We’re Not Fighting Corruption To Impress Transparency International – Lai Mohammed

February 1, 2023

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has said that the government of Muhammadu Buhari has been quietly fighting corruption as he promised during campaigns not to seek the attention of Transparency International.

Answering reporters’ questions today, February 1 at the Presidential villa, Abuja, the minister said: “our position is the same. We are not fighting corruption because we want to impress Transparency International or any organization whatsoever.

“We are fighting corruption because we believe if we do not fight corruption, there will be no growth either in terms of the economy or even political.

“Therefore, what we do and what we are putting in place to fight corruption is not because we want to be rated by anybody. “If, for instance, what we are doing catches the attention of Transparency International and and it gives us better marks, so be it. However, I can assure you that we do not know what template TI is using.

“Whatever template they are using is clearly oblivious of what this administration is doing to fight corruption.”

Lai Mohammed stressed that corruption fighting is not just by how many people arrested, tried and convicted, saying: “even in that respect, we have a very impressive record.

According to him, the government, through EFCC, ICPC and other relevant agencies, has doing a lot to make corrupt practices almost impossible or difficult.

“For instance, when funds were returned from the Abacha loot and other funds were recovered from the USD, the UK and Europe, what this administration did, was that rather than pay these funds into the treasury and face the possibility of it being stolen or being re-looted, it decided to put the money into a separate account and ask the National Sovereign Investment Fund to manage the funds, and that the money was used for specific projects.

“And some of our legacy projects today actually are being financed from the money that have been stolen, which were returned and which we have kept. To me, this is one example of how to fight corruption. An example of how to ensure that people do not steal what has been recovered again.

“I am proud to say that we have been more proactive in fighting corruption and people are not willing to see what we have put in place in fighting corruption. “And that’s why I gave that example of putting money aside and how those funds were being used.

“Again, the courage of this administration even to expose high ranking officials of administration who have ran foul of the law is evidence of our determination and courage to fight corruption.

“So, we are not really worried or bothered about rating of the TI, because we know that everything we do is to ensure that we fight corruption the best way we know how to do.

“Like I said, if TI are not seeing these, then again, I think they have to change their template. But again, we are not fighting corruption to impress them.”

Media Stakeholders Want Repressive Media Laws Repealed

Greenbarge Reporters

February 1, 2023

Media stakeholders under the auspices of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has called on the federal government to review or repeal all repressive provisions in the nation’s relevant laws and policies.

The stakeholders also insisted on the government addressing the issue of press freedom as the core of the nation’s political, economic and development agenda.

These were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a one-day symposium on: Election 2023, Security, Media and Safety, held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Some of the offending provisions, the communiqué, signed by all the participants, noted, are cybercrime and terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act; section 17 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges Act) 2017; Section 22 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act.

The communiqué, which asked for the provision of a national policy to safe-guide press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists, wants the maintenance of journalists’ violators register to be published at regular intervals, saying: “this would discourage many, especially public office holders, from violating the rights of journalists.”

The stakeholders, according to the communiqué, would organize capacity-building workshops for journalists on media laws and ensure the transfer of knowledge between generations through mentorship.

“Young journalists need to know that they are not celebrities. Too many times, they put their lives at risk by behaving like celebrities and social media influencers.”

They also pledged to look into the academic and educational sector, to make sure that Mass Communications and Journalism departments of educational institutions are in tune with times, and appealed to media veterans who already have experience to dedicate some time to bringing up the next generation of journalists.

Some of those who signed the communiqué, which starts operating immediately are representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUG), Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Human Rights Lawyers (HRL), HEDA Resource Centre; International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ), Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), PlusTv Africa and others.

Falling Standard In Journalism Responsible For Frequent Frictions With Security Agents – Panel

Greenbarge Reporters

February 1, 2023

This picture is used for the illustration of the story

A panel of editors and security experts has reached a conclusion that falling standard in the practice of journalism has been responsible for the frequent frictions between the practitioners and security agents in the country.

This was even as the former Director of the Nigeria Army Public Relations, retired Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka attributed the frictions to diametrical opposed roles of the security agents and the journalists, saying that while the military would want to keep most of its operations secret in view of the sensitivity of such role, journalists would want to make all the activities of the military public.

Discussing the matter in Abuja yesterday, January 31, at a one-day symposium on media freedom themed: Election 2023: Security, Media and Safety, the panel said that most of the journalists lack the essential attributes of the profession.

