Politics
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.
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.
At about 19:00 hrs local time on January 26, 2021, Peoples Gazette's website (https://t.co/wkUFy0ZN63) was hit by a coordinated disruption of service across all telecommunication networks in Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/mSOVfLGFtf
— Peoples Gazette (@GazetteNGR) January 27, 2021
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)”.
Politics
“Fuel Subsidy Removal Was A Necessary Action To Prevent Nigeria From Going Bankrupt” – President Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that fuel subsidy was removed to save Nigeria from going bankrupt.
In as much as the hardship in the country has taken a toll on both the rich and the poor, Especially the poor, President Tinubu has justification for the decision he took on fuel subsidy removal.
Speaking as one of the panelists at the ongoing World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, April 28, Tinubu said he was convinced it was in the best interest of the people.
He said;
“For Nigeria, we are immensely consistent with belief that the economic collaboration and inclusiveness are necessary to engender stability in the rest of the world.
“Concerning the question of the subsidy removal, there is no doubt that it was a necessary action for my country not to go bankrupt, to reset the economy and pathway to growth.
“It is going to be difficult, but the hallmark of leadership is taking difficult decisions at the time it ought to be taken decisively. That was necessary for the country.
“Yes, there will be blowback, there is expectation that the difficulty in it will be felt by greater number of the people, but once I believe it is their interest that is the focus of the government, it is easier to manage and explain the difficulties.
“Along the line, there is a parallel arrangement to really cushion the effect of the subsidy removal on the vulnerable population of the country. We share the pain across board, we cannot but include those who are vulnerable.
“Luckily, we have a very vibrant youthful population interested in discoveries by themselves and they are highly ready for technology, good education committed to growth.
“We are able to manage that and partition the economic drawback and the fallout of subsidy removal.”
As a Nigerian citizen, what do you think about the Government’s decision to avert bankruptcy by removing fuel subsidy?
Politics
Enugu State Government Flag Off Palliative Distribution In The State
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.
Politics
Governor Of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori Visits Fled Community Of Okuama, Calls Indigenes To Return Home
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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