TheNewsGuru

Tag: MEDIA

  • Amnesty International to FG: Reverse unlawful suspension of Twitter, halt plans to gag media

    Amnesty International to FG: Reverse unlawful suspension of Twitter, halt plans to gag media

    Amnesty International has asked the Federal Government to reverse its decision to suspend the operations of the social media platform, Twitter, in Nigeria.

    In a statement issued on Twitter, Amnesty International also urged the Federal Government to suspend plans to gag the media.

    The tweet thread reads:

     

     

    The Federal Government had on Friday said it has suspended, indefinitely, the operations of the microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, in Nigeria.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,
    announced the suspension in a statement issued by his office in Abuja.

    The statement, signed by Ministry spokesperson, Segun Adeyemi, cited the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.

    According to the statement, the Minister said the Federal Government has also directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to immediately commence the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations in Nigeria.

  • La Liga: I feel unfairly treated – Barca coach

    La Liga: I feel unfairly treated – Barca coach

    Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman admits he’s been unhappy with his treatment by the media over the past fortnight.

    Koeman says he feels badly treated over the past few weeks as Barcelona’s title bid collapsed.

    “I feel a little bit (mistreated) in the last two weeks,” said the coach in a news conference on Saturday. “If you analyse a season, you must analyse the changes to the team, the young players, that we won the cup, that we had 13 points [less than Atletico] in December and we’re still fighting for the league, even though it’s a small possibility.

    “That’s what you need to analyse. And if I heard the media in the last few days, it looks like we did a really bad job and I don’t agree.

    “I feel supported by the players and the team has a big future. If we can sign what we think we lack to take the next step, I think we can be very excited about the team next season.”

  • [BREAKING] Insecurity: How Buhari’s govt spent billions on acquiring espionage gadgets to spy on Nigerians, media – PDP Reps

    [BREAKING] Insecurity: How Buhari’s govt spent billions on acquiring espionage gadgets to spy on Nigerians, media – PDP Reps

    … economy has gone into recession within five years

    …says Buhari had time of visiting his farm rather than visit Kankara

    By Emman Ovuakporie

    The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Reps Caucus on Thursday alleged that the President Muhamnadu Buhari administration has spent several billions in acquiring espionage gadgets to monitor SMS, WhatsApp and media in Nigeria.

    PDP Reps Caucus leader, Rep Kingsley Chinda made this revelation at an ongoing press briefing at the National Assembly, Abuja.

    Details shortly…

  • Nigerian Guild of Editors calls on FG to save media from total collapse

    Nigerian Guild of Editors calls on FG to save media from total collapse

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors has called on the federal government to intervene and save the media from total collapse, specifically recommending that the FG inject funds not only to help keep media jobs but, also to ensure continued existence and operations of the various media houses.

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors, acknowledging the dire state of the media, now made worse by the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, made the call in a communiqué issued by its standing committee meeting arising from an extraordinary meeting held via Zoom.

    The Guild emphasised federal government financial intervention on the ground that media services are regarded as “essential services” and hence, deserve to be treated like other essential services that played key roles on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19.

    The communiqué reads: “The Standing Committee acknowledges the dire state of the media, now made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and reaches the following conclusions:

    “There is an urgent and very compelling need for Nigerian government intervention to save the media from total collapse. The Guild specifically recommends the injection of funds by the federal government, not only to help keep media jobs but, also to ensure continued existence and operations of the various media houses, be they Print, Electronic or New Media.

    “Notes that using public funds to finance private sector operations to save them from bankruptcy and total eclipse is not new and has been adopted in other jurisdictions. It cites the instance of the United States government, which used public funds to save the U.S. automobile industry, banking and other ailing sectors from insolvency during the financial crisis of 2008 and currently with the $2 trillion bailout for companies, amid the COVID-19 scourge.

    “The Guild emphasises federal government financial intervention on the ground that media services are regarded as “essential services” and hence, deserve to be treated like other essential services that played key roles on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19.

    “The body of Editors avers that government intervention at this point is imperative, to ensure that the media continues to discharge its constitutional duty; stressing that survival of the media is sine qua non for the survival of democracy.

    “It supports the position of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) and the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), both of which have made strong appeals to the Federal Government of Nigeria for financial intervention.

    “The Guild notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the poor state of infrastructure in the nation’s health sector and urges governments at all levels, to apply the lessons learnt from the pandemic to fix the nation’s healthcare delivery system.

    “In the same vein, the Guild frowns at the sudden spike in gender-based violence, especially rape and calls on law-enforcement agencies, the criminal justice system officials and other relevant bodies to consider gender-based violence as ‘special offences’ deserving of special attention, including expedited investigations and judicial process.

    “The distinguished professional body urges the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to set up a Special Investigation and Prosecution Team, trained and primed, to deal with gender-based issues.

    “The Guild notes that the Police play a major role in the course of investigation and prosecution of gender-based violence; therefore, the Police should be seen to be helpful and empathetic, not bullish and frustrating.

    “While expressing dismay at stigmatisation of victims of rape and allied crimes, it urges parents and guardians not to succumb to intimidation and societal scorn but to boldly speak out against such violence.

    “Recalling recent incidents of attack on media personnel, the Guild condemns the penchant of some State Governors to assume the role of judges in their own case, by arbitrarily harassing, assaulting and in some cases, detaining journalists. The Guild describes such predilection to impunity as unconstitutional, violation of individual rights and threat to the practice of journalism and freedom of speech”.

  • War against terrorism: Group chides unpatriotic media platforms over attempts to undermine military

    War against terrorism: Group chides unpatriotic media platforms over attempts to undermine military

    The North East Peace Agenda (NEPA) has lamented the worrisome attacks targeted at the Nigerian military by some media outfits despite the troops’ patriotism and sacrifices to rid the nation of terrorists and other criminal elements.

    The group said this unnecessary assault does not bode well for the restoration of peace and security that these institutions stand for.

    In a statement signed by National Coordinator, Ibrahim Bukar, on Wednesday, NEPA fingered Sahara Reporters to be at the forefront of this campaign.

    While acknowledging that Sahara’s mischievous alliance with foreign groups to rubbish the military isn’t new, Bukar said it reached an all new level with its recent outing.

    SR alleged that a routine change of guard in the Nigerian Army was informed by a decision to punish an erstwhile Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole for daring to demand for weapons to fight Boko Haram terrorists.

    The North East Peace Agenda, therefore, condemns Sahara Reporters for promoting mischief, falsehood and dishonest objectives with sole intent of ruining the gains so far made on the war against insurgency.

    The group strongly advised the Omoyele Sowore-owned outlet to find their missing conscience and quit following the direction dictated by its foreign financiers.

  • Lagos Explosion: Nollywood actress recounts loses, blasts government, media for ‘lying’ to people

    Lagos Explosion: Nollywood actress recounts loses, blasts government, media for ‘lying’ to people

    Nollywood actress, Nkiru Umeh has revealed she suffered losses to the Abule Ado gas explosion which destroyed properties and also claimed many lives.

    According to the actress, the explosion which occurred while they were in the church destroyed her beauty complex, her house, and cars.

    Her post reads; “My beauty complex and my house were directly opposite Bethlehem girls college and the explosion happened right in front of the school. Everything went down. I thank God for life.

    “Still in shock to even talk but my anger is that the media houses and the government are lying to the public. All the same. It is well. I will narrate on this more when am out of shock.

    “For now my hands are still shaking. God just showed me how special I am. How he loves my family, yes I lost 2 houses, 2 cars, all properties, clothes, shoes, AngelNikky Cosmetics goods worth close to 10m,” she said.

    “My beauty complex and everything inside worth close to 50m and of course my resident mansion and properties inside which only myself and whoever have been to my house can tell how beautiful it was. Should we talk about my closet? If you know AngelNikky you can imagine AngelNikky’s closet.

    “Fire took it. All it’s well is what I can say because I have my life, my husband, my children, my PA, my husband’s boys, we are all alive. By the grace of God, material things can be replaced. No one can replace life. Gratitude to God remains my attitude.

    “What’s left of my beautiful house. If you haven’t been to my house you might not really understand this. But again I thank God we were in the church. My boy and my PA miraculously escaped through the back fence that fell down though the boy got injured, but he is getting better,” she added.

  • We won’t gag Nigerian media over dissemination of fake news – FG

    We won’t gag Nigerian media over dissemination of fake news – FG

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has assured Nigerians there would be no censorship or coercion of any media organisation in the government’s fight against fake news and hate speech.

    Mr Mohammed gave the assurance when he featured on the NTA flagship programme: ‘ Good Morning Nigeria’ entitled, “Combating Damages of Fake News in Nigeria,” monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Abuja.

    He said the fight against fake news was a global trend with many technology companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp also involved in the fight globally.

    The minister added that the existing law would be strengthened and enforced to stem the tide of fake news and hate speech, adding that the law would be allowed to take its course.

    According to him, “The Federal Government will not censor, we will not coerce any media organisation, but we will allow the law to take its course.

    “The laws that are there today to take care of this scourge but I think the most important thing is advocacy in order to appeal to the sense of responsibility of ordinary Nigerian.

    “Many people think it is a joke, that is, it is just fun when they see pictures being manipulated but some people also are mischievous and they are deliberately misinforming Nigerians because they actually want to destabilise the polity.

    “We will not censor, we will not coerce, but we want to appeal to the every Nigerian that this is a national assignment and is in the interest of every one of us especially the media,’’ he said.

    Mr Mohammed said that the essence of launching the campaign against fake news was to sensitise Nigerians on its dangers and encourage everyone to get involved in the fight.

    He said, “fake news poses serious danger not just to the peace and security of a nation, but also it threatens the very corporate existence of a nation.”

    He also urged the media to always be sure of their sources, adding that even when story sources were identified, things that could divide the nation should not be emphasised.

    According to him, a country like Nigeria which is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, fake news laced with hate speech is a time bomb.

    “It is important for us to sensitise Nigerians and seek the cooperation of the media, in particular, in fighting the scourge of fake news.

    “We are also using tool of information available to us including using the National Orientation Agency and we have also spoken with the giant technological companies like Google, whatsApp, twitter and also Facebook.

    “I must say that it gladdens to see that technology companies are also aware and they are very worried about fake news.

    “Google has committed about 300 million dollars for the next three years to fight fake news, Facebook has taken out about 583 million fake accounts and twitter 70 million and WhatsApp has today come out with software to detect fake news.

    “Ones we get the support and cooperation of these tech companies and the media in Nigeria as well as everyone, we will be able fight this scourge,’’ he said.

  • Kenya arrests youth service chief after theft of funds – media

    Kenya arrests youth service chief after theft of funds – media

    Kenyan authorities have arrested the head of the National Youth Service as part of investigations into a 99-million dollars theft of funds, media said on Monday.

     

    In spite of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s pledges to stamp out graft when he was first elected in 2013, critics say he has been slow to pursue top officials.

     

    They added that only big-name convictions will break what they call a culture of impunity.

     

    Privately-owned Citizen Television and K24 TV said the youth agency official, Richard Ndubai, had been arrested, along with an unspecified number of officials.

     

    Kenyan media have said 10 billion shillings (99 million dollars) had been stolen through fictitious invoices, and multiple payments on one supplier invoice, at the NYS.

     

    The Media could not contact Ndubai, who is in custody, for comment, and was unable to immmediately trace contacts for his lawyer to seek comment.

     

    The reports have dismayed many Kenyans, particularly as they come in the wake of a 2015 scam at the agency, which aims to equip Kenya’s young people with key skills and help create jobs.

     

    Last week, investigators summoned more than 40 people, including Ndubai, for questioning over the lost funds.

     

    Kenyatta has blamed the slow progress in tackling corruption on the lethargy of some government agencies charged with rooting out graft. ($1=101.0000 Kenyan shillings)

  • We “cannot sleep with our eyes closed because of the media” – Lai Mohammed

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to the freedom of the press, saying the media has nothing to fear from the present administration.

    The Minister stated this in Abuja on Thursday when he received a delegation from the International Press Institute (IPI) on a courtesy visit to his office.

    “The media has nothing to fear from the government. But on the contrary, we are the ones that cannot sleep with our eyes closed because of the media,” he said.

    Mr. Mohammed, who said the government always takes criticism from the media in good faith, however, appealed to the media to be fair and constructive in its criticisms.

    “Like I always say, this government will never stifle the media. We take so many punches everyday from the media. We are not saying please don’t criticise us, do criticise us, but please do your own homework thoroughly also and be fair to us. That’s all we are asking. Please criticise us on facts and not on emotion,” he said.

    The minister said the present administration believes that democracy cannot thrive without a free press but noted that the media should report the government within the context of the daunting challenges facing the nation, most of which were inherited by the administration.

    He said the government is on a rescue mission, but noted that the rot of 16 years cannot be corrected within two and a half years.

    Mr. Mohammed said the administration succeeded in preventing a total collapse of the economy and has returned the country to the path of economic growth and sustainable development.

    He thanked the IPI for its confidence in Nigeria by granting the country the hosting right for its annual congress, saying the IPI World Congress 2018, scheduled for Abuja on 21-23 June, will give the government the opportunity to showcase its achievements to the international media.

    In her remarks, the Executive Director of IPI, Barbara Trionfi, said she is in the country to interface with media professionals towards the successful hosting of the forthcoming congress.

    She commended the government for its efforts towards promoting press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country, and tasked the media industry to look beyond business rivalry and competition in order to cooperate and promote the core values of journalism.

    Ms. Trionfi was accompanied on the visit by the Chairman of IPI Nigeria and Publisher of Media Trust, Kabiru Yusuf; former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Tonnie Iredia, and the Secretary of IPI Nigeria, Raheem Adedoyin, among others.

  • Herdsmen/farmers’ clashes: Nigerian media insensitive, promoting hate speeches – Presidency

    The Presidency on Friday expressed dissatisfaction towards the reportage of the recent clashes between farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Benue State.

    It also condemned the media for allegedly promoting hate speeches through it publication.

    The condemnation was made Friday by the spokesperson of President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu, while briefing State House correspondents.

    Mr. Shehu said the “growing lack of respect for journalism ethics and press laws in the Nigerian media, especially regarding the clashes in Benue State is very unfortunate”.

    He said the frequent expressions of hate speech published by newspapers, in news stories and especially in columns have become a source of concern to all Nigerians.

    “We want to state emphatically that a segment of the Nigerian media is sinking deeper and deeper into the mesh of hate speech in spite of repeated appeals by recognised and reputable media bodies, the Government and concerned Nigerians,” he said.

    “Unfortunately, self-regulation which is the norm in civilised societies has taken flight from many of our newsrooms.

    “For instance, a recent column published in a national newspaper (The Sun newspaper), said ‘‘President Muhammadu Buhari was the first to endorse the Benue massacre’’ on New Year Day. The same columnist described the Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali as ‘‘a dyed-in-the-wool Fulani irredentist who places trade over and above human life’’.

    “The diatribe went further to invite citizens of the country to arm themselves and fight each other. In addition, one of the newspaper’s Saturday headlines proclaimed: ‘Expect More Blood in Benue…’,” he said.

    The presidential spokesperson also said apart from the basic tone of respect expected from an individual who is “supposedly intelligent and educated enough” to know better since they have been granted space to write in a national newspaper, there is the risk of inciting the public to actions that will have gory consequences for the entire nation for generations to come.”

    He also reminded those “beating the gongs of war and fanning the embers of discord” to remember what prevailed in Rwanda before the genocide of the early 90s, during which hundreds of thousands of lives were lost as a result of consistent hate speech spewing from that country’s media.

    “We must learn to express our grievances and criticisms without resorting to gutter language or to name calling, and the press has a responsibility to maintain that even if it means calling their columnists to order,” he said.

    He also said Mr. Buhari, by the Constitution, has the primary duty of protecting life and property of all Nigerians, adding “and that is what he has been doing in Benue and across the country.”

    “Calling him a murderer is not only grossly disrespectful but unfair, especially when the President has written a letter to the Senate detailing his efforts to quell the crisis in Benue State, including dispatching the Minister of Interior and the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations for an on the spot assessment of the situation in the aftermath of the unfortunate incident; and receiving a direct briefing from the IG the following day”.

    Mr. Shehu appealed to the media to show more decorum and professionalism in the reportage of security and humanitarian situation in the country.