Leading the discourse at the symposium, put together by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), were Dele Alake, special adviser on media to the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Vice Chairman of TVC Communications; Chief spokesman of the Directorate of State Service (DSS), Dr. Peter Afunanya; retired Brigadier General Kukasheka; chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, FCT Correspondents’ Chapel, Shagari Sambo; Director of the International Press Institute (IPC), Lanre Arogundade and other editors.

Dele Alake noted that the standard of the media operations, from top to bottom, has fallen because most of them are operating based on satisfying personal ambition and not to promote the media industry for the good of the country.

This was even as Dr. Afunanya expressed worry over the invasion of media world by none professionals that are promoting fake news, hate speech and misinformation as well as other negative elements that question the integrity of the media.

Dr. Afunanya said that the DSS, conscious of the need to promote safety and security for the journalists, had created some windows to achieve the goal but that, many journalists have been using such opportunities for purely selfish and unprofessional ways.

Retire Brigadier General Kukasheka agreed that the relationship between the military and media had never been positive, adding that it had degenerated to what he called “love-hate” and is marked with mutual suspicion.

“While the military operates in strict adherence to hierarchical order and is also secretive and suspicious of outsiders, the journalists feel that all that the military does, apart from those that will jeopardize national security, should be open to the public.

“While the military believes that most of its activities should be kept under strict cover, a journalist, conversely, feels that they should be made public. This has, however, led to conflicts and misunderstandings between the two, although they are working for the general interest of the populace.

“Regardless of the frequent clashes and misunderstandings between them, the fact is that they both need each other to succeed. Even though the military wants the media to tell the public about some of its activities, media wants the military to tell the public about almost everything. Hence the need to fashion a connecting point where the two crucial organs can work together for the good of the nation.”

Others who spoke on the panel, besides the key-note addressed delivered by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Kashere, Professor Umaru Pate, are Moji Makanjuola of the NTA fame; Busola Ajibola, Chiamaka Okafor, Cynthia Mbamali, Stephanie O. Adams (Deputy Manager, Media Freedom in CJID) and others.

Emir Of Dutse, Nuhu Sanusi, Dies At 79 In Abuja

Editorial staff

January 31, 2023

The Emir of Dutse in Jigawa State, Nuhu Muhammad-Sanusi, is dead. The emir died today, January 31 afternoon at the age of 79 at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja.

The late emir is one of the five first-class emirs in Jigawa State. He served for 28 years as the Emir of Dutse.

He succeeded his late father, Muhammadu Sanusi Dan Bello, who ruled between 1983 and 1995.

The late monarch was one of Northern Nigeria’s modernising leaders. Before his death, the Emir was the Chancellor of Sokoto State University.

He was considered as an exemplary leader in the global quest for a sustainable living environment, and a lead advocate for afforestation and the green ecosystem.

In a message of condolence, issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, President Muhammadu Buhari said late Dr. Nuhu Muhammadu Sanusi, was recognized as one of Northern Nigeria’s modernizing leaders.

Buhari said that the late Emir was an exemplary leader in the global quest for a sustainable living environment, and a led advocate for afforestation and the green ecosystem.

The President noted that late Emir’s official biography equally puts him up as an advocate of the mitigation of climate change, prompting him to build the Dutse Royal Golf Course which is reputed to be one of the largest in Nigeria with lush vegetation, exotic flora and rare fauna.

‘‘He was instrumental to the progress Dutse had achieved in the last three decades under his watch. He was a grassroots person who was loved by all.”

The President then condoled the Dutse Emirate, the government and people of Jigawa State over the sad loss.

The Federal Military Government under Ibrahim Babangida created Jigawa State on 27 August 1991, and Dutse became the capital city of the new state. This development gave birth to Dutse Emirate on 13th November 1991 with the upgrade of the district head as first class emir.

Buhari Has Repositioned Nigerian Economy For Sustainable Growth, Minister Insists

Editorial staff

January 31, 2023

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has insisted that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has over the last seven years, re-positioned the Nigerian economy and put it on the path of growth and economic sustainability outside of the oil and gas sub sector.

Speaking today, January at the 14^th edition of the Leadership Annual Conference and Awards held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, the minister that such great height achieved in the economic sector has made it possible for sustainable free, fair and credible elections.

