News
Gov’s Aides Brutalise Journalist
Barely two months after a journalist, Solomon Bassey of Community Shield Newspapers was beaten to stupor with his shirt torn to shreds by security operatives of Governor Godswill Akpabio at a reception for Information Commissioner, Aniekan Umanah in Abak, another, Paul Uffot of the same outfit has suffered a similar fate.
This time around the stage has shifted to the country home of His Excellency, Chief Godswill O. Akpabio, Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government during the funeral of his uncle, late Dr. Edward Udoh Akpabio, interred weekend.
The journalist had joined the myriad of individuals to condole the governor when a team of plain cloth security operatives numbering over five swooped on the poor man as he was kneeling down before the governor and bungled him out of his presence.
The unfortunate journalist would have been bungled completely out of the venue but for timely intervention of some individuals who pleaded that at least he be allowed to stay in the venue.
Perhaps, moved by this height of professional hazard, the governor now beckoned on the overzealous dark glassed security agents to allow him to see him.
Even though he survived the onslaught, but not without having his entire clothing ruffled which made him almost like a mad man in appearance, quite different from other guests.
Other journalist who watched the melodrama were not only speeches but wondered why Akpabio’s aides have formed the habit of molesting journalists at their whims and caprices without the governor putting a stop to it.
A man who shared the same sentiments with the journalists who preferred anonymity could not help but wondered why politicians would use journalists when they are canvassing for position and dump them a moment they achieve their ambition.
The man who swore that he would never allow his son to be a journalist in his life, blamed it all on poverty.
According to the journalist in question who was ruffled to the hair, the governor later apologised, saying he was not the one who sent them.
But this, to the audience was medicine after death.
Speaking earlier, the governor announced that the Ukana Clinic built by the deceased has been taken over by the state government.
He thanked the guests who had put aside one event or the other to sympatise with him and advised that no matter the travails one might be passing through he should thank God.
Akpabio described his uncle dying at 82 as a ripe age, especially when considering the fact that he underwent no fewer than three open heart surgeries in his life time.
The burial took the form of a political rally as who is who in Akwa Ibom politics were present.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
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