News
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.
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.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media and ICT Consultant, Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist 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.
Latest entries
News2023.08.29Insecurity: Gombe Governor Orders Immediate Closure Of All Gala Houses In The State
News2023.08.16Full List of The New Ministers and Their Portfolio
News2023.08.02Organised Labour Staged Protest Across The Country
News2023.08.02We Are Not Averse to Subsidy Removal – TUC, As It Mobilises For Nationwide Protest
News
Insecurity: Gombe Governor Orders Immediate Closure Of All Gala Houses In The State
The Gombe state Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON has ordered the immediate closure of all ‘Gala Houses’ within the State.
This is contained in a statement issues and signed by the Director General press Affairs Government House Isma’ila Uba Misilli, through the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, stating that the governor gives the directives following the series of complaints from the general public on the incessant immoral, criminal activities and security breaches being perpetrated in such night clubs.
googlesyndication. com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">According to the statement, the Governor has, consequently, ordered the the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Operation Hattara to mobilise their personnel to ensure strict compliance with the directive.
He therefore said for the avoidance of doubt, the affected Gala Houses are: Jami’a Gidan Wanka located at Mile 3 Yola Road, Gombe, White House Theatre (Babban Gida) located at New Mile 3 Yola Road, Gombe; Gidan Lokaci General Merchant located at Mile 3 Reservoir Road, Gombe and Farin Gida Entertainment II located at Wuro Karal, Kalshingi Road, Gombe.
Others are: Gidan Zamani Entertainment New Mile 3, Yola Road, Tumfure, Gombe; Albarka Entertainment Located at Wuro Karal, Bypass near Hara Form, Gombe; Gala Houses Located at Kuri Town, Lubo village and Kurba village all in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area.
Also affected are Tauraren Wash located at Trailer Park, Bauchi Road, Gombe and Gala House located at Bajoga Town in Funakaye Local Government Area.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media and ICT Consultant, Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist 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.
Latest entries
- News2023.08.29Insecurity: Gombe Governor Orders Immediate Closure Of All Gala Houses In The State
- News2023.08.16Full List of The New Ministers and Their Portfolio
- News2023.08.02Organised Labour Staged Protest Across The Country
- News2023.08.02We Are Not Averse to Subsidy Removal – TUC, As It Mobilises For Nationwide Protest
News
Full List of The New Ministers and Their Portfolio
Nigeria President, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday 16th August, 2023 approved the appointment of the new ministers designate and also allocated their portfolios.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Ajuri Ngelale made this known while briefing State House Correspondents in Abuja,
He said that the swearing in is expected by next week after the retreat by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); adsbygoogle || []).push({});
The following is the list of the new ministers and their portfolio are:
- Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy- Bosun Tuani
- Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management- Ishak Salako
- Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy- Wale Edun
- Minister of Marine and Blue Economy- Bunmi Tunji
- Minister of Power- Adedayo Adelabu
- Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare- Tunji Alausa
- Minister of Solid Minerals Development- Dele Alake
- Minister of Tourism- Lola Ade-John
- Minister of Transportation- Adegboyega Oyetola
- Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment- Doris Anite
- Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji
- Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha
- Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy
- Minister of Works, David Umahi
- Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
- Minister of Youth, Abubakar Momoh
- Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu
- Minister of State, Gas Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo
- Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri
- Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh
- Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike
- Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy- Hannatu Musawa
- Minister of Defence- Mohammed Badaru
- Minister of State for Defence- Bello Matawale
- Minister of State for Education- Yusuf Sununu
- Minister of Housing and Urban Development- Ahmed Dangiwa
- Minister State, Housing and Urban Developmet- Abdullahi Gwarzo
- Minister of Budget and Economic Planning- Atiku Bagudu
- Minister of Environment and Ecological Management- (***Kaduna***)
- Minister of State, FCT- Mairiga Mahmud
- Minister of State, Water Resource and Sanitation- Bello Goronyo
- Minister of Agric and Food Security- Abubakar Kyari
- Minister of Education – Tahir Mamman
- Minister of Interior – Sa’idu Alhaji
- Min. of Foreign Affairs – Yusuf Tuggar
- Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare- Ali Pate
- Minister of Police Affairs- Ibrahim Geidam
- Minister of State, Steel Development- Maigari Ahmadu
- Minister of Steel Development- Shuaibu Audu
- Minister of Information and National Orientation- Muhammed Idris
- Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice- Lateef Fagbemi
- Minister of Labour and Employment- Simon Lalong
- Minister of State, Police Affairs- Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim
- Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs- Zephaniah Jisalo
- Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation- Joseph Utsev
- Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security- Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi
The ministerial position for Kaduna State has yet to be announced as the Senate is yet to clear the nominee.(NAN)
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media and ICT Consultant, Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist 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.
Latest entries
- News2023.08.29Insecurity: Gombe Governor Orders Immediate Closure Of All Gala Houses In The State
- News2023.08.16Full List of The New Ministers and Their Portfolio
- News2023.08.02Organised Labour Staged Protest Across The Country
- News2023.08.02We Are Not Averse to Subsidy Removal – TUC, As It Mobilises For Nationwide Protest
News
Organised Labour Staged Protest Across The Country
- the protest was in obedience to the directive by the NLC President
- Wants FG To Fix Refineries,
- Halt school fees increase
The organised labour staged protest accros the country, on Wednesday 2nd August, 2023. push({}); adsbygoogle || []).push({}); with compatriots across the country in the protest against fuel subsidy removal, with a call on The Federal Government to fix Nigeria’s refineries.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), affiliates in Plateau State called on government to halt the arbitrary increase of school fees across the country’s higher institutions, as well as the unexplained taxes and utilities tariffs.
