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Insecurity: Poor reportage could heighten tension, Peace Corps Boss Cautions Journalists
National Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Prof. Dickson Akoh, on Tuesday admonished Nigerian Journalists on good and accurate reportage.
According to Akoh, only genuine and verifiable reportage could assist the country, especially, the security agents win the war against terrorism. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Akoh gave this charge when the Online Journalists in Abuja visited his office to honour the PCN as ‘Organization of the Year’.
“The country is passing through a whole lot, security-wise, your report will go a long way in helping the country, as efforts are being intensified to address the security concerns, anything that could heighten or instill fear should not be reported. Am not saying you should not be objective in your report, but issue of security are very sensitive that can cause high degree of disharmony or tension in the land”, Akoh said.
Stressing further, the Peace Corps Boss said, “Yesterday, I saw a scroll bar message and the message was to the effect that gunmen invaded one primary school in Kaduna, in Birnin Gwari to be specific. I was concerned that kidnapping has gone to the extent of primary school. In fact the report said so many students were picked, but when I got home, I discovered that there was no pupil that was picked, it was only three of their teachers and when the gunmen invaded the school, the pupils ran helter-skelter and in the process two went to different directions and another parent saw them, picked them and kept them until when situation calmed down and took them to the traditional ruler.
“However, it was not reported as such, all we heard was gunmen took so many pupils. So I call for objectivity and high sense of reasoning in reporting national issues as it bothers the security of this nation”.
On the Bill for an Act to establish Nigerian Peace Corps, currently before the National Assembly, Akoh charged the online media to continue bringing out the best in the Bill in their reportage, while calling on lawmakers to expedite actions on its passage.
Earlier in his address, Chairman of National Assembly New Media, Comrade Yemi Itodo, applauded the many selfless and voluntary activities of the Corps towards nation-building.
“The nomination of PCN for Organization of The Year recognition is hinged on the many laudable community efforts of the organization and her activities at ensuring peace, unity, safety and security of Nigerian people.
“We cannot forget in a hurry, the role the PCN played during the general lockdown in Nigeria in 2020, by collaborating with different security agencies and essential workers across the federation, at ensuring the security and safety of the people, while striving to get the masses to conform with the Federal Government’s guidelines at curtailing the spread of COVID-19.
“Officers of the PCN, despite being a voluntary organization and without any remunerations from the Federal Government, unlike other essential workers, staked their lives to ensure the lives of other citizens were saved. This is in addition to many community development interventions of the Corps across the country, most of which are not in the media”, Itodo said.
The Journalist used the occasion to call on the National Assembly to quickly pass the Bill before it for onward assent of President Muhammad Buhari, adding that, the Bill would give legal backing for Prof. Akoh-led Peace Corps to enable it assist in curbing insecurity in the schools.
“Nigeria is bleeding and our schools are being overrun by armed bandits who have technically become stupendously rich on account of the helplessness of the innocent school children and haplessness of the Nigerian system. We therefore call on Peace Corps of Nigeria, to come to our aide. We want the organization to step up and stand out in what they are trained to do best.
“Since its inception in 1998, we have kept tabs with the activities of Peace Corps as it relates to orientation of school children, establishment of Peace Corps Club in schools, campaigns against social vices and exam malpractices, intelligence gathering and neighbourhood watch around the school communities.
“We may not be far from the truth to declare that, Peace Corps Officers, though not trained with arms, are mentally and technically equipped to provide the needed synergy the Nigeria’s security personnel deserve to curb insecurity in our school environments.
We therefore, call on members of the National Assembly to speed up legislative actions on the passage of the much anticipated Nigerian Peace Corps Bill which is currently before the two Chambers”, he added.
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Kogi Government Clarifies Arrest of Defamation Suspect, Insists On Due Process
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has dismissed reports alleging the unlawful detention of one Abdulhamid Deflowerboy, describing them as deliberate attempts to distort facts and incite public sentiment.
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In a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government stated that Abdulhamid was lawfully invited by security agencies following a petition against a “clearly defamatory” publication authored by him against the State Government.
Fanwo emphasized that the suspect voluntarily honoured the police invitation, confessed to authoring the false publication, and was subsequently arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction which ordered his remand. He stressed that contrary to claims on social media, Abdulhamid is not being detained illegally but is facing prosecution in line with Nigeria’s laws on defamation.
