News

Ganduje Tasks Editors To Be Conflict Sensitive

Published

5 years ago

June 2, 2021

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has declared open 2021 Nigerian Guild of Editors Biennial Convention, themed “The Media in COVID-19 Era: Challenges and Opportunities,” with a charge on editors to be conflict sensitive.
Describing the event as an opportunity to look into national development as it relates to media practice, he urges that, “It is very important at this time that we should use the media for the promotion of peace and stability and change the viewpoints that could alter public views and sentiment toward a more peaceful resolution of our multi-faceted current crises.”
Adding that, “If and only if we as a nation are interested in peace and harmony, we must reject hate propaganda machinery. In the main, this is a time Editors should be conflict-sensitive about our nation.”
He observed that, crossing of redlines by some media organisations in recent times has impacted on the nation’s unity, harmony and integration.
Urging that, “Our brave, collective pursuit in uniting this nation, underscores the fact that for as long as we have a common purpose, we will find no obstacle big enough to stop us from marching on. The media and particularly our gatekeepers have a role to play in this regard.”

While urging media to ensure looking into social responsibility aspect of their practice for national development, he maintains that, the call for freedom of the Press, observance of ethical standard must also be seen to be respected.
Ganduje also said that his government took bold steps in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic to a standstill, adding that the development was informed by the priority placed on the health of the people.
According to him such measures includes prevention, curative and palliative in line with the NCDC guidelines adding that if such measures were not quickly put in place, ,the consequences of Covid-19 on the people of the state would have been detrimental.
He said Kano was one of the states that took the Covid-19 pandemic very seriously and tackled it squarely in a manner which earned it commendation from the National Center for Disease Control NCDC.
Ganduje charged the Media to imbibe the theory of Social Responsibility especially in the reportage of issues concerning health.
The governor decried the misuse of press freedom by Journalists in the area of fake news and advised that they reflect on the true state of the nation.
Ganduje who assured the Guild of the safety of the state asked that as the watchdog of society,it is expected to live above board in the conduct of its election.
He told the Editors about his government ‘s numerous projects, and programmes as well as the appointment of members of the Press into key positions in his administration.
Prof Umar Pate, Vice Chancellor Federal University, Kashere, commended Ganduje’s effort in maintaining good working relationship with the media.
He explained in clearer terms that fake news now affects media credibility and development. He therefore called on media practitioners to stick to ethical standard and also follow suit in using technology, as it is obtained presently.
Present at the event were, former governor of Ogun state, Chief Aremu Olusegun Osoba, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Prof Umar Pate, former Presidents of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), former and serving Presidents of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), among many other captains of the media industry.
Delivering his address, the President of the Guild, Mustapha Isah brought the challenges of press freedom in the country to the front burner.
Isah wondered if there was indeed press freedom in the country as recent clampdown on media houses recently by the National Broadcasting Commission NBC suggested the contrary.
“ It is rather unfortunate that Nigeria has consistently retrogressed in the Global Press Freedom Index since 2005 To think that this is happening in a democracy makes it more worrisome.
“ Yes, the 1999 Constitutiion gives the media the responsibility to hold the government accountable to the people. That means our duty is to ask pertinent questions about governance on behalf of the people and unearthed what the government is trying to hide.
“ This is what creates the friction between the government and the media.but government’s resort to self- help through arrest of Journalists and clampdown on media houses are not the solution.” he said.
The president spoke on fake news attributing the menace to the advent of the social media.
While he noted that the social media was not completely bad, he said its abuses were important for immediate solution through government and requisite agencies with service providers.
Isah said that practitioners of fake news” are not members of the NGE as members are trained Journalists and responsible gatekeepers”.
On the State of the Nation, the guild president described the prevailing insecurity in the country as frightening saying too many lives have been lost.
He said while it was the responsibility of the government to secure lives, it was incumbent on the guild to liase with security agencies through the provision of credible information on the activities of criminals.
However, a new Executive Committee to pilot the affairs of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) for the next two years has emerged.
This is the outcome of the Guild’s 2021 Convention held at the Tahir Guest Palace Hotel, Kano, last Monday night.
In a keenly contested election, devoid of acrimony and rancour, in which 241 delegates from various parts of the country voted, the incumbent President, Mustapha Isah was returned.
He scored 176 votes to defeat Victoria Ibanga, who got 54 votes; just as Ali Ali emerged Deputy President unopposed.
Samuel Egbala got 132 votes to beat Sheddy Ozoene, who scored 88 votes for the position of vice president, East.
Bolaji Adebiyi emerged as VP West with 151 votes; beating Ken Ogbechie, who garnered 80 votes.
For the position of VP, North, Habibi Nuhu emerged unopposed, just as Iyobosa Uwugianren was elected unopposed as General Secretary.
Assistant National Secretary’s position was clinched by Austeen Elewodalu, who got 126 votes; to beat Rose Moses, who got 86 votes.
Steve Nwosu won the election as Treasurer with 150 votes. Catherine Agbo scored 51 votes while Juliet Chinda Njiowhor scored 26 votes.
Others are Social/Publicity Secretary, with Eze Anaba winning with164 votes; while Chooks Oko got 53 votes.
For the two positions of Standing Committee Member, East, Ngwuoke Ngwuoke and Boma Nwuke we’re returned unopposed.
Fir Standing Committee Member, West, Onuoha Ukeh got 174 votes; Gabriel Akinadewo scored 174 votes; Woke Shogunle got 172 votes; and duly elected while Abimbola Tooki who got 61 votes, lost the election.
For Standing Committee Member, North, Umoru Ibrahim got 202 votes; and Gbenga Adeshina got 113 votes to emerged victorious while Mark Amarere scored 99 votes.
Earlier, the 2021 Biennial Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) had kicked off in Kano with about 300 delegates.
Malam Sule Yau-Sule, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano.
Yau-Sule disclosed that more than 278 had so far registered as against 250 expected by the committee, adding that more participants were being expected before the end of the day.
“People are happy with the peaceful atmosphere of the state, that is why the turn out is every impressive,” he said.
According to him, the challenges they are facing now is over shooting of expectation and they are able to take care of it.
The LOC chairman described the theme of the convention: “The media in COVID -19 Era: Challenges and Opportunities” as very apt and timely, and urged media practitioners and journalists to make use of the presentation to their advantage.
NAN reports that the NGE convention would last from May 31 to June 2, 2021.
It is the first to be hosted in Kano.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

2 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor