Politics
Forum Wants Security For Reporters On Election Duty
A one day forum organised by Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Cosmopolitan in collaboration with Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State, has called for protection of news reporters on election duty.
The workshop tagged, “Conflict Resolution and Prevention” held at the State Secretariat of the NUJ in Port Harcourt recently also called for the need to use news reports to address potential conflict areas in the society.
President of Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Cosmopolitan, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, opined that journalists needed to be alert of hot bed in electoral conflicts as a way of securing their lives.
Speaking on the topic “How Do We Stay Safe When Reporting Conflict”, Mrs Semenitari warned that no story was worth a reporter’s life, as much as the actors are bent were in unleashing violence to newsmen.
She said, “If you are going to a war zone ensure you are protected. Report from a reasonable distance and remember that no story is worth your blood”.
Semenitari maintained that though the journalist played vital roles in resolving conflicts in society, she explained that covering sensitive issues such as election and war required fact, experience and carefulness.
She advised reporters to always double check and confirm their stories before publishing, noting that interviews and pictures must be duplicated for legal and security purposes.
On her part, News Editor of Wazobia/FM, Blessing Oluomo counselled journalists to make extra efforts in reporting events such that all those involved were well covered and represented.
Oluomo pointed out that words used in reporting a particular event can stir crisis hence caution must be exercised. Former General Manager of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mr Celestine Ogolo, harped on the need for fact confirmation.
Ogolo maintained that reporters had both moral and legal obligations and urged against compromise in coverage of issues.
On his part, Chairman of the State NUJ, Stanley Job, described the workshop as timely, considering the ugly experience journalists had gone through while covering elections. The State NUJ chairman expressed hope that the workshop would arm journalists with information on how to cover conflict areas such as war and elections in the country.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
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