“Defamation is a criminal offense in Nigeria, not an expression of free speech,” the statement read. “It has the potential to destroy reputations built over decades and plunge innocent individuals into disrepute. Sadly, Abdulhamid allowed himself to be used by disgruntled political elements who are yet to come to terms with the fact that the era of politics of patronage is over in Kogi State.”
The government accused unnamed political actors of sponsoring misinformation in a bid to undermine the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, whom it said has earned the people’s trust through “massive investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, power, and civil service welfare.”
While reiterating its commitment to youth empowerment through ICT, enterprise, and education, the government expressed disappointment that some young people still allow themselves to be exploited by desperate politicians.
The Commissioner drew comparisons with a previous case involving political activist Austin Okai, who was forgiven only after publicly apologizing for similar actions.
“Justice must never be based on ethnic considerations. To ask that Abdulhamid be released because he shares ethnic ties with the Governor is to insult the principles of fairness and equality before the law. What is good for the goose is good for the gander,” Fanwo stated.
He further noted that Abdulhamid’s case should serve as a lesson to other youths that those who incite wrongdoing rarely show up to defend their pawns when the law takes its course.
The government assured the public that the case will follow due process and urged the media to verify facts and avoid sensationalism in reporting issues that border on legal and reputational matters.
“We have chosen to speak out in order to clarify the facts and ensure that members of the public are not misled into defending wrongdoing out of ignorance or emotion. When you make wild allegations against the State Government, be prepared to defend them because others also have the right to defend their integrity,” he concluded.
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Good Governance: KONGONET Chairman Calls for Citizen Participation In Governance
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Chairman, Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina has called on government at all levels to embrace inclusivity in planning and service delivery to boost good governance.
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Ambassador Muraina also called on civil society organisations and development partners to work together in deepening citizen participation in ensuring that governance remains transparent, responsive and true reflective of people’s needs.
Ambassador Muraina made the call while speaking at the 2025 KONGONET Annual General Meeting held in Lokoja on Thursday.
He said that the annual general meeting with the THEME: Synergy for Socioeconomic Development: Uniting State And Non-State Actors for A Greater Impact In Kogi State, is targeted at ushering in quality service provision and positive engagement.
He maintained that together, “We can build more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous Kogi State for generations to come”
“I want to sincerely appreciate each and every one of you for your support in the last five years of my leadership. Your unwavering support, collaboration, and commitment have been instrumental in sharing the positive trajectory of our collective efforts in Kogi State.
“Over these years, our partnership has yielded remarkable achievements in bringing about impactful synergy between the state and Non-State Actors
“We have been able to strengthen relationships with government ministries, departments, and agencies which have translated into impactful programmes that benefit our citizens”
He solicited for extension of same cooperation to the incoming KONGONET executive.
The Chairman of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KSIEC), Nda Eri who also spoke at the event, commended KONGONET in its task to enhance good governance through engagement with relevant stakeholders.
He assured of more logistics support from the state government in promoting the mission and vision of KONGONET
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving MDAs in recognition of their roles in promoting good governance in Kogi.
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Kogi (PDCRC) Boss Lauds Governor Ododo’s Administration for GBV Initiative
By Our Reporter
The Director General of the Kogi State Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC), Hon Idris Onogo Esq, has praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration for its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and children in the state.
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Hon. Idris made this commendation today while addressing Newsmen in Lokoja.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under the leadership of the Commissioner, Hon (Haj) Fatimah Momoh, demonstrates Governor Ododo’s administration’s dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment for all citizens.
The committee’s mandate includes providing psycho-social support to survivors, ensuring that cases are handled with care and professionalism, and promoting a culture of respect and dignity for women and children.
Governor Ododo’s leadership has been marked by a series of initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare and well-being of Kogi State citizens. The GBV initiative is just one of the many efforts by his administration to address the social and economic challenges facing the state.
By establishing this committee, Governor Ododo’s administration has shown its commitment to upholding the rights of women and children and providing support to those affected by GBV.
Bar Idris’s praise highlights the significance of this initiative and reveals the administration’s efforts to create a more just and equitable society.
The Kogi State Public Defender’s Office and other stakeholders have expressed optimism that this initiative will yield positive results and contribute to a safer and more supportive environment for women and children in the state.
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