Category: General News

 

– Says FG already addressing inherited judicial infrastructural deficit

 

By Biola Lawal
Abuja (FLOWERBUDNEWS): The Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David Umahi, has reassured Nigerians of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing public access to justice by tacking inherited judicial infrastructure deficits.

Sen. Umahi gave the assurance in a
lecture he delivered on the 4th day of the 2024 Court of Appeal Justices Annual Conference held at the Court of Appeal Headquarters, Abuja on 12th December 2024, a statement, by Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works, disclosed.

The Honourable Minister whose paper was captioned: “the Importance of Judicial Infrastructure to Adjudication”, stated that improved accessibility to justice system through judicial infrastructure digitalization was an administrative imperative of government at all levels.

The Minister said that practical and decisive actions taken by the Renewed Hope administration to tackle accumulated judicial infrastructure deficits included provision of enduring access roads nationwide, modern court structures, increased power supply, other electronic infrastructure and judicial welfare being made available to enhance the operational efficiency of the Judiciary.

Sen. Umahi said that ”the Renewed Hope agenda of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is anchored on a transformational policy thrust aimed at revolutionizing the critical infrastructure that will stimulate socio-economic development.

”The infrastructure necessary to ensure delivery of justice and effective adjudication are a part of the policy thrust of Mr. President.”

The Minister said further; “Mr. President’s efforts to enhance the operational efficiency of the Judiciary through housing programmes, enhanced welfare package for the judicial officers, creation of enduring road infrastructure, investment in power and digital infrastructure should be commended.

”All these efforts will have a multiplier effect on the outcome of adjudication as it guarantees accelerated leaning, reduces cost of justice delivery and promotes the independence of the Judiciary.”

He described Judicial Infrastructure as crucial for the stimulation of effective and efficient justice delivery system in every democratic dispensation.

Sen. Umahi pointed out that improved access roads, court rooms/judicial quarters, power supply, electronic infrastructure will reduce delays in adjudication, promote qualitative and quantitative judicial productivity and ultimately improve justice delivery system.

He said, “The availability of the needed judicial infrastructure catalyzes equal and free access to justice as well as the speedy dispensation of justice. Infrastructure speaks a lot about enhancing judicial productivity, both qualitatively and quantitatively, as it makes justice delivery system accessible, cost effective, transparent, and accountable.”

The Honourable Minister praised the resilience of judicial officers in Nigeria and the profoundness of their adjudication despite inherent challenges.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of session and former Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu G. Agabi, (SAN, CON) commended the Judiciary in Nigeria for upholding the tenets of their constitutional mandate despite daunting challenges.

Agabi urged anti-corruption agencies to find more proactive and productive measures of fighting corruption, noting that government at all levels must be intentional in making Nigeria self reliant.

He said “We cannot proceed on the premise that we should build more courts or build more prisons or appoint more judges.

”No. The proper approach is to build more schools, make the nation self-reliant. The nation is not self-reliant. If the nation is self-reliant, the work of the judges will be reduced. But if we are not self-reliant, of course the kinds of problems that multiply work for the judges.

The judges have no lives of their own. They are suffering, I can tell you”. Panel of discussants on the paper presentation were Honourable Justice P. O. Ige, JCA (Rtd) and Honourable Justice J. G. Abundaga, JCA.

The Honourable Minister of Works was honoured at the event as ‘ Fellow of the Court of Appeal’ (FCA). (FLOWERBUDNEWS)

(For a comprehensive insight into the paper presentation, please follow us on facebook *@Special Adviser – Media to the Hon Minister of Works)

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About Flowerbudnews

Established by Hon.  Biola Lawal, a former Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FLOWERBUDNEWS is a consortium of active veteran journalists, experienced Multimedia broadcast experts and image makers. We are drawn from both public and private sectors of Nigeria’s media Industry with a common  determination to enhance the practice of responsible journalism.

