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Social Action Demands Transparency, Accountability From NDDC, As It Resists Attack

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2 months ago

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Social Action
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The Non-governmental Organisation, NGO, Social Action has once again call on the Niger Delta Develpment Commission, NDDC’s to be transparent and accountable now, saying that the NDDC decried Social Actions;s jingle is an Intimidation Tactics employed to ‘smother the voices of the Niger Delta People’. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); adsbygoogle || []).push({});

This is contained in a press release signed by Botti Isaac, Programs Coordinator, Social Action and received by Informavores!.

The statement further said that stopping the Social Action’s jingle for addressing the rampant corruption within their institution is an unacceptable attack on our civic freedoms.

The statement said, “Social Action soundly rejects the attempt by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to silence public discourse, as evidenced by the NDDC’s recent demand to cease broadcasting Social Action’s radio jingle on Independent Radio 89.7 FM, Abuja.”

“In a letter dated July 5, 2023, the NDDC decried Social Action’s jingle for addressing the rampant corruption within their institution. Let us be clear: “This is an unacceptable attack on our civic freedoms and a blatant attempt to smother the voices of the Niger Delta people, who have long borne the brunt of impoverishment and gross underdevelopment, despite the region’s rich resource endowment and the establishment of a Commission designed to foster its progress”, said Isaac Osuoka, Director of Social Action.

“Social Action’s radio program, “The Voice on NDDC,” is committed to promoting robust discussions about accountability within the NDDC. Our aim is to intensify civic actions that drive transparency and ensure the Commission provides inclusive services. Our mission is not to smear the Commission but to expose the stark reality of its operations.

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“We have tirelessly extended invitations to both the NDDC and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to participate in public discussions aimed at boosting accountability within the NDDC. These overtures have been consistently ignored. The NDDC’s sudden interest in its public image, despite its persistent apathy towards public engagement, is a cause for concern. When dialogue is shunned, the public has every right to form opinions based on the facts at hand.

“We are hopeful that the new management has the capability to correct the myriad of issues plaguing the Commission, as revealed by previous investigations carried out by the executive and legislative arms of the Nigerian government. However, hope is not a strategy. We call on the new management to demonstrate their commitment to reform by enhancing the Commission’s public image through transparent and accountable actions rather than attempting to manipulate public opinion.

“While we acknowledge the NDDC’s concern, we adamantly refuse to be silenced or have our civic space diminished. We insist the NDDC management take our requests for dialogue seriously and actively engage with media and civil society organizations to better fulfill their mandate.

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In a letter addressed to the Managing Director, 89.70FM Indepenedent Radio Abuja and sighted by Informavores, the NDDC had request immediate ceasation of a defamatory jingle or face court trial. the letter read: 

“At or about 7:25am at the 23rd day of June 2023 and on subsequent days, you transmitted on your 89.70 FM Independent Radio Abuja a jingle blatantly imputing corruption and unwholesome practices to the NDDC”

“The jingle complained of took beyond reasonable context, proceedings at the House of Representatives during a public hearing in August 2020 involving the Commission by repeatedly saying the following words: corruption in NDDC off your mic”

“The natural and ordinary meaning of the said words is defamatory of NDDC as they connote that the Commission is enmeshed in corruption and corrupt practices; that the Commission misapplies resources allocated to it and should not be in existence by reason of that. The harm to the reputation of the commission by the said words is further aggravated by the fact that the light against corruption is on the front burner at this time and your station has wide coverage. You have been broadcasting the jingle at peak listening periods every day over the years as we have come to understand and with consequent incalculable damage to the reputation of Niger Delta Development Commission. You have als brought the staff to adium and approbrium by reason of your broadcast”

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“The purpose of this letter therefore is to DEMAND as follows:

  1. That you CEASE AND DESIST immediately from further broadcasting the offensive words.
  2. That you send a written confirmation to the Commission that you have pulled down the offensive jingle within 7 days if this letter”

“TAKE NOTICE that in the event of your failure, neglect and/or refusal to accede to the demands here above the Commission will in addition to lodging a formal complaint to the regulatory authorities, file a suit against you seeking for damages and perpetual injunction”

“Please accept the assurance of our highest regards”

Social Action Demands Transparency, Accountability From NDDC, As It Resist Attack. NDDC Letter to Independent Radio
Social Action Demands Transparency, Accountability From NDDC, As It Resist Attack. NDDC Letter to Independent Radio
Governor Yahya Bello Operation Light Up Kogi State

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Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
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.
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Insecurity: Gombe Governor Orders Immediate Closure Of All Gala Houses In The State

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4 weeks ago

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August 29, 2023

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Gombe state Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya
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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.

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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.

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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.

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Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
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.
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Full List of The New Ministers and Their Portfolio

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1 month ago

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August 16, 2023

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Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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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:

  1. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy-  Bosun Tuani
  2. Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management-  Ishak Salako
  3. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy- Wale Edun
  4. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy-  Bunmi Tunji
  5. Minister of Power- Adedayo Adelabu
  6. Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare- Tunji Alausa
  7. Minister of Solid Minerals Development- Dele Alake
  8. Minister of Tourism- Lola Ade-John
  9. Minister of Transportation- Adegboyega Oyetola
  10. Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment- Doris Anite
  11. Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji
  12. Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha
  13. Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy
  14. Minister of Works, David Umahi
  15. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo
  16. Minister of Youth, Abubakar Momoh
  17. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu
  18. Minister of State, Gas Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo
  19. Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri
  20. Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh
  21. Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike
  22. Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy- Hannatu Musawa
  23. Minister of Defence- Mohammed Badaru
  24. Minister of State for Defence- Bello Matawale
  25. Minister of State for Education-  Yusuf Sununu
  26. Minister of Housing and Urban Development- Ahmed Dangiwa
  27. Minister State, Housing and Urban Developmet- Abdullahi Gwarzo
  28. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning- Atiku Bagudu
  29. Minister of Environment and Ecological Management- (***Kaduna***)
  30. Minister of State, FCT- Mairiga Mahmud
  31. Minister of State, Water Resource and Sanitation- Bello Goronyo
  32. Minister of Agric and Food Security- Abubakar Kyari
  33. Minister of Education – Tahir Mamman
  34. Minister of Interior – Sa’idu Alhaji
  35. Min. of Foreign Affairs – Yusuf Tuggar
  36. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare- Ali Pate
  37. Minister of Police Affairs- Ibrahim Geidam
  38. Minister of State, Steel Development- Maigari Ahmadu
  39. Minister of Steel Development-  Shuaibu Audu
  40. Minister of Information and National Orientation- Muhammed Idris
  41. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice- Lateef Fagbemi
  42. Minister of Labour and Employment- Simon Lalong
  43. Minister of State, Police Affairs- Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim
  44. Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs- Zephaniah Jisalo
  45. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation- Joseph Utsev
  46. Minister of State, Agriculture and Food Security- Aliyu Sabi-Abdullahi
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The ministerial position for Kaduna State has yet to be announced as the Senate is yet to clear the nominee.(NAN)

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Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
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.
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Organised Labour Staged Protest Across The Country

Published

2 months ago

on

August 2, 2023

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NLC Protest August 2, 22023
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  • 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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Abdulrahman Obaje
Abdulrahman Obaje
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.
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