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PIN decries clampdown on Press Freedom in Nigeria as Peoples Gazette faces shutdown  

Peoples Gazette noted the coordinated disruption of their service on all telecommunications networks in Nigeria.

Published

3 years ago

on

Peoples Gazette
Peoples Gazette logo

On the 27th of January 2021, Peoples Gazette released a statement calling on the government to restore the news platform for public access.

Peoples Gazette noted the coordinated disruption of their service on all telecommunications networks in Nigeria.

They claim this is a directive from the Nigerian government, specifically the Nigerian Communications Commission, to blacklist their web address alongside other domain names which is unacceptable.

In a statement issued on Friday, Paradigm Initiative (PIN), said that freedom of the press is one of the cornerstones of democracy, one that we must fiercely protect.

“Any attempt at shutting down the press is outrightly illegal and a violation of the freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without inference, protected by section 39 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria(As amended). It further dampens the fundamental objectives contained in Section 22 of the Constitution that gives the press, and other agencies of the mass media the duty to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government”, according to PIN’s message signed by Valery Njiaba, the communications officer.

“This administration, has in many ways proven to be against press freedom and internet freedom carrying out moves interpreted as a clampdown on democracy, in a democratic system.

“Paradigm initiative in its consistent commitment to protect and defend digital rights condemns in the strongest terms these acts by the Nigerian government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). We have engaged the NCC in the past on the same subject and we will continue to do so.

“We must continue to actively engage the system to preserve all the elements that make us a democracy. Our tool as a people remains the law and must engage the law for our country to work for us.

“Notably, the clamp down on the media in Nigeria continues because of the skepticism of citizens, institutions, and the victims of these violations to engage the judicial system to seek redress. All hands need to be on deck to push back on what has now become the government’s playbook in shutting down opposing voices. Paradigm Initiative and many other concerned organizations are willing to support platforms that are victims of government censorship to get judicial redress. We call on all meaningful Nigerians to support these efforts at curtailing the excesses of the government and its attack on the freedom of the press and the Internet.

“We equally urge the Nigerian authorities to respect and enforce their citizens’ right to access to information, the rights of freedom of expression and opinion as assured and protected by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution(as amended)”.

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Politics

Enugu State Government Flag Off Palliative Distribution In The State

Published

11 hours ago

on

April 25, 2024

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The Governor Of Enugu State, Peter Mbah has pioneered the distribution of food to the people of the state who are in dire need. He said this is in collaboration with the Federal Government to reduce the economic hardship in the country.

Via his social media platform, He wrote;

“Earlier today, we flagged off another round of palliative distribution in our state.

This is a collaborative effort between our administration and the federal government to cushion the effects of the economic hardship in the country.

I have directed the committee in charge of the palliative distribution to ensure that the items get to those in dire need of them.”

Here are pictures from the palliative distribution flag off.

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Politics

Governor Of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori Visits Fled Community Of Okuama, Calls Indigenes To Return Home

Published

6 days ago

on

April 20, 2024

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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has visited Okuama with an assurance for the safe return of the indigenes who fled the community in the wake of the crisis that ensued in the month of March.

The Governor who was accompanied by some government officials, reiterated that innocent citizens would not be made to suffer for what they know nothing about.

Recall that seventeen officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army were killed in Okuama community on the 14th of March, 2024, a development which made the people of the community to flee for fear of being attacked.

Recall we once reported how the stranded people of Okuama have been hiding and dwelling in the forest after the attack carried out the Nigerian soldiers who came for a peace call.
The Governor has now assured Indigenes to return as the community is safe for them.

The visit of the governor is coming one month after the killing of the military personnel.

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Finance

Immigration Office Place Ex Governor, Yahaya Bello On Watchlist While IG Of Police Withdraws All Police Officers Attached To Him

Published

7 days ago

on

April 19, 2024

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The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn all police officers attached to the embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

The order for the withdrawal was contained in a police wireless message. The document with reference number:

“CB:4001/DOPS/PMF/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.48/ 34 reads in part;“IG has ordered the withdrawal of all policemen attached to His Excellency and former Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. Acknowledge compliance and treat with utmost importance.

Please, above, for your information and strict compliance.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Immigration Service has placed the former governor on its watchlist.

This comes after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday, April 18, declared him wanted in connection to an alleged case of money laundering to the tune of N80.2bn.

From EFCC

In a circular signed by an Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, DS Umar, for the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, the NIS detailed the former governor’s name, nationality, and passport number.

From National Immigration Office

And read;

“I am directed to inform you that the above-named person has been placed on the watch list.

Suffice to mention that the subject is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court Abuja for conspiracy, breach of trust, and money laundering vide letter Ref; CR; 3000/EFCC/LS/EGCS.1/ TE/Vide/1/279 dated April 18, 2024.

If seen at any entry or exit point, he should be arrested and referred to the Director of Investigation or contact 08036226329/07039617304 for further action.” the circular reads in part.

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