Lawal, on his part, is also a former Honourable Commissioner for Information,Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, his home state.

Biola Lawal had also successfully served two tenures as Press Secretary to the ECOMOG Force Commander in Liberia during the Liberian and Sierra Leone Civil wars. He was an outstanding NAN Defence and War Correspondent for many years.

The retired NAN Acting Boss holds the honour of being the only journalist that served two terms on the ECOMOG international assignment due to his high professionalism and decency.

He is a Co-Author of the book; ECOMOG, A BOLD ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL PEACEKEEPING! Edited Mrs Magaret Voght.  The book remains the most. factual, detailed and authentic book on the ECOWAS sponsored ECOMOG Military operation.

An Open Letter to His Excellency, Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo : Commending Early Salary Payments and Suggesting Strategic Adjustments

Your Excellency,

I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for your leadership and dedication to the welfare of Kogi State civil servants. Since you assumed office, your consistent payment of salaries, particularly on the 25th of each month, has greatly improved the stability of our civil servants’ lives and brought much-needed financial relief to their families. I must also express my gratitude to your predecessor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, for supporting your candidacy and ensuring that this era of progressive governance.

The early payment of December’s salary on the 14th was a commendable initiative, especially during this festive season. It reflects your compassion for the workforce and demonstrates your genuine concern for the people of Kogi State. This early disbursement also had a positive economic impact, as timely salary payments help stimulate local economic activity, ensuring that businesses and service providers within the state benefit from increased consumer spending. Your leadership has brought significant relief to civil servants, allowing them to meet their financial obligations promptly.

However, I would like to offer some advice on maintaining this positive momentum. While the early salary payment in December was undoubtedly helpful, it could potentially create a long wait before the January payment, which may cause financial strain for some workers. To address this, I propose a strategic plan that could bridge this gap. Consider paying January’s salary around the 18th, February’s around the 20th, and returning to the regular 25th schedule by March. This phased approach will help ease any financial pressure civil servants might experience while maintaining the consistency of your commendable policy.

Your Excellency and your leadership continue to inspire confidence and hope for the people of Kogi State. I urge you to continue prioritising the welfare of civil servants while also considering how these payments influence the state’s wider economy.

Thank you once again for your dedication and the transformative initiatives you have implemented for the betterment of Kogi State.

Yours sincerely,
YM Isah (08032491007)
(From Lokoja, Living in Abuja

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Chairman, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) League of Imams, Sheikh Tajudeen Adigun, says education is key to addressing a myriad of societal challenges.

The cleric said this during the fifth Qur’anic graduation ceremony of the Nurul Yaqeen Islamic Foundation, held on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 24 graduands of the foundation completed the recitation of the Glorious Qur’an, out of which 13 were females and 11 males.

According to Adigun, no nation can develop without education, saying.”we must encourage our younger ones to learn Qur’an and western education combined so that they will develop Nigeria.”

He also stressed the need for the faithful to hold firm to the knowledge of the Qur’an, which is the panacea to all the formidable challenges mankind faces.

Adigun, who is also the Chief Imam of Fou’ad Lababidi Central Mosque, Abuja, who said that Islam encourages the seeking of knowledge in its entirety, added that Nigeria was in the dire need of more intellectuals.

” And that was why in my lecture emphasis was made on the importance of education. Islam education is key to any success of this life and in the hereafter.

” That is why the first verses revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) centred on the issue of education.

” And Allah said you cannot compare those who are ignorant with those who are knowledgeable,” Adigun said.

Earlier, the Director of the foundation, Imam Yahya Al-Yolawi, expressed delight with the performance of 24 graduates, describing their graduation as ” a lifetime achievement for him.

” This is my ambition, this is what I have. Prophet Muhammad, PBUH, said you are the best among you who learns Qur’an.

” This is our life journey and we have been recording success since 2018 continuously. We have been graduating students and parents are appreciating our efforts.

” I think it is something that I will never forget. This is the fifth Qur’anic graduation, ” Al-Yolawi said.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the event was attended by parents, guardians and clerics from the six Area Councils of the FCT. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Realnews Magazine

 

 

 

 

Allocations as appeal court restores constitutionalism

Sat, Dec 14, 2024

By editor

8 MIN READ

 

Opinion

 

By Emmanuel Onwubiko

 

IT is generally said that the court of law is the last hope of the common man. This proved to be real with the very recent intervention of the Court of Appeal, Abuja division, which fundamentally re-established the fact that all hopes are not lost on the increasingly dwindling popularity and the place of the court system in the perception, opinion and respectability of the good people of Nigeria when the Appellate court totally demolished a clearly illegal, unconstitutional and reckless decision of the federal High Court to attempt to deprive the good people of Rivers state of their constitutionally guaranteed allocations from the federation account.

 

The Court of Appeal’s decision on December 13, 2024, to overturn the Federal High Court’s order halting the release of Rivers State’s federal allocation is a significant milestone for Nigeria’s democracy. The judgment not only upholds the principles of federalism but also reasserts the sanctity of the judiciary as a neutral arbiter in political disputes. This ruling is a reminder of the judiciary’s critical role in ensuring justice and fairness, even amidst the turbulence of political intrigues and power tussles.

 

The Court of Appeal’s ruling decisively quashed the Federal High Court’s decision, which sought to cripple Rivers State’s governance by halting its statutory allocations. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik’s judgment, delivered in October 2024, restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from releasing funds to Rivers State on the grounds that the 2024 budget was purportedly invalid.

 

Led by Justice Hamman Barka, the Appeal Court emphasized that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case. Justice Barka underscored the principles of judicial restraint, stating that issues concerning state appropriations are the exclusive purview of state high courts. This decision affirms the autonomy of state institutions within Nigeria’s federal structure and protects Rivers State’s people from the fallout of politically motivated litigation.

 

The Appeal Court’s ruling carries profound implications for Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. By overturning Justice Abdulmalik’s judgment, the Court has reaffirmed that the judiciary must remain above political manipulations. This judgment reinforces the constitutional principle of federalism by clarifying the separation of powers between state and federal jurisdictions. It ensures that state matters, such as appropriations, are handled within the appropriate legal frameworks.

 

The initial ruling would have plunged Rivers State into financial and administrative chaos, affecting millions of residents. The Appeal Court’s intervention restores stability, allowing the state government to fulfill its obligations to the people. The implications of this decision resonate beyond Rivers State, highlighting the judiciary’s role as the last line of defense for democratic governance and constitutional order.

 

The Rivers State saga exposes a worrying trend of judicial complicity in political disputes. Justice Abdulmalik’s ruling, which disregarded established jurisdictional limits, raises serious questions about judicial accountability. It is imperative that the National Judicial Council (NJC) takes decisive steps to address such breaches of judicial ethics and competence.

 

The NJC, as the primary regulatory body for judicial officers, must intensify its oversight functions. Judges who issue rulings that contravene legal principles or constitutional provisions should face thorough investigations and, where necessary, disciplinary actions. For instance, Justice Abdulmalik’s decision to entertain a case beyond her court’s jurisdiction reflects either a lack of competence or deliberate bias. The NJC should initiate a review of her conduct to determine whether sanctions are warranted.

 

Regular training and workshops for judges on constitutional law, jurisdictional boundaries, and ethical standards are essential. Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs can help judges navigate complex cases without succumbing to political pressures or misinterpreting the law. These programs should emphasize the importance of judicial impartiality and the broader implications of their rulings on democracy and governance.

 

To expose undue influences on judicial officers, the NJC could establish a confidential whistleblower mechanism. This system would allow concerned parties, including court staff and legal practitioners, to report instances of judicial misconduct or external interference without fear of reprisal.

 

The NJC should publicize its disciplinary actions against erring judges to deter misconduct and restore public confidence in the judiciary. For instance, if Justice Abdulmalik’s actions are found to have violated judicial ethics, the NJC’s findings and decisions should be made available to the public.

 

The power struggle in Rivers State highlights the dangers of allowing political disputes to escalate into constitutional crises. Former Governor Wike’s alleged attempts to undermine Fubara’s administration through legal and legislative maneuvers demonstrate the perils of unchecked political ambitions.

 

The defection of lawmakers, which contributed to the legislative impasse in Rivers State, underscores the need for stronger political party discipline. Parties must establish clear guidelines and consequences for defections to maintain stability and prevent opportunistic alliances that disrupt governance.

 

Political disputes, such as the Wike-Fubara feud, should be resolved through dialogue and mediation rather than litigation. Civil society organizations and elder statesmen can play a crucial role in facilitating negotiations to prevent political conflicts from escalating.

 

The Appeal Court’s judgment reiterates the importance of respecting the separation of powers. Political actors must avoid encroaching on the functions of other branches of government, as such actions undermine democratic governance.

 

The Rivers State case serves as a cautionary tale for Nigeria’s democratic institutions. It underscores the need for vigilance in protecting the judiciary from becoming a tool for political machinations. The NJC’s proactive engagement in addressing judicial misconduct and ensuring adherence to constitutional principles is essential for the health of Nigeria’s democracy.

 

Legal authorities support the Appeal Court’s judgment. In A-G Lagos State v. A-G Federation (2004), the Supreme Court emphasized the autonomy of states within the federal structure, ruling that federal intervention in state matters must be strictly limited. Similarly, in Lakanmi v. A-G Western Nigeria (1971), the court highlighted the dangers of overstepping jurisdictional boundaries, warning against the misuse of judicial power.

 

The Appeal Court’s decision aligns with these precedents, reinforcing the judiciary’s role as a defender of constitutional order and the rule of law. Furthermore, this ruling underscores the necessity of a judiciary that is both independent and adequately resourced. To this end, stakeholders must advocate for the financial autonomy of the judiciary to insulate it from undue pressures and influence.

 

The judiciary must not only be impartial but also be perceived as such by the public. Transparency in judicial processes, from case management to the delivery of judgments, is key to building trust. The media and civil society must play their part by educating the public on judicial matters, fostering an informed citizenry capable of holding institutions accountable.

 

The Appeal Court’s ruling is a victory for Rivers State and a triumph for Nigeria’s democracy. It underscores the need for an independent and accountable judiciary, free from political interference. However, this judgment also serves as a wake-up call for the NJC and other stakeholders to address the systemic issues that allow judicial misconduct to persist.

 

As Nigerians celebrate this landmark decision, it is imperative to remain vigilant in protecting the integrity of democratic institutions. Political actors must prioritize governance over personal ambitions, and the judiciary must steadfastly uphold the principles of justice and equity. Only then can Nigeria’s democracy thrive in the face of challenges, ensuring a brighter future for all citizens.

 

The broader lessons from the Rivers State case extend to all arms of government. While the judiciary must remain resolute in its independence, the legislative and executive branches must also play their roles responsibly. Politicians must refrain from exploiting legal loopholes to further their agendas, while the legislature should enact laws that strengthen institutional safeguards.

 

Ultimately, this judgment is a call to action for all Nigerians to uphold democratic values. Civic education campaigns that emphasize the importance of constitutional principles and the rule of law are necessary. Empowering citizens with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities can foster a culture of accountability and transparency across all sectors.

 

The Rivers State saga is a microcosm of the challenges facing Nigeria’s federal democracy. It underscores the urgency of reforms that prioritize institutional integrity and public trust. As the nation moves forward, the commitment to justice, fairness, and equity must remain unwavering. These principles are the foundation upon which a resilient and prosperous Nigeria can be built.

 

Now, the good people of Rivers state together with their amiable governor have been reassured that equity, justice and fairness are virtues that are still be upheld by the courts of competent jurisdiction and the Appeal Court’s judgment should be used as a litmus test to subject judges of the federal High Court who provide judicial support to political warlords to the highest scrutiny and sanctioned administratively to serve as deterrent for future misadventures by any of the judges who hibernate with politicians. The court must remain the temple of justice that it is.

 

***Emmanuel Onwubiko is head of the HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA and was NATIONAL COMMISSIONER OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF NIGERIA.

 

A.I

AROUND 4:30pm of this day, Friday, the 13th of December, 2024, we stepped out of the Correctional Service (prison) in Afao road, Ado Ekiti, where we were with Dele Farotimi.

 

He speaks calmly but with loud message. He is unambiguous about it, that all he wrote in his book is the truth.

 

One thing is clear from this visit and hours long talk, that Dele Farotimi knows things that the crowd does not know. He declared too that while he could not control whom Peter Obi would visit in Ekiti, he never sent anyone to Are Afe Babalola and he had warned those who had visited him, including Peter Obi, never to visit anyone to plead for his release.

 

He wants this matter to travel the natural route. He disowned in categorical terms, any move by anybody to beg anyone on his behalf or as a condition for his release.

 

He assertively, vibrantly and untiringly posited that if he had added a single lie to his claims in his book, he would lose heavily in this battle. But if his weapon remains all truth, he will have the last laugh.

 

Those who postulated that Dele Farotimi is reckless in his writings and documentations, should rather demand a fair play and a level play ground so that we could hear the other side. Citizens should be interested to know what he knows as proof.

 

But Farotimi is kept in prison while his opponents are tooling up in law suits in Ibadan, Abuja and Rivers seeminly poised for a fight and funnily serving all these court processes on a man in his prison cell in Ekiti where he cannot readily make his defence.

 

A question that should bother all is that this book has been out for some time and WHY DID IT TAKE SO LONG TO FILE ALL THESE LAW SUITS? •WHY DID THEY HAVE TO WAIT TILL HIS ARREST? •WHY DID THEY HAVE TO WAIT TILL HIS REMAND? WHY DID THEY HAVE TO WAIT TO KEEP HIM OUT OF CIRCULATION AND HIS VOICE CUT OFF BEFORE RAISING THESE DUSTS? •WHY DID THEY HAVE TO WAIT TILL NOW? •WHY?

 

Is this how jurisprudence works?

 

Is this how history works? Has the Jurisprudence developed this way?

 

A man who is held up in cuffs and in gallows and some of us, in defence of the orthodoxy, are accusing a man in prison of blasphemy instead of demanding for justice for both parties, they are convicting and crucifying Farotimi unheard and at the home city of the Pilate.

 

This rain rains in torrents but it shall not rain for long. It shall be temporary. Soon things will unravel. The ground will be dry again. The truth will win.

GOV. Alex Otti of Abia says he has approved discriminatory compensation package to incentivise teaching services in public schools located in remote areas of the state.

 

Otti said this during the December edition of his monthly media chat at the Government House, Umuahia, on Friday night.

 

He said that the initiative would address the persistent challenge of staffing in hard-to-reach areas.

 

The governor said that by offering tailored benefits to attract and retain educators, the government would be able to provide access to quality education in rural areas.

 

He said that plans had been made to recruit more teachers to bridge the staffing gaps in underserved parts of the state.

 

“What we have done in the last few weeks is to put in place a discriminatory compensation package to encourage people to serve in those areas.

 

“My understanding is that people received it very well and in the next few weeks we intend to see that it has worked, so that we won’t have any institution or any school that is understaffed,” Otti said.

 

He further said that the government had made significant improvements in the education sector through the separation of management of basic and secondary education from tertiary education for better oversight.

 

On infrastructure development, Otti said that several road projects had been completed and inaugurated for public use.

 

He said that the dualisation of Onuimo to Abia Tower and reconstruction of Ntigha-Mbawsi-Umuala Road and Umuopara Ring Road had commenced, while more road works would be commissioned before year-end.

 

He said that through a collaboration between the Federal and Abia Governments the proposed Abia Airport project was upgraded from an airstrip to a full-fledged airport.

 

According to him, the State Government will provide the land and logistics required for the project.

 

Speaking on budget and planning, he said that the 2025 proposed budget of N750.2 billion was designed, considering the effects of inflation and exchange rate depreciation.

 

Otti further said that 82 per cent of the budget was allocated to capital expenditure and 18 per cent to recurrent, while in its breakdown, 20 per cent was given to education and 15 per cent to health.

 

On healthcare, he said that 200 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHC) were being rehabilitated to ensure that each ward in the state got at least one functional PHC.

 

He said that preparations were ongoing with respect to the construction of the state’s Medical Village and updates should be expected in the first quarter of 2025.

 

Otti also said that the state won a price in the UNICEF Leadership Challenge and commended the Ministry of Health for making the state proud in the competition.

 

He said that Abia won $400,000, placing second in the South-East and urged the ministry to exercise greater commitment to improve the state’s standing in future competitions.

 

The governor also spoke on government’s efforts to improve Agriculture, saying that the government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a company that would invest $120 million for palm production in the Ukwa area, with plans to expand.

 

He said that the government had reorganised the state’s security architecture to address insecurity and ensure safety during the festive season and beyond.

 

He said that he had given directives for swift resolution of the minor issues observed in the implementation of the new minimum wage.

 

Otti further said that the government, in line with its desire to improve workers’ welfare, had approved the payment of 13th month salary on or before Dec. 18 to the Abia civil servants. (NAN

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the public to disregard false reports regarding the death of its Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

 

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, confirmed that Prof. Yakubu is “alive, hale, and hearty.”

 

Oyekanmi explained that the commission’s attention had been drawn to a fake news story circulating on social media, claiming that Yakubu had died at a London hospital.

 

“This false narrative first emerged on Monday, December 9.

 

“We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumour. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale, and hearty. In fact, he has not travelled to London in the last two years,” Oyekanmi said.

 

He further noted that Yakubu had participated in an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, December 11, and chaired a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, December 12.

 

“Both events were widely covered by television and reported in major newspapers on Friday, December 13.”

 

Oyekanmi also pointed out that a similar false story had circulated in 2021, and once again, mischief-makers were spreading the same baseless rumour.

 

He urged those involved in the spread of such misinformation to consider the impact on individuals and society at large.

 

The INEC Secretary emphasised that the commission would continue to collaborate with genuine media professionals to combat the spread of fake news and its negative effects on society.(NAN

KADUNA came alive on Friday as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu) and other high-profile figures gathered to celebrate the wedding Fatihah of Ibrahim A. Bagudu, son of the minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and Amina Tatari Ali.

 

The ceremony, held at the historic Sultan Bello Mosque, was graced by dignitaries, including Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

 

Also present were Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Minister of Defence Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Lalong.

 

The solemnization of the marriage (Nikah) was officiated by the Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman Adam, who offered prayers for the couple’s happiness and future. In his sermon, the Imam stressed the significance of love, unity, and faith in building a strong family foundation.

 

Thousands of well-wishers, including residents and visitors who stayed behind after Friday prayers, joined in celebrating the union, showering the newlyweds with prayers and blessings for a prosperous marital life, according to a release by Ahmed Idris, chief press secretary to Kebbi State governor

 

 

 

THE Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, Musikilu Mojeed and the CEO of the Media Trust Group, Ahmed I. Shekarau, have been re-elected President and Secretary of the Nigerian chapter of International Press Institute (IPI) respectively.

 

Mojeed, Shekarau and four other officials, elected unopposed and sworn in on Thursday, will direct the affairs of the Nigerian affiliate of the global media body for the next three years.

 

A statement issued by a member of the global executive board of the IPI, Raheem Adedoyin, disclosed that other members elected into the executive committee of IPI Nigeria include Fidelis Mbah of Al Jazeera Television (deputy president), Rafatu Salami of Voice of Nigeria (treasurer), Yomi Adeboye of Herald Newspaper (assistant secretary) and Tobi Soniyi of Arise News (legal adviser).

 

Speaking during the inauguration of the new leaders, Mojeed, who promised inclusive administration, solicited the support and commitment of members to enable his team achieve the organisation’s set objectives of enhancing the Nigerian media operating environment.

 

The election of new leaders was preceded by the organisation’s annual general meeting (AGM) where the Mojeed-led executives rendered account of their three-year stewardship and updated members on the financial state of the body. Some sections of the organisation’s constitution were also amended during the AGM.

 

A major highpoint of the event was the arrival of ex-Governor Segun Osoba, a renowned journalist and prominent, longtime member of the IPI. He praised IPI Nigeria members for their commitment to press freedom, journalists’ rights and independent journalism.

 

Mr. Osoba, who recently returned from an overseas trip, further commended the organisation’s leadership for ensuring a successful conference.

 

Apart from ex-Governor Osoba, some other prominent journalists who attended the AGM included a former Editor-In-Chief of Tribune Newspapers (who chaired the forum), Folu Olamiti; former presidential spokesperson and ex-President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Garba Shehu; chairman of the Editorial Board of the Herald and member of the global board of the IPI, Mr. Adedoyin; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Oluwafisan Bankale and the Executive Director of the organisation, Dayo Aiyetan.

 

Some of the other dignitaries at the congress were Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika of the University of Lagos; Kunle Babs, the Nigerian Bureau Chief of Feature Story News; Danlami Nmodu, publisher of Newsdiary Online; Fabian Benjamin, editor-in-chief of JAMB Bulletin; Sule Yau Sule of Bayero University, Kano; Dotun Oladipo, publisher of The Eagle Online; Funke Egbemode, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors; Ochiaka Ugwu, an editor with Peoples Daily; Ken Ugbechie, publisher of Political Economist; Lawal Sabo Ibrahim, former managing director of The Triumph newspapers; Mohammed Danjuma, publisher of Katsina Times; Christopher Isiguzo, former president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ); Lanre Arogundade, executive director of the International Press Centre; Zainab Suleiman Okino, chair of the editorial board of Blueprint Newspapers; and Hameed Bello, chief operating officer of Peoples Daily newspapers.

 

Earlier on Wednesday, IPI Nigeria hosted a well attended conference with the theme: “Democracy, Media Freedom and the Imperative of Protecting the Nigerian Civic Space.”

 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who chaired the conference’s opening day session said press freedom exists in Nigeria. The keynote address was delivered by Professor Tony Iredia. He disagreed with the minister, arguing fiercely that press freedom does not exist in Nigeria.

 

The Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, gave a presentation on “Dissecting the Frosty Relationship Between the Nigerian Media and Security Agencies” while the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, spoke on “How the Media and Journalists can Partner Anti-corruption Agencies in the Fight Against Corruption.”

 

In the same vein, a former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, addressed participants on the topic “Government Vs Media: How to Reduce Tension, Enhance Mutual Understanding, and Avoid Censorship”.

 

The three-part event concluded on the night of 12th December with a dinner for the organisation’s members, partners, and supporters.

 

The International Press Institute (IPI), with headquarters in Vienna, Austria, is a global network of media executives, editors, and leading journalists. Since its establishment in 1950, it has consistently advocated for journalists’ rights and media freedom worldwide.

 

IPI Nigeria is the Nigerian branch of IPI Global and is totally committed to credible and independent journalism, media freedom, freedom of speech and the free flow of news and information in Africa’s most populous country and the continent’s biggest economy, according to a release by Raheem Adedoyin

 

Member, Executive Board, IPI Global.