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Ebonyi Media Ban: NGIJ Urges NUJ, NGE to Investigate Allegation Crisis
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has weighed-in on the face-off between journalists and Ebonyi State government, urging stakeholders to intervene and resolve the brewing crisis. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
In a statement released to the media on Friday by Mr Israel Bolaji, NGIJ Vice President, Information& Strategy, the Guild specifically called on the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Nigerian Guild of Editors and other media stakeholders in the country to investigate allegations of deliberate peddling of falsehood and creation of public panic levelled against Ebonyi State correspondents of The Sun newspaper, Chijioke Agwu, and the Vanguard Newspaper, Peter Okutu, by the State governor, with a view to resolving the imbroglio.
Recall that following the arrest and release of both journalists in separate instances within a week, the State governor, David Umahi had on Wednesday banned the two correspondents, from entering Government house and Government facilities in the State for life during a statewide live broadcast aired on the State’s Television and Radio stations.
The governor who had expressed disappointment with the state NUJ officials also threatened that ‘Ebonyi people are very angry with the press and let me warn that I won’t be able to control them or know when they unleash mayhem on you if you continue to write to create panic in the State.’
The NGIJ counselled that, ‘As much as the indisputable role of Journalists as partners and critical stakeholders in nation-building is sacrosanct, the profession upholds the highest level of ethics and standards and expects every practitioner to be responsible.’
“As far as we are concerned, journalists must be free to carry out their duty without any fear or hindrance anywhere within the nation. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as well as many other international Charters, guarantee that.
“The State government needs the media to continue to act as a watchdog and sensitise the public; that must be continuously done with the highest level of integrity, professionalism and fairness.
“However, if established, the persistent publication of falsehood, inaccuracies and misleading information amounts to libel, which is criminal and totally frowned upon by the NGIJ. Such has no place in professional journalism.”
The assertion of the governor about ‘withdrawing the allowance of the leadership of the NUJ in his state for failure to call the boys to order’ is of great ethical concern and must be investigated.
Also, the NGIJ took note with great concern, the “peace meeting” between the Ebonyi Correspondents Chapel and the State Commissioner for Information, where the NUJ pledged “developmental Journalism”. The Guild is of the opinion that the meeting should not have been facilitated without the leadership of national NUJ and the NGE.
“We call on our highly respected veterans and officials of the media bodies to establish the underlying issues, resolve amicably and assure that Ebonyi State, and indeed, the entire nation, remains safe for all journalists to contribute their quota to national development.” The statement concluded.
Umahi had ordered the arrest of The Sun Correspondent, Chijioke Agwu, over a report he did on lassa fever outbreak in the state. He was later released. Three days later, Mr. Peter Okutu was arrested on the orders of Ohaukwu Local Government Area Chairman, Mr. Clement Odah, over a report he did on the alleged military invasion of Umuogodoakpu-Ngbo community in the council area. He has also been released.
In a state-wide statement that was aired on both state radio and television stations, Umahi, had said the safety of journalists in the state could no longer be guaranteed by him, claiming that the people of Ebonyi State were angry with the journalists and might begin to unleash mayhem on them if they continue to cause panic in the state. According to him, “I want to say that I am very displeased with the president and leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and I am going to seize their allowances for two months, because they have failed to discipline their members.
“Ebonyi State is no longer a dumping ground. The other day, Chijioke Agwu (referring to The Sun correspondent) wrote that lassa fever is killing Ebonyi people in droves and few days back, Mr Peter Okutu of Vanguard did his own.
“Okutu is fond of degrading Ebonyi State, and I don’t know why my officials have allowed him to continue to do that, because he is not from Ebonyi State. I want to ban him for life with Chijioke Agwu. I don’t want to see them anywhere in any government facility. “We are not begging you to give us good report, because the only person that gives good or bad report is God. We are all accountable to him. If you think that Ebonyi State is a dumping ground, try it again.
“If you think you have the pen, we have koboko. Let’s leave the court alone. Ebonyi people are very angry with the press and let me warn that I won’t be able to control them or know when they unleash mayhem on you, if you continue to write to create panic in the state.”, Umahi had threatened.
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Crime
Kogi Govt to Bolster Security, Collaborates With Security Agencies
By; Unubi Emmanuel O
The Kogi State Government has affirmed its commitment to partnering with security agencies in order to significantly reduce criminal activities within the state.
During an official visit by the State Commandant of the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Quadri Ibrahim, to the Governor’s Office in Lokoja, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, lauded the police force for their role in complementing the state government’s efforts to combat crime effectively.
Governor Ododo expressed confidence in the professionalism exhibited by the police personnel attached to his office, emphasizing his trust in the Nigerian Police Force and other sister agencies in their dedication to the government’s fight against insecurity.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo pledged to allocate additional resources towards enhancing the security infrastructure in Kogi State, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between the state government and the police yielding positive results.
He urged all security agencies within the state to unite in supporting the current administration and to demonstrate unwavering faith in the decisions made by the government, particularly in safeguarding the lives and properties of Kogi State residents.
Earlier in his speech, the State Commanding Officer of the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Police Force, Quadri Ibrahim, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his investments in the security agencies within the state. He assured of their continued commitment to upholding professionalism in ensuring the safety and security of the populace.
Quadri Ibrahim praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his inclusive governance approach and expressed gratitude for the support extended to the security agencies, which has significantly boosted their morale in carrying out their duties effectively across the state.
The Commandant extended his appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering support towards the Nigeria Police Force and offered prayers for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to continue to enjoy the wisdom and courage necessary to steer the state towards greater heights.
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Alleged cyberstalking: Ogun NUJ direct members to shut down GTBank accounts
Hakeem Adegbenro, Abeokuta
The Ogun state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has directed its’ members who owns accounts with Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTbank) to shut it down with immediate effect.
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The directives comes on the heels of continuous detention of a member of the council, Seun Odunlami in connection with an alleged investigative report involving the bank and it’s Chief Executive Officer, Segun Agbaje.
Recall that Seun Odunlami and 3 others were arrested in a gestapo manner, and has been remanded at the Ikoyi correctional center for more than a month, with efforts to get bail proving difficult.
Speaking with newmen at the council’s secretariat in Iwe iroyin, Abeokuta, Monday, November 4th, 2024 the Chairman of the council, Comrade Wale Olarenwaju noted that the offense with which Odunlami and others was accused of, is a bail-able offense, and being in detention for over 7weeks is against their fundamental human rights.
Olarenwaju however called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to further tinker with the Cybercrime Act of 2024 as amended, saying that the law has been used to cowed the media, with frivolous charges in courts.
” I stand before you with a heavy heart, compelled to address a deeply troubling matter involving the abduction and continued detention of an individual who is unjustly held under dubious circumstances.
“The manner in which this abduction was executed is alarming. It appears that the very institutions that are supposed to protect our citizens are being manipulated for personal agendas.
“This case, which we believe is characterized by a clear abuse of power, reveals a concerning trend where individuals are detained not based on lawful grounds, but rather through the influence of certain powerful entities.
“We must recognize that the use of police forces to enforce such actions is not just an infringement of rights, but a grave infraction on the principles of justice and democracy.
“It is important to stress that this individual is facing charges that are bailable, yet they remain trapped in a web of unlawful custody that violates their rights and undermines our justice system”.
“I hereby call on all journalists in Ogun state to close down their various accounts in GTbank. This also includes all chapels under the Ogun state council.
“I also call on other state councils to join us in this struggle to free our members.
“As we bring this issue to light, we urge anyone with information or influence to stand up against this injustice. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all individuals receive fair treatment under the law, regardless of their circumstances or affiliations”, he said
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Senator Natasha Marks One Year in Office with Commissioning of Legacy Projects
Lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, marked her one year in office on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 by distributing empowerment materials and launching some projects across the district.
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The lawmaker was joined by her colleagues from the Senate to commemorate the historic event.
First was the commissioning of the 1km road network at the Abdul Azeez Atta Memorial College Okene by the senate Minority Leader Distinguished Senator Abba Moro.
Senator Tahir Monguno followed by commissioning the reconstruction and remodeling of the Abdul Aziz Atta Memorial College in Okene. There are 9 blocks of classrooms and 4 boarding houses; as well as unveiling the 5,000 digital learning devices marked the event.
The anniversary also included the inauguration of the reconstructed Ihima Police Station, which was officiated by the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Betrand Onuoha. Additionally, an empowerment programme was launched by Senator Abba Moro.
The Deputy Senate President, represented by Senator Ladan, spoke about Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s first year in office, describing her representation as effective, and praised her efforts to significantly impact her constituents.
“She invited us to see firsthand how she is improving the lives of her constituents in Kogi Central. What makes Senator Natasha unique is her passion for humanitarian service, which seems to be part of her genetic makeup, as her family has a history of giving,” he stated.
On his part, Senate Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno emphasised the importance of education in a country’s development, commending Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initiative to digitalise learning in Kogi Central.
Senator Abba Moro also praised the legacy projects and applauded his colleague for her exceptional performance.
“We have toured various projects aimed at improving the lives of the people, particularly concerning security. All of us here, the senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, are proud to support our colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Her achievements in just one year of service are remarkable.
“I am astonished by the amount of support gathered here for distribution. It’s evident that this is the kind of representation we need, and I am very pleased that she is delivering.”
Speaking at the programme, Senator Natasha reflected on her past year in office, describing it as eventful with many of her campaign promises fulfilled.
“This past year has been a journey of commitment, challenges, and, above all, unwavering dedication to the well-being of our people and the development of our senatorial district. When I took on this responsibility, my vision was clear: to create a senatorial district of our dreams, where every child has the opportunity to learn, every young person has access to meaningful employment, and every family can access basic amenities such as clean water and electricity.
“I am honoured by the trust you have placed in me, and I am here today to reaffirm my commitment to delivering a future that reflects our shared hopes and aspirations. A cornerstone of this vision has been the digitalisation of education. We have deployed 5,000 digital learning devices to public primary and secondary schools across Kogi Central. In the coming weeks, the Universal Basic Education Learning Resource Centre will train teachers and programme these devices with the Nigerian educational curriculum.
“Furthermore, we believe that education is the foundation of a prosperous society. We are beginning the total overhaul of selected existing schools, such as the Abdul Aziz Attah Memorial College (AAAMCO) in Okene. We will also construct a brand-new model primary and secondary school in Osara and facilitate a centre for artificial intelligence and robotics at the Federal College of Education in Okene, as well as an automotive mechatronics workshop and cottage automobile workshop at the Technical College in Oboroke. Both projects are currently undergoing the BPP contracting process, and construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025,” she stated.
She continued, “Moreover, a scholarship scheme through the Natasha Foundation has supported the tuition of 353 vulnerable Indigenous students at tertiary institutions nationwide. Equally, we have worked tirelessly to attract employment opportunities for various graduates and facilitate capacity-building training and empowerment programs for thousands of beneficiaries from our senatorial district.
“Today, we are launching a massive empowerment initiative for over 1,300 artisans, focusing on our women and youth. They have been trained and will be empowered to earn a living in areas such as renewable energy installations, fashion and shoe making, block and tile making, fish farming, advanced welding and carpentry, hairdressing, and catering. You can see for yourself what we have accomplished. They have been supported with startup grants. These efforts will provide a solid foundation for families and, in turn, communities. I am also deeply committed to addressing essential needs, such as access to clean water. Through our numerous water projects, we have brought a reliable supply of potable water to many communities, transforming what was once a challenge into a sustainable reality. Out of the 12 water projects, we developed a massive 50,000-liter solar-powered motorised water system, which serves 300 locations and provides 1,800 fetching taps.
“The electricity projects that have been executed throughout our senatorial district, just within one year of my being in office, have illuminated homes and streets, making our communities safer and more supportive of local businesses. Proudly, 30 kilometres of road networks across Kogi Central are now lit, providing better visibility and enhanced safety for both residents and travelers, especially at night.”
She further added; “The Ihima community had been without a police station for seven years, and I am honored to have my office facilitate the reconstruction and expansion of our community police station, which we commissioned today. If health is wealth, communities should not be impoverished by the lack of effective and responsive Primary Health Care Centers. I am grateful that my office attracted the rehabilitation of two primary healthcare facilities—the Primary Health Care Center in Ohueta and the one in Osara. Construction is set to commence within two weeks.
“A series of medical outreach programmes have been scheduled for next week in Ajaokuta and Okehi local governments. Similarly, I have proposed and sponsored several bills and motions that are not only nationalistic but essential for repositioning Kogi Central and Kogi State as an industrial hub. This, in turn, will create jobs for our youth and generate revenue for our beloved country.
“The legislative assembly, under the guidance of the Senate President, His Excellency Godswill Akpabio, and the executive, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have formed a strong political alliance. We are ensuring that not only will the Ajaokuta Steel Company function, but that the National Iron Ore Mining Company’s mandate will be expanded to harness the abundant natural resources lying untapped in our region.
“To the leadership of the Senate and my colleagues present, the hills surrounding us are rich in natural minerals, from gold to amethyst and iron ore, among others. I hope that in the coming months, you will join forces with me to ensure these minerals are tapped for the benefit of our country. The Gold Reserve Bill and the establishment bill for the Federal Medical Center in Ihima are legislative efforts aimed at transforming the industrial landscape of our state to meet the welfare and health needs of our people and to widen employment opportunities”.
“I am grateful for the productive leadership I have developed with the President himself, His Excellency President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Senate President, His Excellency Senator Godswill Akpabio. I am immensely grateful to them all. This collaborative approach has helped us access new opportunities and resources, bringing about greater development and democratic dividends for our people.
“There is still much work to be done, and I am committed to continuously learning and striving for improvement. I will work for you with the same energy, passion, and dedication that you deserve. Thank you for your unwavering support,” she concluded.
Dignitaries at the event include representatives of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Musa Ladan, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, Senate Minority leader, Senator Abba Moro, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Tony Nwoye, Senator Ekong Sampson, Senator Anthony Yaro, as well as Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi.
Others are: Edo Deputy Governor, Omobayo Godwins, House of Representative Member representing Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdulraheem Abdulmaleem Danga, Kogi Commissioner of Police, CP Betrand Onuoha, Ohi of Okene, HRH Alhaji Isa Mamman Okatahi, Ohi of Ihima, HRH Abdulrahim Ogido, Ohiomata of Odumi, Chief James Omeiza amongst other eminent Nigerians.
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