News

2023: N/East stakeholders task journalists to shun junk journalism

Published

2 years ago

November 1, 2022

2023: N/East stakeholders task journalists to shun junk journalism

Stakeholders in the media industry in North-East have cautioned journalists against sensitional reportage to facilitate credible and peaceful 2023 general elections.

The stakeholders including media practitioners, politicians, unionists, and activists spoke while responding to a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on political thuggery in Bauchi, Damatruru, Dutse, Gombe and Yola.

They described media as critical towards ensuring violence-free, fair and credible elections in the country.

Mr Saidu Malala, Chairman, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Gombe State, said media had a critical agenda-setting role towards promoting peace and harmony in the country.

He said the support of journalists through peace-oriented news would help create a peaceful political atmosphere that contributes to the integrity and credibility of elections.

“Journalists have a duty to report issues that will not fuel violence in the country, even though we have a responsibility to inform the public in a professional manner.

“There are reports that may trigger violence if not handled properly in line with professional ethics, we must be guided in this regard.

“We need peace not just for election but for our everyday activities, and as critical stakeholders, we owe the society reportage that will promote peace and unity,” he said.

While urging journalists to be objective, Malala advised them to be security conscious so as not to become victims of violence or thuggery during electioneering campaigns.

“You must assess the security situation of any event before you embark on any journey to cover events.

“Don’t put yourself in a position where you will be vulnerable in view of the increase in thuggery in Gombe State,” he said.

Also; Mr Rajab Muhammad, the Council Chairman in Yobe, tasked media organisations to shun airing programmes capable of disrupting peace ahead of the 2023 elections.

He noted that such inciting programmes were against the ethics of the profession, and stressed the need for media practitioners to be objective as enshrined in the NUJ constitution.

“Reporters and sub-editors should aim at objectivity while dealing with political stories. They should not allow their personal bias or ideas to creep into a story.

“They should not take sides but try to present divergent views to achieve balance in their reportage,” he said.

Muhammad also urged politicians to avoid desperation in politics, adding that do-or-die politics is inimical to the entrenchment of democratic governance.

In his contribution, Shettima Ja’afar, Director of, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Borno, attributed thuggery to desperation exhibited by some politicians.

He said it was good for the media to sanction airing incitiful and vulgar language by politicians during their campaigns.

This, he said, was necessary towards ensuring a hitch-free election, adding that, “the media as major stakeholder should not be promoting contents that will jeopardize the process.

“Reporting hate speech by the media will create tension and violence if not handled with caution”.

According to him, the Agency in collaboration with other stakeholders will creat a forum for collective action towards violent-free election.

The NOA official blamed spate of thuggery in the country to misuse of social media by some self-seeking elements.

“The conventional media are trying, and regulated to some extend unlike the social media. It is being used to spin news, spread falsehoods and hate speech capable of breeding violence”.

He enjoined the youth to shun misuse of social media and participate actively in the process to ensure peaceful election.

He further advised politicians and political parties to prioritise consultative engagement to promote internal democracy and encourage growth of democratic culture.

In the same vein; Mr Ishaka Dedan, the NUJ Chairman in Adamawa, said the Council had sensitised media executives and journalists on the dangers associated with sensational reportage.

He said the Council had adopted effective mechanism to ensure that media organisations and journalists run their services in line with professional ethics and guidelines governing their operations.

Similarly; Dr Abdullahi Mohammed, a lecturer, Department of Mass Communications, Adamawa State Polytechnic, stressed the need for the journalists to be apolitical, neutral and objective in their reportage.

“Media houses should base their content on credible sources and not to report something that might constitute threat to corpotrate existence of the nation.

“When it comes to announcement of election results, they shouldn’t preempt the electoral umpire,” he said.

Moreso; Mr Sabo Mohammmed, a Bauchi-based political analyst, identified fake news as a bane to effective journalism.

He said the role of the media in agenda setting calls for caution and application of professional in discharging its constitutional mandate.

“Journalists need to be meticulous in sifting stories that are true and those that are false, used in achieving certain ends,” he said.

For his part, David Ayodele, a veteran journalist, said the media plays significant role in ensuring fair, objective, balance and proper investigation of news materials.

“You have a responsibility to be credible, professional and you must be residual of standard by setting a professional code for others to follow, especially during electioneering campaigns,” he said.

This, he said, is necessary for the sustenance of the country’s nascent democracy and political stability, adding that the media must be used positively for societal good rather than destructive purposes.

While urging journalists to be fair and objective in reporting election processes, Ayodele also tasked them to show more decorum and professionalism in reporting security and humanitarian issues.

News

Zulum Appoints Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze as New Head of Service

Published

3 hours ago

February 4, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Zulum Appoints Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze as New Head of Service

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of Dr. Mohammed Aminu Ghuluze as the new Head of Service.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, the appointment takes effect from March 3, 2025. Dr. Ghuluze succeeds Barrister Malam Fannami, who has retired from service.

Governor Zulum tasked Dr. Ghuluze to leverage his experience to enhance professionalism, discipline, and commitment within the state’s civil service.

Prior to his appointment, Dr. Ghuluze served as the Permanent Secretary, Administration.

A seasoned administrator and a surgeon, he has held several key positions, including Medical Director at the State Specialist Hospital.

In 2018, he was appointed Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospitals Management Board, and in 2020, he became a Permanent Secretary, serving in the Ministry of Health and Human Services.

Zulum Appoints Dr. Mohammed Ghuluze as New Head of Service

News

NCDMB trains Niger Delta elders on ethnic cooperation for development

Published

3 hours ago

February 4, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

NCDMB trains Niger Delta elders on ethnic cooperation for development

By: Michael Mike

As part of efforts to equip communities in the Niger Delta with knowledge and skills neccessary for conflict resolution in the region, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has organized a training programme for elders and leaders of the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo people.

The ongoing five-day training programme which is taking place at Lekki Grand View Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, is to empower participants to contribute to nation building through strengthening collaboration for positive impact.

On Monday 3rd February, the training was for the Exco of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) led by President General Worldwide Olorogun, Barrister Ese Game Owe.

The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Ogbe, who was represented by a senior members of the Board, stressed the importance of training for the elders, saying the idea is to enhance inter-ethnic cooperation and co-existence for harmonious growth and development.

Ogbe stated that the idea of the training is to ensure understanding of the leaders to the significance of ethnic coorporation in societal development in the region which mainly produces the oil that is the mainstay of the nation’s economy.

According to him, the aim is to engage the leaders on continous engagement for effective societal development.

In his welcome, the facilitator, the Chairman of Excellon Consults Limited and Cervice Energy Services Limited, Chief Bernard Okumagba said, “One of the key functions of the (NCDMB) is to engage in capacity building interventions that would deepen indigenous capabilities. This Leadership Training Programme for the Leadership of our elders and youths of the various ethnic groups is in furtherance of the NCDMB mandate and crucial for promoting Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry.

“By empowering the Leadership of our elders and youths, the NCDMB under the leadership of Executive Secretary and CEO Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe aims to integrate oil-producing communities into the oil and gas value chain, fostering institutional collaboration and maximizing Nigerian participation.

“This training is also vital for developing indigenous capabilities through human capital development, infrastructure, and local supplier growth.

“The key objectives of the training programme include equipping the Leadership of our Elders and Youths categories with effective leadership, management and decision-making skills; Increase awareness and understanding of NCDMB’s initiatives and policies; and Strengthen relationships between the Leaders, NCDMB, and other stakeholders,” Okumagba stated.

He added that in the next five days, participants will be taken through topics which will include Developing Leadership Competencies, Strategic Thinking and Decision Making, Stakeholders’ Engagements for Societal Development, Strategies for Continuous Leadership and Development, Strategic Collaboration for positive impact.

Others include, Inter-ethnic Cooperation and Co-existence for Harmony, Growth and Development, Financial Management for Business Success amongst others.

The training Programme is being delivered through a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, group discussions and practical exercises.

NCDMB trains Niger Delta elders on ethnic cooperation for development

News

Money Laundering: EU, International IDEA, NBA Collaborate to Get Nigeria Solve Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing

Published

3 hours ago

February 4, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Money Laundering: EU, International IDEA, NBA Collaborate to Get Nigeria Solve Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing

…Over 300 Lawyers sensitized on professional conduct

By: Michael Mike

The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) with the support of the European Union are working together with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to get Nigeria off the high risk areas of money laundry, funding of terrorism and, proliferation of small arms.

Nigeria has already been designated as one of the high risk areas of money laundering and terrorism financing.

the Anti-corruption Programme Manager of the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Programme (RoLAC-Phase II) of International IDEA, Dr. Emmanuel Uche, at a two-day sensitization event on the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners in Abuja, said the main essence of this workshop is to get lawyers on board to get Nigeria off the grey list of the Global Financial Action Task Force.

According to him, the taskforce is the global body that monitors financial transactions and the financial risks inherent in different jurisdictions.

He said: “The last evaluations of Nigeria’s risk clearly says Nigeria is one of the high risk areas of money laundry, funding of terrorism and, proliferation of small arms which underscores the challenges Nigeria is currently facing today and therefore, they’ve made a handful of recommendations necessary to get Nigeria out of that high level vulnerability to this risks.

“While those risks subsists and Nigeria remains on this grey list, there would be very limited confidence in Nigeria, being able to participate with other global countries that mean well. That’s why you will be surprised, when you want to use your debit card on an international website, it is not recognised.

“Other jurisdictions don’t honour our financial instruments because they think working with us exposes them to the same risks of money laundering, terrorism financing amd all that you see with kidnapping and proliferation of small arms.”

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Afam Osigwe, said the ability of lawyers to adhere to the highest ethical standards in giving services to the people is very important.

He said even if it’s one lawyer that runs foul of our Rules of Professional Conduct, it worries us.

“While we may not achieve 100 percent compliance level, we want to instill confidence in the public that we are interested in ensuring that members of the public adhere to the highest standard.

“”We will also ensure that those who violate their Rules of Professional Conduct are brought to book because that’s the only way we can show the society that we have the capacity and the willingness to weed out those who give us a bad name”.

The Head of Programme, RoLAC II, International IDEA, Mr. Danladi Plang, at the event said the importance of seeking to increase transparency and accountability of anti-corruption systems and reforms cannot be overemphasised as it is regarded as fundamental to sustaining a democratic system of government.

Plang who was represented by the State Project Coordinator, Abia State, RoLAC II
Mr Peter Omenka, said the democratic system of governance comprises a network of interdependent actors and the performance of each actor is affected by the performance of others.

He stated: “Within the system, the legal practitioners are recognised to generally work to support progressive ideals whereby lawyers are expected to be sensitive and create a process to which democracy can flourish.

“It is relatively fair to acknowledge the unique role that lawyers’ play in the protection of rule of law within a limited sphere.

“The legal profession is often regarded as a catalyst for progressive reforms within the legal and societal frameworks of a nation. Legal professionals serve as the architects of the legal system, playing a pivotal role in refining and sustaining the democratic structures of governance. “

The Head of Programme further stated that the ” issues such as misrepresentation of facts, fraud, exploitation of legal loopholes, deceit, and intimidation have marred the integrity of the profession. These unethical practices pose a significant threat to the legal system and must be addressed before they undermine its foundation. In Nigeria, instances of professional misconduct frequently go unchallenged, suggesting a more widespread prevalence of such behavior.”

“Over the years, there has been an increasing societal focus on the ethical conduct of legal professionals, emphasizing the protection of individuals, clients, the courts, fellow practitioners, and the legal profession itself.”

According to him, the “ growing concern underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards in law. In response to this, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Chairman of the General Council of the Bar undertook a review of the Rules of Professional Conduct (2007), aiming to address global malpractice concerns and to ensure that the conduct of legal professionals reflects the highest ethical standards.

“Every society influences its ethical disciplinary culture and ensuring fairness and consistency in a disciplinary procedure promotes a progressive societal value for the public. It fosters positive cultures, encourages a fair and transparent approach to societal goals that promotes confidence and trust. What remains unenforceable and has limited the discipline of erring lawyers is the disciplinary procedure and this gap within the legal community remains a major challenge for the noble profession.”

Earlier, the Communications Officer, International IDEA, Mukhtar Suleiman
in a media advisory, said the two-day national sensitization event, scheduled to take place in Abuja, will serve as a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, with participants from all 130 NBA branches, including branch chairpersons and leaders of the Young Lawyers’ Forum.
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Money Laundering: EU, International IDEA, NBA Collaborate to Get Nigeria Solve Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing