World
2023: US urges media to give voice to all Nigerians
2023: US urges media to give voice to all Nigerians
Jeanne Clerk, Spokesperson, United States of America Embassy in Nigeria, says giving voice to all the governed, including the under-represented by the media, assists in reduceing voter apathy during elections.
Clerk, made the remark during a South-South town hall meeting with the theme, ‘’Setting Agenda for Sustainable Democratic Culture,’’ organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
She said that editors’ actions and decisions leveled the playing field as they determined whose voice was heard and what news topic received in-depth coverage.
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The spokesperson noted that citizens and potential voters whose voices were not always amplified or heard were also interviewed during elections but were often neglected.
‘’You may not always realise it, but when you give voice to the governed and the under-represented, you help reduce voter apathy.
‘’We encourage you to take positive steps in favor of transparency.
‘’If your media house is owned by a politician or private business, what is the harm of clearly stating for all media consumers that the outlet is funded in whole or in part by said interest?
‘’By taking such action you empower your readers to assess potential bias in their own terms,’’ she said.
Clerk said that the only way to restore public confidence in democracy was through free and fair elections and reminded journalists of their crucial role in 2023 elections in the country.
According to her, the eyes of the world will be on Nigeria this year and early next year as the country prepares to choose a new president and transit to a new government.
Clerk explained that there was a significant positive multiplier effect whenever journalists did the right thing or took a well-documented, pioneering approach.
‘’When free and independent media publish previously unknown facts, write principled editorials or take a stand to defend and protect other courageous journalists, the public takes note and trust is built and re-built.
‘’On the other hand, we know that not everyone is principled and well-meaning in your field or any other field.
‘’Trust cannot be nurtured when media houses play favorites and charge varying rates, for example, to politicians and candidates for the same level of broadcast time or publicity.
She noted that accepting money from self-interested players or maligning actors to publish favourable or unfavourable stories undermined the public’s trust in the media.
Clerk also said that such actions eroded journalistic integrity, and defeated the media’s ability to play a transparent oversight role over government actions.
‘’If economics are at the root of such unfortunate practices, then you need to insist and ensure that journalists get paid a living wage,” she said.
The spokesperson said that was necessary so that no journalist would be forced to rely on brown envelope payments to cover events.
Also speaking, a Fellow of the guild, Tony Iyare, said that the issue being discussed was very critical to the survival of democracy and the media.
Iyare, who spoke in place of the Lead Speaker, Prof. Benjamin Okala of the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa, said that only when there was a democratically set-up that the media could work.
He urged the media to always defend the sustainability of democracy, encouraging them not to allow the nation to ‘’blow out.’’
‘’We have a stake; we must be critical in our reporting; we must set the agenda for this country; let’s put the politicians on the grill.
‘’If we do not do our work well, Nigeria is going to be a bigger joke to all of us,’’ Iyare cautioned.
The Rivers Commissioner for Information, Mr Paulinus Nsirim, urged journalists to stand firm at the period of elections and show the gladiators that they must promote issue-based campaigns.
News
Ceasefire Announced: Gaza Emerges Triumphant Over The Zionist Regime
Ceasefire Announced: Gaza Emerges Triumphant Over The Zionist Regime
By: Husaini Mohammed Isa
The unbreakable spirit of Palestinian resistance has compelled Israel into a humiliating ceasefire after failing to achieve any of its war aims.
After 15 months of Israel’s brutal genocide in Gaza, Israel has exposed to the world its true nature of barbarism, racial supremacy and oppression.
In stark contrast, the Palestinian people have displayed breathtaking heroism, dignity and resilience in the face of the US-backed Zionist onslaught, and are now beginning to see the fruits of their struggle.
As we celebrate this moment of triumph and jubilation with the Palestinians, we also acknowledge that their fight for liberation continues and we will continue to support them with prayers for them to succeed.
It is our duty in Nigeria to stand firmly with them and support their noble cause until full victory over the Zionist enemy is achieved.
Ceasefire Announced: Gaza Emerges Triumphant Over The Zionist Regime
News
Chinese Foreign Minister Arrives Nigeria
Chinese Foreign Minister Arrives Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi will arrive in Abuja, Nigeria, on Wednesday for an official visit.
According to a press statement on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the visiting Foreign Minister who is also a Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China will be received on arrival by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Ebienfa said: “During his visit, H.E. Mr. Wang Yi will meet with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar OON, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja on Thursday 9th January 2025 for bilateral talks that will focus on strengthening relations between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China.
“The visiting foreign minister will also pay a courtesy call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to deliver a special message from the Chinese President at the Presidential Villa.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Arrives Nigeria
News
Three Nigerian Nationals in Saudi Arabia Detention for Alleged Drug Trafficking Released
Three Nigerian Nationals in Saudi Arabia Detention for Alleged Drug Trafficking Released
By: Michael Mike
Three Nigerians arrested and prosecuted for drug trafficking on 5th March 2024 in Saudi Arabia has been released after spending 10 months in detention.
The trio are Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah and Fatima Kannai Gamboi and were at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport Madinah, Saudi Arabia for alleged drug trafficking.
Announcing their release in a statement on Sunday, the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that three Nigerian nationals, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Umate Malah and Fatima Kannai Gamboi, arrested and prosecuted for drug trafficking on 5th March 2024 at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport Madinah, Saudi Arabia, has been released after spending 10 months in detention.
“The arrest of the three women was a result of the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of 80 capsules of cocaine weighing 900.28 grammes and 70 capsules of cocaine weighing 789.5 grammes, respectively. The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abating the trafficking of the banned substance found on the aforementioned arrested Nigerians.”
The spokesperson added that: “The Ministry wishes to recall that the trio’s arrest attracted much attention in the Saudi Arabia and Nigeria. Their successful release was achieved after prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements, which culminated in their discharge and acquittal, as well as subsequent handover to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jedda.
“The ladies were received by Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, the Honourable Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah and currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families.”
Three Nigerian Nationals in Saudi Arabia Detention for Alleged Drug Trafficking Released
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