Connect with us

News

Unraveling the Nexus of Power: NGIJ Challenges PSFU’s Narrative on Journalists’ Arrest

Published

4 months ago

on

Share this Story

In response to the recent press release by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Lagos, signed by SP Eyitayo Johnson regarding the arrest and arraignment of four journalists for alleged cyberstalking and attempted extortion of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has said that it is constrained to set the record straight on several key points. googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">

In a statement jointly signed by the President and the Vice President Administration and Strategic Communications, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan and Oyewale Oyelola respectively, on Thursday, and made available to Journalists in Abuja, the Guild noted that without joining issues with the parties involved, the Police overstepped its boundaries under the law by issuing a statement that clearly pronounced the defendants guilty as charged.

The statement read in parts: “NGIJ view with dismay the desperate media war the PSFU seems to be waging against four journalists arrested by the unit at on the orders of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank).

“The Guild is shocked at the tone of the press release signed by SP Eyitayo Johnson and made available to the media on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, when the Journalists have been arraigned in court and remanded at Ikoyi Prison until 4th of October, 2024.

“The tone of the press release is not only assertive and judgmental but smacks of a desperate attempt of giving a dog a bad name to hang it.

“Again, it seems PSFU wants to be a judge in its own case when they affirmed in the said press release that “having established contact with a staff member of the PR department of the bank, and despite being informed that the story in false; (sic) resorted to economic blackmail by demanding for financial compensation before the false publication could be pulled down.”

ALSO READ  NGIJ Concludes Governance Investigative Tour to Bayelsa State

“One would think that a reputable unit like the PSFU would be professional enough to allow the Court determined this case based on its merits (if any). This is because to the best of our knowledge, whether or not the arrested journalists demanded for financial compensation before pulling down the stories is a matter to be determined by the court.

“In setting the record straight: First and foremost, it is crucial to highlight that the four journalists in question were arraigned in court on Friday, 27th of September, 2024, before Hon. Justice Ayokunle Faji and are scheduled for trial from the 4th of October, 2024. This demonstrates that due legal process is already ongoing and the matter is being handled in a transparent and accountable manner by a court of law. Therefore, for PSFU to start issuing a press release and sending pictures of the Journalists to the media on the 2nd of October, even when their arraignment was widely reported by major newspapers on the 28th and 29th of September, 2024 has left a big question mark as to what the special interests of the Police in the matter is.

“Furthermore, it has come to light that the House of Representatives has received a petition regarding the subject matter in the case, with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen granting approval for a thorough probe of the allegations against the GTBank. This indicates that the issue has broader implications and is being taken seriously at a higher legislative level.

“GTBANK itself had before an investigative panel at the National Assembly in September confirmed that the bank did not remit (Value Added Tax (VAT) to the Federal Government for an extended period of 8 years. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Nigeria’s House of Representatives then ordered the GTBank to calculate the VAT owed on commissions earned through the Remita platform between 2015 and 2022 to the Federal Government.

ALSO READ  Gov Ododo Launches OYESA: Youth Empowerment Programme In Kogi State

“This fraudulent act was part of the content of the original report by the defendants, leading to their arrests. This revelation, without prejudice to the ongoing case in court, underscores the need for thorough investigation and scrutiny of the bank’s practices, lending credibility to the four accused journalists’ publications.

“Additionally, concerns have been raised about the fundamental human rights of the journalists as they were kept in custody by the Police for up to a week before they were charged to court. Moreso, the nature of the arrest of the Journalists in question in a ‘Gestapo-style’ without their arrests duly registered their with the local authorities in Ilorin and Abeokuta, remains a big question on the professionalism of the PSFU Police. This also raises questions about the fairness and legality of their detention and the nature of the arrest, especially considering the sensitive nature of press freedom globally.

“It is evident that the Police’s actions in this case may indicate an attempt to suppress freedom of the press and stifle truthful reportage, particularly when considering the influence of powerful individuals and entity involved, like the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Mr Segun Agbaje.

“Without any doubt, the role of the police should be to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of individuals, including journalists, without bias but in this case, adhering to these noble duties are doubtful.

“We therefore strongly condemn position taken by the Police in the allegations made against our four colleagues, in which they have taken a NOT GUILTY plea before the Federal High Court, Ikoyi.

“It’s disturbing to see the police seemingly working to justify their actions, rather than upholding the principles of democracy and protecting the rights of journalists to report the truth by the obvious show of bias by the PSFU.

ALSO READ  Report Claims Guaranty Trust Bank Involved In Financial Foul Play, Unsolicited Accounts Opening, Forex Manipulations, Others

“The allegations appear to be a blatant attempt to continue to harass, intimidate, and silence our colleagues and stifle press freedom in efforts to protect the rich and the influential in the society.

“The NGIJ therefore stand in solidarity with rule of law and our colleagues as well as demands that their rights be respected, as we will continue to report the truth, without fear or favour, and hold those in power accountable for their actions in public interest.

“We therefore call on Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, the Chairman Police Service Commission, PSC, democratic institutions, the National Assembly, human rights organizations, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the international community to condemn the position of the PSFU as the prosecutor and the judge in the matter before the court”, the statement concluded.

Author Profile

Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading

News

Celebrating Excellence: The Outstanding Achievements of Deputy Governor Joel Salifu

Published

14 hours ago

on

January 29, 2025

By

Kogi Deputy Governor Joel Salifu
Share this Story

By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh

Lokoja, Nigeria

As the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu has been making waves with his outstanding achievements, which have endeared him to the people of the state. adsbygoogle || []).push({});

His exemplary leadership, humility, and commitment to the welfare of the people have been evident in his numerous accomplishments.

One of his notable achievements is his role as Chairman of the Committee on Flood, where he played a crucial part in managing the 2024 floods in the state. His proactive approach and leadership skills ensured that the state was well-prepared to mitigate the effects of the flood, thereby minimizing the impact on the people and their properties.

Furthermore, Comrade Salifu’s diplomatic prowess was on full display when he successfully brokered an amicable settlement to the boundary dispute between Kogi and Enugu State at Ette in Olamaboro Local Government Area. This landmark achievement is a testament to his ability to navigate complex issues and find mutually beneficial solutions. The resolution of this long-standing dispute has brought relief to the affected communities and has paved the way for increased cooperation and collaboration between the two states.

In addition to his achievements in flood management and conflict resolution, Comrade Salifu has also been representing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo admirably in various capacities. His representation has been characterized by humility and an open-door policy, which has endeared him to the people. He has been a worthy ambassador of the governor and the state, and his actions have consistently reflected the values of the administration.

ALSO READ  9 places that are going to be affected by flooding in Kogi - NEMA

Comrade Salifu has also been a gracious host to traditional rulers in the state, fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation among them. His doors have always been open to the monarchs, listening to their concerns and working tirelessly to address them. This gesture has not only strengthened the relationship between the government and traditional institutions but has also promoted peace and stability in the state.

More so, Comrade Salifu’s ability to carry traditional rulers along in the governance of the state has been a hallmark of his administration. He has consistently engaged with traditional rulers, seeking their counsel and input on matters affecting their domains. This collaborative approach has not only earned him the respect and admiration of the traditional rulers but has also ensured that the government’s policies and programs are tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of each community.

Comrade Salifu’s commitment to the welfare of the people has also been evident in his interactions with labor leaders. He has hailed Governor Ododo as a visionary leader and attributed the harmonious relationship between labor unions and the government to the governor’s exemplary leadership style.

Moreover, Comrade Salifu has been actively representing the governor at key events across the state. For instance, he represented Governor Ododo at the inauguration of the Nyamkpo Community Electrification Project in Bassa local government Area. During the event, he reiterated the administration’s commitment to rapid infrastructural development and emphasized the importance of electricity in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life.

ALSO READ  NGIJ Concludes Governance Investigative Tour to Bayelsa State

In another show of compassion and commitment to the welfare of the people, Comrade Salifu played a key role in the payment of compensation to victims of the GSM Village fire disaster in Lokoja. His efforts ensured that the victims received the necessary support and assistance to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. This gesture was widely applauded by the people, who saw it as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to their welfare.

Remarkably, Comrade Joel Salifu’s achievements as Deputy Governor of Kogi State are a testament to his dedication, leadership skills, and commitment to the welfare of the people. His efforts in flood management, conflict resolution, representation, and hosting traditional rulers have been outstanding, and his actions have consistently reflected the values of the administration. As he continues to serve the people of Kogi State, it is clear that his legacy will be one of service, dedication, and commitment to the greater good.

Notably, Deputy Governor Joel Salifu’s outstanding achievements are a shining testament to his unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership skills, and unrelenting commitment to the welfare of the people of Kogi State. His impressive track record in flood management, conflict resolution, representation, and fostering harmonious relationships with traditional rulers and labor leaders has been truly remarkable.

These accomplishments are a direct result of the visionary leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who has been instrumental in driving progress in Kogi State. The governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people, his diplomatic prowess, and his ability to carry traditional rulers along in the governance of the state have been impressive.

ALSO READ  Democracy Day: FG Declares Monday, June 14, Public Holiday

Moreover, the wise decision made by Former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello to lay the foundation for the progress Kogi State is experiencing today has been instrumental in shaping the state’s success. As the state continues to thrive under Governor Ododo’s leadership, it is clear that his choice was indeed a good one, and one that will have a lasting impact on the state.

Conclusively, Deputy Governor Salifu’s legacy will be one of service, dedication, and commitment to the greater good. His selfless efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of the people of Kogi State, and his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.

Author Profile

Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
Continue Reading

News

ICDA FCT congratulate Kogi Gov Ododo on One year in office

Published

3 days ago

on

January 27, 2025

By

Share this Story

By AbdulRahman Obaje

The Igala Cultural and Development Association, ICDA Federal Capital Territory, FCT and Surrounding Towns congratulate the Executive Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on the ocassion of his one year in office. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">

In a statement issued by the Director of Media, ICDA, FCT & Surrounding Towns, Prince AbdulRahman Obaje The Chairman ICDA FCT, Alhaji Ahmed Usman highlights Governor Ododo’s achievement within the short period of one year.

ALSO READ  Report Claims Guaranty Trust Bank Involved In Financial Foul Play, Unsolicited Accounts Opening, Forex Manipulations, Others

Alhaji Ahmed said Some of the achievements of Governor Ododo include committment to workers welfare, alleviating poverty and unemployment, transparency and good governance.

He said, As we celebrate this milestone, we pray for the Governor’s continued good health, wisdom and guidance as he leads the people of Kogi State to greater heights.”

“We extend our warmest congratulations and deepest respect to the Executive Governor as he marks one year of worthy service and exemplary leadership. May Allah continue to grant him wisdom, health, and enduring success.

ALSO READ  Emir of Bungudu, Others Abducted Along Kaduna Abuja Road

The Governor’s invaluable role as a unifying force in Kogi State and beyond, and his enduring legacy will continue to inspire others.” He concludes.

Author Profile

Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
Continue Reading

News

One Year in Office: Honourable Kabiru Salawu celebrates Governor Ododo’s achievement

Published

3 days ago

on

January 27, 2025

By

Special Assistant Photography Kogi Gov Ododo Hon Kabiru Salawu
Share this Story

By AbdulRahman Obaje

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Honourble Kabiru Salawu has congratulates the Executive Governor of Kogi State Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on the occasion of his one year in office. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">

In a statement issued to journalists in Lokoja, Hon Kabiru describes Governor Ododo as a charismatic leader that has the love and interest of his people at heart.

ALSO READ  NGIJ Releases Preliminary Report on Osun, Residents Support Oyetola's Reelection

He said that the Governor Ododo led administration’s commitment to transparency and good governance, workers welfare, poverty alleviation, infrastructural development, job creation to mention but few is a testimony to his commitment to the people of kogi state as it has stands him out among his peer.

He further said that, “as we celebrate this milestone, we pray for more wisdom, sound health, God guidance as he leads the people of Kogi State to greater heights.”

“I extend my warmest felicitations and profound respect to the Governor as he marks one year of worthy of emulation service and exemplary leadership. May Allah continue to grant him wisdom, health, and enduring success.

ALSO READ  2023 Elections: Why CBN Cashless Policy is Raising Dusts

Author Profile

Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
Continue Reading

Recent Posts

Copyright © 2021 Informavores Nigeria Communication Enterprises | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc