News
Threat: NUJ vows to hold Uba Sani responsible if anything happens to Vanguard correspondent
Following the threat to the life of Vanguard Correspondent covering activities in Kaduna, Alhaji Hassan Mahmoud Wuyo by the governor-elect and Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial district, Uba Sani, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kaduna State has vowed to hold him to account, if anything happen to him.
In a statement by the Council Secretary, Gambo Santos Sanga on Monday, the NUJ fumed at Uba Sani’s display of arrogance, impunity and a threat to Vanguard’s Correspondent’s life over an imaginary report, which he added that the NUJ Chairman in Kaduna also worked against his political interest.
The Council in the statement insisted on professionalism in discharging their duties and would never be a puppet of any politician, no matter the turn of events.
The council further demanded apology from the governor-elect over his unwarranted verbal attacks.
The statement read: “The attention of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, has been drawn to a letter of complaint by our member who is the State correspondent of the Vanguard Newspapers, Mallam Hassan Mahmoud over an alleged threat to his life by the Governor-elect of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani at purported media briefing in Kaduna on Sunday, March 26, 2023.
“At the supposed media briefing, the Governor-elect, Senator Sani allegedly accused Mallam Mahmoud of carrying negative stories against him and also said that the chairman of the NUJ, Kaduna State Council worked against his political interest during the just concluded gubernatorial and State Assembly elections in spite of his donating a vehicle to the NUJ last year.
“Considering the weighty allegations purportedly made by Senator Uba Sani and the threat issued to Mallam Mahmoud to remember what happened to the former Vanguard correspondent in Kaduna State, the NUJ wishes to state as follows:
“The Union and its members are professionals that hold dear to their social responsibility to the society by being fair, just, balanced and equitable in their reportage thus, would not deny any member of the public or politician access to information.
“At no time did the Chairman of the Council or any other official of the Union requested or directed its members on which politician or party to support owing to the ethics of the journalism profession that stresses balanced, fair and accurate reportage at all times.
“It is therefore important to state that the Nigeria Union of Journalists is a professional and non-partisan organisation which does not take sides with any individual or groups.
“The Union as a professional body is guided by code of ethics in the discharge of her social responsibility of entrenching and propelling equity, justice and fairness to all people irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliation.
“In this wise, the NUJ Kaduna State Council, wishes to state unequivocally that there was never a time the Council chairman adopted any politician as a candidate or projected any of the contending political parties against the others before, during and after the general election in the state.
“Based on the foregoing, the NUJ Kaduna Council therefore views the verbal attacks on her members as totally uncalled for, unwarranted, and most unfortunate, especially when considered against the backdrop of the fact that it purportedly emanated from someone considered to be a friend of the Council and Governor-elect.
“To this end, the Kaduna State Council of NUJ wishes to state and demand that nothing untoward must happen to our member, the Vanguard Newspapers correspondent, Mallam Mahmoud taking into consideration the way and manner his predecessor, Mr Luka Biniyat was intimidated, harassed and subjected to incarceration by the state.
“The Council therefore demand an unreserved apology to the NUJ, its State chairman and Mallam Mahmoud over the malicious allegations and the brazen humiliation and embarrassment as well as the perceived threat to the life of the Correspondent by the Governor-elect.
“Further more, Council reiterates her position to remain neutral in all political development in the state while reaffirming her genuine and continuous stand towards the promotion of unity, peace and justice in the state and beyond.
“In the meantime, Council enjoins journalists in the state to continue with their lawful duties without fear or hindrance as measures are being taken to guarantee their safety in liaison with the relevant security agencies in the state.”
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.
The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
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