International Press Institute Condemns Zamfara Govt’s Closure Of Media Organizations

October 16, 2022

Former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, Musikilu Mojeed | Photo credit: Premium times Nigeria

The International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has condemned as reprehensible and unacceptable, the order by the Zamfara State government for the closure of some media organisations operating in the state.

The state governor, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, yesterday, October 15, ordered the immediate shutdown of some public and private media organisations, for allegedly breaking “journalism laws.”

The affected media houses include the federal government owned Radio Nigeria’s Pride FM in Gusau, and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Gusau. Others are Gamji Television, Vision FM, and Al Umma Television.

A statement by the state’s Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Dosara said: “The Zamfara State Security Council has approved and ordered the closure of some media outlets in the state for breaking the laws of journalism.”

IPI Nigeria, in a statement today, October 16, signed by its President, Musikilu Mojeed, said that the Zamfara State government does not have the power to shut down media houses, and calls on the Zamfara State Police Commissioner not to enforce an illegal directive by the government.

“The order by the state government clearly violates the 1999 Constitution as amended, and has no place in a civilised society like ours. It reminds Nigerians of the dark days of the military in Nigeria when media organisations were clamped down by various authoritarian regimes.

“Shutting down media houses is a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression, which is guaranteed by the Constitution of Nigeria.

“If any media organisation has flouted any law, the only option opened to the Zamfara State government is to approach the court for redress. Resorting to self help as done by the Zamfara State government threatens the rule of law and could lead to anarchy.

“By shutting down media houses the Zamfara State government has taken the law into its own hands. No entity, no matter how powerful, is allowed to take the law into its hands.

“IPI Nigeria, therefore reiterates its demand for immediate withdrawal of all directives impeding freedom of expression in Zamfara State, and demands an apology from the state government for its obnoxious act.

“IPI Nigeria also calls on federal authorities to direct the Zamfara State governor to comply with the dictates of the rule of law by immediately withdrawing the order for the shutting down of the media organisations, and henceforth desist from any such act.”

The state has been the hotbed of banditry, kidnappings and other criminalities.

The state government had announced a suspension of political activities as part of the new security measures over the incidence.

But, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara organised an event in Gusau, the state capital, which was covered by the affected media organisations.

The coverage of the event by the affected media organisations angered the State Government, leading to the closing them down.

Celebrating Edward Jatto, Ebira Multi-Talented Artist, Media Owner

Greenbarge Reporters

October 16, 2022

Edward Isezuo Jatto, popularly known as EdJatto, is a Multi-Talented musical instrumentalist from Okene in Kogi State of Nigeria.
EdJatto, in his middle 60, is currently a media owner, a flourishing, innovative FM studio in the heart of Okene, Kogi State

He had toured and performed extensively in Nigeria and other countries, mainly in the United States of America, spanning over 35 years.
Edjatto had performed on over 100 recordings (albums and CDs) and is recognised in the who’s who in African Music live performances and CD recordings.
EdJatto a song writer, musician and producer returned from America where he lived for years, to his native country, Nigeria in 2004 to start a recording studio in Lagos, Riverdale Music Recording Studio with headquarters in Maryland, USA.
He is an experienced singer and recording Engineer, with his early music in the middle 1980s titled “osoni vi aanehi” in Ebira language, meaning: “this (song) is home’s own.”
He worked with International recording artistes and groups like THIRD WORLD (Jamaica), KING YELLOW MAN (Jamaica), SOUKOUS ALL STARS (Congo), SONY OKOSUN (Nigeria), EBENEZER OBEY (Nigeria), JEAN PAPPY (Congo), SAM MANGWANA (Congo), AYINDE BARRISTER (Nigeria), OSITA OSADEBE (Nigeria), OLIVER DE COQUE (Nigeria), TONY OKOROJI (Nigeria), OSEI KOFI (Ghana), ALEX OBENG (Ghana), ASTER AWEKE (Ethiopia), ZULU SPEAR (South Africa), BUSTA RHYME (USA), LIL KIM (USA) etc.

On his arrival to Nigeria, he was given the responsibility of the Technical Director to overlook the technical aspect of hosting the Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant by Daily Times of Nigeria in 2003. He performed live alongside of other musicians like PASUMA and ARA.
He also featured on Sunny Okosun and friends’ Music and video recorded for COJA 2003.
EdJatto has since retired to his hometown, Okene and currently runs a radio station, Jatto FM.
Committed to uplifting Ebira image, EdJatto launched Ebira program on TV namely Ebira Opete and Ebira Kaneri. The programmes run on Eagle (Cable) TV Lagos; Wednesdays 4-5pm, Saturdays, 9-10am. Similarly, the program run on NTA Kabba in Kogi state, Thursdays, 4-5pm while negotation for airing same show on NTA Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti state is on-going.
His sojourn across the world hasn’t doused the love and concern for his native land.
He is known in the industry for his gentlemanly attributes; and because he allows his work to speak for him, his reputation remains uncluttered without controversies that often surround personalities in showbiz.

His fame is not just about the fact that he is one of the most sought after sound engineers who helped to move the world of Nigerian music in the late 70s and early 80s. Working for EMI (which has since transformed into Ivory Music) back then, he was instrumental to shaping the kind of music that came out of Nigeria. Besides working in the studio, he found time to express himself as a recording artiste. For that effort, EdJatto has two albums to his credit. There are: “Love Explosion” and “Love Edition” – both released on EMI label between 1982 and 1986.

Tinubu To Gov El-Rufai: Please Don’t Run Away After Your Tenure, Nigeria Needs You

Greenbarge Reporters

October 16, 2022

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has begged the Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai not to run away after serving his second and final term in office because Nigeria will still need his services.
Tinubu, who is the former governor of Lagos State, at the Kaduna Economic and Investment Summit in Kaduna State yesterday, October 15, described Governor El-Rufai as a thinker that Nigeria would continue to cherish.
He said to the Governor: “If you leave me on the podium, I will continue to campaign here. Don’t run away from Nigeria in 2023 because we need your creativity at this critical time.’’
This was even as Governor El-Rufai assured the Presidential candidate that he would not leave, adding: “I promise to stay even on a part-time basis.”
Asiwaju Tinubu expressed confidence in winning the 2023 presidential election, saying: “I am confidently telling you that I will win with your support and I know you are very supportive of me. I know that I am at home here in Kaduna
“We will continue to prioritise the restoration of peace and security across all our territories. I am confident. Under my leadership, the government will place emphasis on the use of counterinsurgency doctrine as strategy by our military. We will fight it together.’’
According to him, no inch of the country would be conceded to terrorists and robbers under his leadership.
“We will continue to train and equip our gallant forces and security personnel with resources, equipment and technology necessary to eliminate crime in our society. Nigeria will succeed and grow to prosperity. I assure you. I will champion an efficient government that will eliminate revenue leakages across federal areas leveraging technology…
“We will privatise the ease of doing business and ensure steady power supply and distribution.
“Nigeria will succeed and move on to prosperity. I will assemble intelligent Nigerians both men and women, for the progress of our country. We will champion an effective government.”

CBN Gov, Emefiele, Bags Digital Transformation Award Of The Year In US

Greenbarge Reporters

October 16, 2022

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele has bagged the Euroknowledge Africa Most Innovative Digital Transformation Governor of the Year Award for 2022 by the Foreign Investment Network (FIN).

Presenting the award to Emefiele at a ceremony held at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel, Washington DC, on Thursday, October 13, on the sidelines of the Annual meetings of the IMF/World Bank Group holding in Washington DC, the Advisor, Euroknowledge, Andreas Deutschmann, commended the CBN Governor for leading innovation among central banks on the continent.

In his brief acceptance remarks, Emefiele thanked the Euroknowledge and the Foreing Investment Network (FIN) for finding the CBN worthy of the award.

He dedicated the award to the Management and staff of the Bank for their creative ideas, which has seen the CBN emerge as a pace-setter in payments system with the pioneering efforts in central bank digital currency (CBDC). He also thanked Nigerians for their support to the CBN.

“This award is not just for me, it is meant for all of us who have worked hard in the last eight and half years to keep Nigeria strong. To keep the Nigerian economy strong and going.”

Emefiele highlighted the investment potential on the continent, even as he invited foreign investors to consider Nigeria and other countries in Africa as their choice investment destination.

According to him, business confidence in the continent was on the rise.

He listed countries that investors should consider to include Nigeria, Angola, South Africa and Egypt.

“Today, we talk about the frontier market and what I keep telling people is that as you continue thinking about growth opportunities in the world and you are looking at Africa, naturally you will have to think about some of the big economies in Africa.

“Nigeria, Angola, South Africa and Egypt are economies that you would need to think about. And I dare say these economies hold a lot of strong opportunities with opportunities for high yields and profitable projects and I can only seize this opportunity to encourage our friends in the foreign investment community to continue to take a look at Africa. Africa years for growth and development.

“We cannot do this alone; we will continue to need the support of the rest of the world. But I can assure all of us that as you do this, the opportunities are there and you will not regret taking the opportunities.

“The opportunities are there. I can only continue to say let’s give the support to Africa let’s give the support to Nigeria. We should all continue to work together for the growth, not just for our individual countries but for Africa as a whole.”

While admitting that there had been challenges, Mr. Emefiele said the Bank, under his leadership was encouraged to do more to boost the Nigerian economy.

Kogi Heads To Court To Reclaim Obajana From Dangote… Says No Going Back

Editorial staff

October 14, 2022

The Kogi-Dangote face-off will soon take a legal dimension over the ownership of the Obajana Cement Plant as the Kogi State Government has resolved to drag Dangote Cement Plc to court and reclaim what rightfully belongs to the people.

The decision to go to court was said o have been taken at an emergency meeting yesterday, October 13 night between key government officials, led by Governor Yahaya Bello and stakeholders representing the different ethnic groups in the state.

A statement today, October 14, by the State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, said that, at the meeting, which ran into the early hours of Friday, all stakeholders resolved to head to court in the interest of the people and generations to come.

He said the Governor made it clear to the House that there was no going back on the state’s resolve to reclaim its asset, even while he sued for calm in the interest of peace.

“This struggle is not about Governor Yahaya Bello or his administration. It is about the people of Kogi State. In the last 72 hours, well-meaning Nigerians, leaders and government officials have waded in and have pleaded with the Governor to consider reopening of the plant while discussions are ongoing.

“The expectations of the over four million Kogites are clear and high and we want to assure them that the Governor and the Government of Kogi State will not compromise the interest of the people of the state to reclaim their rights in the cement company.

“There were series of high-powered meetings to resolve the impasse, including meetings having the Governor and Alhaji Aliko Dangote in attendance. Discussions were held and statements of interest were established.”

Source: INDEPENDENT

Nation’s Top Security Apparatus Rally To Address Implications Of Nnamdi Kanu Court Discharge, Others

Editorial staff

October 14, 2022

National Security Council, made up of top security leaders in the army, Navy, air force, police and others, gathered today, October 14, at the Presidential Villa to address the implications of the discharge order by a Court of Appeal, on the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu and other security matters.

Speaking jointly to news men shortly after the meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; the Interior minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi said that the issue of Nnamdi Kanu was raised at the Council.

They said that it was observed that Kanu was discharged, but not acquitted, adding: “so, government is considering the appropriate action to be taken on the matter and Nigerians will be notified of the position that will finally be taken on the matter in due course.”

They said that the Council took a look at the issue of 101 ex-combatants who were taken to Operation Safe Corridor and are currently undergoing the process of de-radicalization at the center.

“These were ex-combatants that have been in detention for several years, some of whom have served their terms. Others were those that were awaiting trial, but because of the long time that they’ve been involved and in line with the protocol or the procedure for handling anyone who has been exposed to terrorism or related offenses, the procedure for them to be taken through a process of de-radicalization.

“That’s the reason why they have been moved to that center, and to also indicate about the activities of the armed forces and other security agencies within the oil and gas space were also commended, but with a directive to sustain the pressure and, of course in addition to what the Honourable Minister of Interior has indicated, it’s our resolve, our readiness, to deal decisively with those who have been involved in those malfeasance.”

Those in attendance of the security council meeting today are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha and Chief of Staff to the President Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

Others are the National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Major General Babagana Monguno; Minister of Defence, retired Major General Bashir Magashi; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao.

Also in attendance are the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman; the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar as well as Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Samuel Adebayo.

Obajana Saga: Kogi, Dangote Sheat Sword; FG Advises Legal Actions Instead Of Violence

Editorial staff

October 14, 2022

Kogi State Government and Aliko Dangote, owner of the disputed Obajana Cement factory have agreed to settle the dispute amicably, even as the National Security Council advised whoever feels aggrieved to take legal action instead of resorting to violence.

Though the two sides to the dispute had earlier agreed to resolve the issues amicably after the intervention of the Presidency, the National Security Council, at its meeting today, October 14, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, asked that the factory should be reopened for normal productive activities.

Briefing news men after the meeting today at the Presidential villa, the minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor and minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi said that the Council noted the development in Kogi and as ordered the reopening of the cement factory that was closed down.

“The Council advised that all issues relating to that industry or factory should be resolved legally. Nobody must take law into his hands, either as a government or an individual.

“We are committed to guaranteeing and providing employment for Nigerians, so whatever will, in any way, hinder that must be discouraged.

“So in that regard, the cement industry in Obajana must be reopened and all issues that are in dispute should be resolved legally.”

They acknowledged that earlier, an agreement had been reached between the Kogi State government and the Dangote Cement in Kogi on the need to reopen the factory and to ensure that peace is maintained in the state.

“Government is committed to providing employment to the citizens, rather than closing factories that will make people unemployed.

“These are some of the issues we have reached and we do hope that the parties involved will respect this agreement and come to terms with the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the parties involved.

“This was under the supervision and the intervention of Mr. President, through the Chief of Staff and we’re very happy to say that an amicable solution has been reached to bring to an end this very unfortunate development that has taken place in Kogi State.”

