Nigerian Media Moves To Strengthen Public Confidence, Inaugurates Complaints Commission

April 1, 2023

In a bid to strengthen public confidence as a credible barometer of public opinion, the Nigerian media is set to inaugurate a nine-member board of the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), otherwise known as the National Ombudsman.

Members of the commission who are drawn from the media, the bar, the academia, and civil society are Mr. Emeka Izeze , FNGE, former Managing Director, Guardian Newspapers (Chairman), Mr. A. B Mahmoud, SAN, OON, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna, Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Academics) Paul University, Awka, Anambra State; Dr. Hussain Abdu, a Development Specialist and Country Director, Care International (Nigeria); Mr. Lanre Idowu, FNGE, Editor-in-Chief, Diamond Publications Ltd. and Founder, Diamond Awards For Media Excellence (DAME); Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Mrs. Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, FNGE, a Journalist, Lawyer and Arbitrator ; Mrs. Eugenia Abu, Broadcaster, Author, and Columnist, and the Chair, House of Representatives Committee on Information.

The Inauguration, scheduled for Monday, April 3, has been described as a major step by the industry to strengthen public confidence in the media through prompt resolution of issues bordering on ethical breaches in media content.

A statement signed by the President of both the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria NPAN and Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), Malam Kabiru A. Yusuf said that the process is being driven by the following bodies:

Nigeria Press Organisation (NPO) comprising

The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN)

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)

The Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON)

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP)

As well as other strategic media players and the civil society, in particular, the MacArthur Foundation.

He said that the commission will serve as an independent forum for resolving complaints about the press quickly, fairly, and free of charge; maintain high standards of Nigerian Journalism and journalistic ethics; and defend the freedom of the press and the rights of the people to know.

It would be recalled that prior to the February 22, 2023 announcement of the composition of the commission, each media house had been directed to institute at the newspaper level, the local Ombudsman. The National Ombudsman will serve as an appellate body for the local Ombudsman as well as a court of first instance.

APC Governors Condemn “Unpatriotic Elements” Plotting Interim Govt

Greenbarge Reporters

April 1, 2023

Governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have collectively condemned those they described as “unpatriotic elements” plotting to truncate Nigeria’s democracy through Interim National Government.
They said, after a meeting in Abuja yesterday, March 31: “it is sad that some unpatriotic elements are nursing the evil plot for interim government, which will amount to subverting our national democratic progress.
“It is commendable however, that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, who is also the Chairman of the Presidential Transitional Council issued a statement restating the Federal Government’s commitment towards a successful inauguration of a new President on May 29th, 2023.
“Equally, we appreciate the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to the transition as well as the support of all security agencies.
“We therefore call on all citizens to remain vigilant and continue to support Nigeria’s democratic development, which the campaign for interim government is meant to truncate.”
Source: Vanguard

Fayose To PDP: Apologize To Me For Defamation Through Suspension

Editorial staff

March 31, 2023

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has asked his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to apologize to him within 72 hours for defamation through the recent suspension.

In a letter dated March 31 and addressed to the PDP, acting National Chairman, Iliya Damagum, Fayose’s lawyer, Akinwale Kol-Taiwo, alleged that his client was suspended for no reason.

Kol-Taiwo, stressed that the suspension was both libellous and defamatory, and that the party must not fail to issue an apology to Fayose within 72 hours of receiving the letter, lest he would take legal action.

The statement read: “We are further informed by our client that by the letter dated 24th March 2023, the reversal of our client’s suspension from Peoples Democratic Party which was done without recourse to laid down procedure/due process of law as contained in the constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party (as amended in 2017) was requested.

“The Peoples Democratic Party, in retracing its steps and by implication admitting the content of the letter dated 24th March 2023, reversed the suspension of our client by a press release issued on 30th March 2023 through the office of the national publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party.

“The aforesaid libellous press release was designed to smear and tarnish the good reputation of our client in the eyes of right-thinking members of the society, as well as to subject our client to odium, ridicule, and public opprobrium in presence of his political associates and the general public.

“While we do not contend that the Peoples Democratic Party reserve the power(s) to take disciplinary action against any erring member(s), it is much more pertinent to state that the said power(s) to take disciplinary action is not absolute, the said power(s) to take disciplinary action is limited to doctrine of fair hearing as enshrined in the Peoples Democratic Party Constitution (as amended in 2017) and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended. As such, your disciplinary powers must not be seen to infringe on the right of another citizen or person.

“There is no doubt that the action of the national working committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (NWC) in this purported suspension saga acted rashly on baseless and unfounded allegations, thereby making our party — the Peoples Democratic Party — not just look weak, but disorganized.”

Ayo Fayose Thanks God Atiku Lost Presidential Election

March 31, 2023

Former Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, has thanked God that the Presidential candidate of his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Atiku Abubakar, lost the February 25 election in the country.

Reacted to the recent development and suspension of some prominent members of the party, including himself, Fayose said: “Imagine what they would have done if Atiku had won! They would have been more than heinous politically. Should we thank God Atiku lost?

“At least, as it is now, the party can now pick the pieces and face tomorrow as we bid Ayu farewell.

“Think of this…lmagine a PDP National Working Committee that should be in very sober and reflective mood after losing a national election, going after leaders perceived to be their enemies, including a sitting governor in the party and suspending them!”

Fayose, via his verified Twitter handle today, March 31, said that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), should have been in a very sober and reflective mood after losing a national election.

Petroleum Minister Of State Resigns, Guns For Bayelsa Governorship

Editorial staff

March 31, 2023

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the federal cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Information reaching us said that Chief Sylva resigned from office today, March 31 to enable him contests for the post of Governor o his Bayelsa State, coming up later in the year.

He is believed to have already declared his interest to participate in the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in April 2023, preparatory to the governorship poll.

Sylva had served as governor of Bayelsa for one term before he was defeated by PDP’s Seriake Dickson.

Meanwhile, the minister’s Senior Adviser on Media and Communications, Horatius Egua, would not deny or confirm the resignation by his boss, saying: “I have not seen the resignation letter or have not been officially informed of the resignation by the minister.”

Help Equip cardiac Centres To Tackle Sudden Death, Aisha Buhari Begs Philanthropists

Editorial staff

March 31, 2023

First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to assist in equipping cardiac centres across the country to stem what has become known as “sudden death.”

Aisha Buhari spoke today, through the Special Assistant to the President on Health and Developmental Partners, Dr. Victoria Ogala-Akogwu, at the 5^th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of Nigeria.

The First Lady stressed that improved centres would contribute significantly to the development and sustainability of advanced cardiac care.

She said that the centres would collaborate with local and international organizations, including training personnel.

She recalled how she collaborated with members of the association during her recently concluded cardiac surgery missions, where 10 children and 12 adults successfully had open heart surgeries and cardiac interventional procedures, respectively. This, she said, gave her an insight into how delicate and highly technical this aspect of medicine is.

This was even as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Musa Bello said that the FCT is making efforts to turn the territory into a major tourism conference hub in Nigeria and across the continent, and he urged members of the association to continue in their efforts to save lives and develop the next generation.

In his address, the president of the association, Dr. Uvie Onakpoya, said that despite the brain drain, Nigeria receives the best thoracic surgery care comparable to anywhere in the world.

He commended the First Lady for her interest in cardiac surgeries, exemplified by the recently concluded Future Assured Cardiac Mission, which saved many lives. He called on other well-to-do Nigerians to emulate the effort of the First Lady.

The First lady was later presented with an award for her contribution to advancing cardiac surgical practice in Nigeria.

Abuja Court Freezes Accounts Of Abia State In 27 Financial Institutions

Editorial staff

March 31, 2023

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Apo, Abuja has granted an order freezing all the monies of the Abia State government domiciled in about 27 financial institutions.

Justice Bello Kawu in an exparte motion no: M/6686/2023 also barred all the banks from cooperating with the financial aides of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, pending the determination of the motion.

The suit was filed by Uche Eni against the Accountant-General of Abia State and the Commissioner for Finance.

Listed financial institutions as respondents are Access Bank Plc, Eco Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank, Central Bank of Nigeria, Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), Accountant General of the Federation and 21 others.

The court granted the reliefs sought by the claimant’s lawyer, Johnmary C. Jideobi while adjourning the matter to April 5, 2023.

The court granted the following Order(s):-

“A mareva order of this Honourable Court freezing forthwith all the monies belonging to the people and Government of Abia State of Nigeria or controlled by the Defendants and domiciled in any Bank (whatsoever named) operating within Nigeria or domiciled with or in the hands of the 1st to 28th Respondents PENDING the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed herein.

“An order of this honourable court restraining the 1st to 28th Respondents from co-operating with the 1st and 2nd Defendants or any authority and person purporting to be acting on behalf of or in the name of the Government of Abia State of Nigeria (howsoever named or described) in accessing any funds held by the 1st to 28th Respondents for the benefit of the people and Government of Abia State of Nigeria PENDING the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed herein.

“An order of court granting the Claimant/ Applicant leave to effect a substituted service of all the originating processes in this suit, inclusive of the ex-parte Order of this Court, on the 1st and 2 Defendants at the Abia State Liaison Office, Abia House, Abuja, through any registered post or courier service operating within the Jurisdiction of this honourable Court and for same to be deemed as proper services.

“An order restraining the 1st and 2nd defendants forthwith from Interfering with dealing with, withdrawing or accessing in whatever manner, monies in the hand of the 1 to 28th Respondents belonging to the Government and people of Abia State pending the hearing and disposal of the Motion on Notice filed herein.

“An interim order of this Honourable Court restraining all the Respondents and their privies, whether severally or individually, from extending any loan facility howsoever called or described) to the Government of Abia State pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed herein.”

NBC Fines Channels TV N5 Million Over Dr. Datti Ahmed’s Outburst

Editorial staff

March 31, 2023

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has fined Channels Television N5 million for breaking the broadcasting law in a programme with Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, Labour Party (LP) Vice Presidential candidate.

This is contained in a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of the television station and dated March 27. The letter, with the title: “Broadcast of an Inciting Interview, A Sanction”, was signed by Balarabe Ilelah, the commission’s Director-General.

It read in part:” The NBC monitored the broadcast of a live interview of the running mate of the Labour Party Vice presidential candidate, Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed, by the anchor of Politics Today, Seun Okibaloye, on Wednesday, March 22.

“Dr Baba-Ahmed said it will be unconstitutional to swear in an elected president on May 29, 2023, because of election irregularities,” Ilelah said in the letter.

He said that the broadcast was volatile and capable of inciting public disorder and therefore violated some sections of the broadcasting code.

This, according to him, includes the section that said no broadcast shall encourage, or incite, be repugnant to public feelings or contain offensive reference to any person or organisation, alive or dead or generally be disrespectful to human dignity.

Ilelah added that according to the broadcasting code, broadcasters shall ensure that no programme contained anything which amounted to subversion of constituted authority.

He recalled that the NBC had engaged Channels Television severally to consider public interest before any programme is broadcast.

This, he said, was to ensure that the country was not plunged into anarchy.

“Consequently, on the following infractions, Channels Television is hereby sanctioned and shall pay a penalty of N5,000,000 (five million naira) only in the first instance,” he said.

He added that any further infraction by the television station would attract higher sanctions.

“You are advised to pay within two weeks from the day of receipt of this letter or the penalty will be graduated,” the NBC Director-General said

Source: News Agency of Nigeria.

We Generated N10.04 Trillion In 2022, Federal Inland Revenue Service Boss

Editorial staff

March 31, 2023

Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), Muhammed Nami, has said that the agency generated a total of N10.04 trillion in 2022.

Nami, who was represented by the Tax Controller, Enugu Medium and Small Tax Office of the FIRS, Stella Obiora, today, March 31, at the ongoing 34th Enugu International Trade Fair, said: “in 2022, we collected N10.04 trillion. This underscores the efforts and capacity of our staff members.”

The FIRS boss said that one of the four cardinal goals of the current management of the Service, emphasized on rebuilding FIRS institutional frameworks.

“Our focus on building and strengthening human capacity has continuously improved our revenue collection year to year.

“Beyond our focus on developing our human capital resources, it is obvious that revenue from oil which used to be the main source of government revenue is fast depleting and this has given rise to the need to look towards the non-oil revenue sources for a more sustainable way of raising income.

“We have, therefore, introduced some reforms which includes: Introduction of the TaxproMax Solution which is an in-house e-service solution that allows taxpayers to register, file their returns, make payments and carry out other tax obligations seamlessly.

“The Service has also introduced Self-Service Stations in all our tax offices across the country where taxpayers can walk in and have access to internet and use the TaxproMax solution to transact business with the Service.

“These initiatives are meant to make tax compliance as easy as ABC.

“We also have a world class fully automated contact centre where taxpayers can call to lodge their complaints and make enquiries in various languages that include English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Pidgin, French and Arabic, and will be attended to promptly by our well-trained professional staff.

“I implore the Enugu State Government to also introduce reforms in collaboration with the relevant government agencies that will produce positive changes and improve voluntary compliance which will lead to increase in revenue generation,” she said.

In his welcome address, the President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Jasper Nduagwuike, represented by the Vice President, Publication and Publicity, Emma Nwamkpa, said that tax harmonisation is crucial and still needs urgent attention in the country.

Source: NAN.

PDP Lifts Suspension On Anyim, Fayose, Others

Greenbarge Reporters

March 31, 2023

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has lifted the suspension of some of its chieftains, including former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; Professor Dennis Ityavyar, Dr. Aslam Aliyu, and Ibrahim Shema.

This was contained in a statement today, March 30, signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

He said that the decision was taken at its NWC meeting today where members extensively discussed recent developments in the party.

“This decision is without prejudice to the powers of the NWC to take necessary disciplinary action against any member of the Party at any time pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

“The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party across the country to be guided by the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) as well as the new spirit and necessity of reconciliation, unity and harmony in our Party at this critical time.

“The PDP must remain focused as we continue to take every necessary action to recover the stolen mandate freely given by Nigerians to our Party and Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday February 25, 2023, at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

“The NWC recognized the imperativeness of a total reconciliation among Party leaders and critical stakeholders for a more cohesive Party in the overall interest of our teeming members and Nigerians in general.

“Consequent upon the above, the NWC reverses the referral of the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Dr. Samuel Ortom to the National Disciplinary Committee.”

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