Mr Eugene Manji, NLC Chairman in Plateau, while addressing the workers, said that subsidy removal had exposed Nigerians to untold hardship.
Manji said that some Nigerians could barely feed their families because of the harsh economic situation.
“I wonder how many parents will be able to pay their children’s school fees in September?
“The increase of fuel from N195 to N617 has affected every sector of the economy.
“We are not antagonising government, but we are suffocating under the current economic challenges.
“Before you remove subsidy, fix our refineries and stop importing refined petroleum products, and ensure that every transaction concerning petroleum is done in our local currency (Naira and Kobo),” he stated.
The chairman further appealed to the government to pay attention to the plight of the masses, and rescind it decisions.
Mr Kenneth Shamah, Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Plateau chapter, said that it was the first time organised labour made a chatter of demands and also suggested practical solutions.
Shamah said that the peaceful protest was not only about workers, but for everyone suffering in Nigeria.
According to him, many people can no longer feed their families as many businesses have crumbled.
Prof. Chris Piwuna, National Vice President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), said that the union had always stood for students and Nigerian citizens.
Piwuna urged government, and indeed the ruling class, to have a rethink and listen to the cries of the masses.
“There are taxes everywhere, electricity tariff has gone up, and the cost of food has skyrocketed.
“In the span of just two months, the price of petrol has gone up to over 300 per cent.
“Our leaders should listen, fix our refineries and go back to the resolutions reached between the Federal Government and the NLC on subsidy removal.
“They should also pay university staff their eight months outstanding salaries,” the ASUU scribe said.
Meanwhile, the protest was in obedience to the directive by the NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, that nationwide protests be staged against the fuel subsidy removal and other Federal Government policies.
Speaking with newsmen, the Caretaker Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Mr Victor Amusan, called the attention of the Federal Government to the plight of Nigerians, occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal.
NAN reports that from the venue of the protest, the workers later marched through the streets of Osogbo, singing solidarity songs and stopping to enlighten market people and road users on the basis for their action.
Amusan said that the subsidy removal was done without provision for measures to cushion its effects on Nigerians.
He said that there should have been palliatives in place before the removal of the subsidy.
According to the labour leader, Nigerians are currently going through serious hardship because of high cost of living.
Amusan said that some tertiary institutions had also increased their tuition, expressing the fear that the situation might force many students to drop out of school.
He urged government to roll out palliatives or reverse any policy inimical to the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Vice-President of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUWEE), Mr Sadiq Adewale, said that the fuel subsidy removal was having adverse effect on everyone in the country.
Also, the immediate past President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Mr Biodun Ogunyemi, who joined the protesters in solidarity, said that they were expressing their rights to protest against what they felt government was not doing right.
Ogunyemi said that subsidy removal would only benefit the elite, adding that government should be about the people as well as their welfare and wellbeing.
He appealed to government to pay the backlog of salaries being owed ASUU members, as the cost of living had gone up due to the subsidy removal.
NAN reports that the protest was peaceful, as the police, NSCDC and other security agencies provided security for the protesters while they marched through Osogbo metropolis.
However, business activities were not disrupted by the protest, as banks, shops and government offices were open for business activities.
NAN reports that it was only the vehicular movements that were disrupted on the routes marched through by the protesting workers.
NAN.
Author Profile
- Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media and ICT Consultant, Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist 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.
Latest entries
- News2023.08.29Insecurity: Gombe Governor Orders Immediate Closure Of All Gala Houses In The State
- News2023.08.16Full List of The New Ministers and Their Portfolio
- News2023.08.02Organised Labour Staged Protest Across The Country
- News2023.08.02We Are Not Averse to Subsidy Removal – TUC, As It Mobilises For Nationwide Protest
FCT Minister: Why we stand to gain immensely from Nyesom Wike – Hon Dum Dekor
Share this StoryHon Dum Dekor representing Khana/Gokana Federal constituency, River …
Insecurity: Gombe Governor Orders Immediate Closure Of All Gala Houses In The State
Share this StoryThe Gombe state Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON …
Full List of The New Ministers and Their Portfolio
Share this StoryNigeria President, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday 16th …
Organised Labour Staged Protest Across The Country
Share this Story the protest was in obedience to the …
We Are Not Averse to Subsidy Removal – TUC, As It Mobilises For Nationwide Protest
Share this StoryThe Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), has …
Why Many Roads In Nigeria Are Without Drainage – Former COREN President
Share this StoryAs many people living within the country have …
Food Security: FG Started The Distribution of Subsidised Farm Inputs to Small Holder Farmers
Share this StoryIn order to tame the tide of sky-rocketing …
Renewable Energy Has Enormous Potential To Grow The Power Sector – Expert
Share this StoryAn energy experts and the President REEEA-A, Prof. …
PEPC: PDP Atiku Appears As Parties Set To Adopt Written Addresses
Share this StoryAs the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and other …
We Will Monitor Effective Implementation of Palliatives – House of Rep
Share this StoryThe House of Representatives said it would effectively …