Media

NUJ FCT Council lashes out over Arrest, Detention of Editor, Reporter by Police

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2023

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has condemned the arrest and subsequent detention of the editor and a reporter of an online newspaper, ‘TheNewsGuru.com’ Mr. Ediri Oyibo and Paul Utebor by the Nigeria Police Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja.

In a statement signed by the chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, the union described the arrest as unwarranted, absurd and unacceptable.

Oyibo and Utebor were invited and eventually detained on Wednesday February 22, through a letter dated February 18, 2023 for an interview with the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of Zonal Criminal Investigation Department.

The invitation letter was signed by DCP Kabiru A. Shehu.

The police claimed in the letter that they were investigating a case of criminal conspiracy, defamation of character, giving false information and threat to life against the journalists over a story on the paternity of a child.

The journalists were detained upon their arrival at the station at the instance of a petition written by Adaobi Alagwu that they published a story where a former Skye Bank chairman,Tunde Ayeni, debunked the alleged paternity of her child.

The journalists had insisted that such a story was not published linking Ayeni as father of the baby but a rebuttal where he (Ayeni) denied paternity.

The journalists, who have spent four days in detention under degrading conditions have also been denied administrative bail despite meeting the conditions when they were asked to provide a public servant not less than level 14 as surety.

Surprisingly, upon meeting the bail conditions, on Friday, February 24, the police hurriedly in a commando style charged them to the FCT Chief Magistrate Court located at Wuse Zone 6 after they had got wind that the court would not be sitting. The situation that made the police continue keeping them in illegal detention.

The journalists and representatives of NUJ were made to sit in an empty court until an officer simply identified as OC Legal casually walked in uttered that the journalists should bear until next week Monday before they can be granted bail.

The police had on Wednesday, February 22, raided the homes of the journalists and made away with their laptops under the guise of carrying out their investigations after the journalists had voluntarily honored the invitation.

“The continued detention and invasion of the houses of our members without a court order is a gross violation of their fundamental rights as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution as amended.”

The statement added that the Nigeria police is not a court of law and should not truncate the democratic values and principles with the arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists.

The Union called on the police to allow the complainant who is miffed or considered the story offensive to go to court.

“The Nigeria Union of Journalists demands the unconditional release of Mr. Ediri Oyibo and Paul Utebor as a matter of urgency while the police should follow due process in the discharge of its duties.”

Media

Tinubu overhauls Media Team, Appoints Dare, Bwala as Key Advisers

Published

4 days ago

November 19, 2024

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Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reorganized the presidency’s media and communications team in a move aimed at bolstering the effectiveness of government communication.

The presidency, in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, announced that Sunday Dare, Daniel Bwala, and Onanuga himself would now serve as joint spokespersons for the administration.

The restructuring involves new designations for key officials within the communications team. Sunday Dare, previously Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation, has been reassigned as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications. Daniel Bwala, appointed last week as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, is now Special Adviser on Policy Communications. Bayo Onanuga retains his role as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

“These appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency,” the statement read.

The collaborative approach is designed to ensure more consistent and effective communication of government policies and decisions to the public.
According to the presidency, the team will collectively manage the dissemination of information to foster greater transparency and alignment with the administration’s priorities.

This reorganization underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to a more cohesive media strategy that reflects the diverse needs of the public and the complexities of modern governance.

Media

Ododo Celebrates Nigerian Tribune Newspaper’s 75th year anniversary

Published

7 days ago

November 16, 2024

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Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has sent a message of congratulations to the management and staff of the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper on its 75th anniversary.
The Governor praised the newspaper’s leadership in shaping public discourse and upholding accountability through its dedication to truth, transparency, and responsible journalism.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah in a statement on Saturday quoted Ododo in a message that commended the Nigerian Tribune’s legacy, acknowledging its role in fostering responsible journalism that has earned it the trust and loyalty of readers across Nigeria.
“The Tribune has consistently upheld fact-based reporting, balance, and objectivity, even amidst the challenges of misinformation in today’s media landscape,” he said.

Reaffirming the essential role of a free press in maintaining democracy, Governor Ododo recognized Nigerian Tribune’s efforts to support the rule of law and responsible governance.
He expressed optimism that the milestone would inspire the newspaper to continue its commitment to journalistic integrity, essential for a stable and enduring democracy in Nigeria.

Founded on November 16, 1949, by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his wife, Hannah Dideolu, the Nigerian Tribune has built a legacy as one of Nigeria’s pioneering media institutions, contributing significantly to the nation’s democratic growth.

Media

Adebukunola Adebutu Unveils State-of-the-Art Media Hub at NIJ

Published

3 weeks ago

November 2, 2024

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***Aims to Revolutionize Nigeria’s Media Sector

In a transformative step for Nigeria’s media education, Sir (Dr.) Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu has launched a cutting-edge Media Resource Centre at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) in Ikeja, Lagos.
Fully funded by Dr. Adebutu, this modern facility aims to elevate media training standards in Nigeria, strengthening the nation’s media capabilities and delivering economic benefits.

The facility features a 350-seat auditorium, an advanced ICT hub, and a fully equipped studio, establishing NIJ as a leader in West African media training.
Since its founding in 1971, NIJ has been a cornerstone of media education in Nigeria, and with this new hub, it now has the potential to attract international collaborations and play a crucial role in Nigeria’s knowledge-driven economy.

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, a former NIJ board member, praised Dr. Adebutu’s visionary investment, calling the Media Resource Centre a model of critical infrastructure for economic and workforce development.
Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed Manga quoted Edun in a statement to have said,

“This initiative not only prepares our media professionals for the future but also creates job opportunities and supports economic growth,” Edun stated.
Accirding to the Statement,The centre’s resources are set to empower students and professionals with hands-on skills essential for a dynamic media landscape.
“The facility positions NIJ to offer world-class training, drawing attention from across Africa and establishing Nigeria as a key player in the global media arena.

Dr. Adebutu’s visionary gift to NIJ stands to reshape Nigeria’s media landscape, paving the way for a new generation of skilled media professionals, economic advancement, and a stronger media industry.