Speaking on the theme: “Credible Elections and an Economy in Transit,” Musa Bello said that the upcoming 2023 general elections could be considered as the, “the most important leadership recruitment decisions to confront Nigerians in recent times.

“His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari has insisted on bequeathing to Nigeria a free, fair, credible and transparent election”.

CBN Gov Stands On February 10 Deadline For Legal Status Of Old Naira Notes

Editorial staff

January 31, 2023

Contrary to reports that trended in media today, January 31, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has maintained the stand that the February 10 deadline for legal tender status of the old naira notes will not change even as he assured that no Nigerian will lose money under the Naira redesign project.

The Governor, who in a statement said that the project is in the overall interest of Nigerians and the economy, gave the assurance during a meeting with the ad-hoc committee of the House of Reps on the review of the Bank’s cashless policy and extension of the timeframe of the currency swap programme of the Bank.

Emefiele said that subject to the provision of Section 20(3) of the CBN Act, Nigerians would be given the opportunity to redeem the face value of the Naira in their possession after the currency would have lost its legal tender status on February 10, 2023, deadline only at the CBN.

Reiterating that Nigerians will not lose their money, the CBN boss sought the cooperation of the National Assembly to ensure the success of the programme.

He reeled out the steps taken by the Bank to ensure the effective distribution of the new banknotes, saying that about N1.9 trillion had so far been collected since the commencement of the exercise.

According to him, the currency redesign policy had so far recorded about a 75 per cent success rate given the fact that many of those in the rural and underserved locations across the 36 states of the country have had the opportunity of swapping their old banknotes for the new series of the banknotes.

Emefiele, who was accompanied to the meeting by all the four deputy governors at the Bank, disclosed that the Bank had deployed about 30,000 super agents to work with the Bank’s staff currently in the hinterland to ensure that the underserved and vulnerable members of the society are adequately catered for.

The CBN Governor also disclosed that the CBN was working closely with relevant agencies of the Federal Government to ensure full compliance with the CBN guidelines issued to the deposit money bank for the seamless distribution of the new banknotes.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Special Ad-hoc committee, Ado Doguwa, expressed the support of the House of Representatives for the cashless policy of the Bank, stressing that the House would assist the CBN in achieving its mandate in that regard.

Dogowa welcomed the submission of the CBN Governor and stressed the need for more collaboration.

Dele Momdu Calls Gov Wike Coward; That Rotimi Amaechi Is Working For Atiku

Editorial staff

January 31, 2023

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has made a statement implying that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, is coward, and that the immediate past minister of works under President Muhammadu Buhari, Rotimi Amaechi is working for the victory of the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in the forthcoming Presidential election.

Momodu said: “Even if chief Bola Tinubu gets 25 percent in Rivers State, it is too little to help him win against H.E Atiku Abubakar, the only certified National candidate, and former Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi and Mr Tonye Cole will take the credit… What a dead end!!”

He tweeted: “A coward Gov. Nyesom Wike, after a meeting, has told his caucus and local government chairmen in the state that he is not publicly naming his preferred presidential candidate. He directed them to work for Bola Tinubu of the APC and ensure he get 25%. Wike fears suspension.

“This news is such an anticlimactic case… After threatening for so many months, Governor Nyesom Wike could not announce his favorite and favored Presidential candidate GIDIGBA…”

It was reported that Wike had in December 2022, promised to publicly name his preferred presidential candidate in January 2023 ahead of the February poll but failed after raising the hope of many Nigerians.

A former Nigerian journalist residing in Pennsylvania, Jackson Ude, in a tweet today, January 31, alleged that Wike is afraid of suspension and has directed his caucus and local government chairmen to support Tinubu.

Your Divisive Rhetoric, Insults Won’t Give You Victory At Polls, Presidency Tells PDP

Editorial staff

January 31, 2023

The presidency has made it clear to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that its divisive rhetoric and futile attempt to malign the image of the President and the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming elections, is not what will give the leadership of that party victory.

Reacting to what he called “fake reports of a stone-pelting incident” that took place in the Hotoro area of Kano on the day of the visit to the city by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, the President’s senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Garba Shehu said that the PDP’s desperate attempt to wedge-driving activities to cause a division between the party and the government with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu would not work.

“A so-called leading opposition party that controls 14 states, going into elections with eight or nine of the states in tow should look inwards to see why their campaign is flagging and destined to fail. Their defeat is a foretold story by many discerning individuals.”

Garba Shehu, in a statement today, January 31, said that the facts on ground on the incident in Kano, as rendered by the law enforcement agencies speak of a clash between the local road transport authorities, the Kano Road Transport Authority (KAROTA) and thugs hired by a yet-to-be identified group that took place when the President was being treated to a banquet at the Government House, well after he had finished his projects commissioning.

He said that the President was in the state to work on the development, safety and security of the lives of common citizens and that the happy thing about it was that the good people of Kano State were appreciative of him for the progress the state and the nation at large are making under him.

“The stone-pelters as seen from the video in the fight against the traffic police were innocent children sponsored by politicians and terrorist sympathizers. There is no place for violence in a democracy.

“The PDP should use the opportunity of the electioneering to put their point of view in a democracy. When problems can be resolved through talks, there is no place for stone-pelting, arson and unruly behavior as we are witnessing in some of the campaigns.

“It is equally unhealthy for society and it becomes the duty of political, social and religious leaders to correctly inform the misled youngsters to shun the path of violence which is inimical to their own future.

“Lastly is to say that the President has not lost his command and respect in Kano. For those who hold the border closure against him, they must come to realise that the 60-70 integrated rice mills in the city today would not have been in place if he had allowed the free-for-all smuggling to continue.”

How We Stopped Boko Haram, Terrorists From Relocating To Abuja ― Minister

Editorial staff

January 30, 2023

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Musa Bello has said that the administration, working in conjunction with security agencies, has been able to stop Boko Haram, terrorists and bandits from relocating to the nation’s capital.

Speaking today, January 30 in Abuja when he gave his administration’s scorecard in the 20th edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari Scorecard media series organized by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, he said that despite the level of insecurity in the country, criminal activities have been curtailed in the FCT due to intensive crackdowns.

He said that the FCT government has provided necessary equipment to security agencies to boost their effectiveness in tackling insecurity.

He highlighted the FCT administration’s achievements, saying: “In the area of security of lives and property, you are all aware of the myriad of security challenges bedeviling the nation, such as; armed banditry, kidnapping, acts of terrorism and other criminal activities.

“The FCT administration in active collaboration with security agencies have been able to curtail the activities of those who tried to relocate to the territory from the various areas of operations arising from intensive crackdown in operation and the military.

“The Security agencies in FCT have been very alert and through regular tactical and kinetics operation have ensured that the criminals find no abode in FCT.

“The FCT Administration has intervened in providing firmly equipment and cognitive support to the security agencies from time to time.

“The FEC recently approved the procurement of security vehicles and gadgets for operational effectiveness of the security agencies.”

In the education sector, Muhammad Musa Bello said that the administration has constructed 64 schools, renovated 165 and employed 4,957 teaching staff and non-teaching staff.

Cashless Policy Will Help Track Election Financing – Vice President Osinbajo

Editorial staff

January 30, 2023

Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has said that when effectively operated, a cashless policy in Nigeria, will help stop the surge of illicit election financing by making it possible to track funds.

Speaking today, January 30 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja when he received a delegation of the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission led by Barry Andrews, the Chief Observer, who is also a member of the European Parliament, Osinbajo said: “I think that we should be looking at providing more infrastructure. The cashless thing has been really advantageous and helps with tracking. That sort of infrastructure is useful for more financial inclusion and the more financial inclusion you have, the easier it is to track.

“So much money can be spent without it being tracked,” under the current election financing practices in the country.”

He acknowledged the serious difficulty in controlling election financing because of cash transactions, adding that there are still infrastructure issues required to be in place to ensure an efficient cashless system in the country.

“With cash transactions, it is still difficult to seriously control election financing.’’

On the issue of electoral offences, Professor Osinbajo pointed out that there is the Electoral Offences Commission Bill at the National Assembly.

“We hope that it will begin a new regime of dealing with electoral offences which would be helpful.

“By and large, one shouldn’t expect INEC to be the investigator of electoral offences. I think that law enforcement agencies should be responsible for arresting and prosecuting offenders, State by State.

“Electoral offences are always seen through a political prism; people will always feel that they are being prosecuted because they belong to a certain party.

“What is more important is that we have to find a system where the police could have a special unit for offences during the course of elections. The Federal High Courts could also have a special jurisdiction to deal with offences and not extend beyond the Federal High Courts.

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