as a country is going backwards economically and plagued with terrorism, illiteracy, poverty, banditry, and kidnapping and risks becoming a failed state if things don’t take a drastic turn.
It said that there are more poor people in Nigeria than any other country even as Nigeria has the highest number of out of school children on earth.
“Security is not the only area where the state is failing. Nigeria has more poor people, defined as those living on less than $1.90 a day, than any other country, including India.“

In a veiled reference to the FT, the presidential spokesman said “a narrative already started from a procured offshore medium by the instigators.”

The London-based newspaper also in the editorial on Tuesday said that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country fit into the yardstick of a failed state where “the government is no longer in control.”

He accused some of the online media who gave become willing instrument’s in the hands of the disgruntled politicians.
“Money and other attractive inducements are being dangled before the online media, and some of them are already complicit, cooking up stories with jejune and unsubstantiated allegations, all to sow seeds of discord and discontent in the country.
“Nigerians are urged to be wary and discerning in what they consume as news and special reports from such online media, as they are in cahoots with agents of destabilization, seeking ultimate political gains.
“President Buhari remains focused and single-minded in his determination to serve the country to the best of his ability, bringing change to different facets of our national life.
“This is already evident in infrastructure as seen in roads, rail, bridges, airports, and many other strides round the country. Agriculture is another worthy testimonial.
“The fight against corruption, insecurity, and retooling of the economy also proceed apace, and the Buhari Administration will not be distracted, and will continue to serve with heart and might, irrespective of all shenanigans,” Adesina said in the statement.