On the 2023 election, they said that the Council emphasized the commitment of the Federal Government to ensure a transparent, free and fair electoral process.

“So, we enjoin all political parties, individuals and Nigerians to pursue their democratic rights and interests with decorum, as all security forces and agencies are advised to maintain the law.

“The Council has decided that the National Security Adviser should put in place a strong team to investigate all issues relating to the discoveries of either abandoned oil pipelines, or illegal crude oil pipelines, so as to determine, one, the extent of such illegalities and perpetrators of such, and put a report for the Council and the president.

“A a committee will be set up by the NSA, in conjunction with the SGF, to investigate this issue of oil bunker because of the serious economic importance and to ensure that all those involved are brought to book.

“Security agencies have been ordered to check illegal mining all over the country. “Illegal mining operations or activities in the country, are ordered to be stopped and all security and intelligence agencies are to enforce this.”

2 Huge Elephants Fighting At Obajana, Kogi: Yahaya And Dangote Reconcile

Greenbarge Reporters

October 14, 2022

The two giant elephants that have engaged in a fight-to-finish over the ownership of Obajana Cement Factory in Kogi State; the state Governor, Yahaya Bello (in the middle) and the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, in handshake to signify the end of the feud after the intervention of the Presidency.

With them, at the extreme right, is the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu and others.

The National Security Council advised any aggrieved party to take legal action instead of resorting to violence.

Appeal Court Discharges Nnamdi Kanu

Greenbarge Reporters

October 14, 2022

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has discharged the embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu is being prosecuted by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja for 15 count charges, bordering on treasonable felony, terrorism, and offences he allegedly committed in the course of his separatist campaigns.

A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal however said the Federal High Court lacks the jurisdiction to try him in view of his abduction and extraordinary rendition to Nigeria in flagrant violation of the OAU convention and protocol on extradition.

The court held that the 15-count charge preferred against Kanu did not disclose the place, date, time and nature of the alleged offences before being unlawfully extradited to Nigeria in clear violation of international treaties.

The court further held that the Federal Government failed to disclose where Nnamdi Kanu was arrested despite the grave allegations against him.

The court noted that the act of abduction and extraordinary rendition of Kanu from Kenya without due process is a violation of his right.

It added that the manner in which Nnamdi Kanu was procured and brought before the court was not evaluated by the lower court, before assuming jurisdiction to try him.

The lower court, having failed to address the preliminary objection challenging its jurisdiction particularly the issue of abduction and extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria, the lower court failed to take cognizance of the fact that a warrant of arrest can only be executed anywhere within Nigeria, the appeal court judgement said.

The court further held that the trial judge was in grave error to have breached the right to fair hearing of Nnamdi Kanu

The African Charter on Human and People’s rights are part of the laws of Nigeria and courts must abide by the laws without pandering to the aim of the Executive, the appeal court said.

Treason charges:

Kanu has repeatedly called for the breakaway of a significant chunk of southern Nigeria to form the Republic of Biafra.

On October 2015, he was arrested by Nigerian authorities on an 11-count charge bordering on “terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods, among others.”

He was granted bail on April 2017 for medical reasons.

However, Kanu fled the country in September 2017 after an invasion of his home by the military in Afara-Ukwu, near Umuahia, Abia State.

He was then sighted in Israel and later continued to rally his supporters in Nigeria to employ violence in achieving secession.

“He has, upon jumping bail, been accused of engaging in subversive activities that include inciting violence through television, radio and online broadcasts against Nigeria and Nigerian State and institutions,” Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami said after Kanu was rearrested and brought back to Nigeria in June 2021.

“Kanu was also accused of instigating violence especially in the Southeastern Nigeria that resulted in the loss of lives and property of civilians, military, para military, police forces and destruction of civil institutions and symbols of authorities.”

Kanu has denied any wrongdoing.

Source: Channels Television.

ASUU Returns To Classroom After 8 Months, No Date Yet

Greenbarge Reporters

October 14, 2022

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has asked members to return to classrooms after exactly eight months today, October 14 of nation-wide strike that made university students redundant at homes.

A member of the union’s National Executive Committee (NEC), who confirmed the decision of ASUU to suspend the strike and return to classrooms could not say what date the members will fully resume lectures.

He said however that the decision to suspend the strike was taken at a meeting of its leadership that started yesterday, October 13 night and lasted into the early hours of today, October 14

The National Executive Committee meeting was attended by chairmen of the state chapters and national executive members at the ASUU National Secretariat in Abuja.

The state branches of the union met over the Court of Appeal ruling last week, following which members voted to conditionally suspend the strike.

The Court of Appeal had issued an order to ASUU to suspend the strike before its appeal of the ruling ordering lecturers to resume work could be heard.

ASUU had been on strike since February 14 this year.

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