News
Nigeria @65: NUJ-FCT Demands Urgent Action on Insecurity, Press Freedom, Journalists’ Welfare
By Gloria Ikibah
As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has raised fresh concerns over insecurity, press freedom and the welfare of journalists, warning that the nation’s democracy is under threat if urgent reforms are not carried out.
In a strongly worded statement signed by NUJ-FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, the Council lamented the continued insecurity across the country, citing the tragic killing of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a promising young journalist, as evidence of the dangers media professionals face.
“It is the constitutional duty of the government to protect the lives and property of its citizens. Yet, the senseless and avoidable killing of our colleague, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a rising star in Nigerian journalism, tragically underscores the reality: insecurity remains a pressing crisis,” Ike said.
The Council said it was difficult to celebrate independence when citizens lived in fear and journalists continued to be “hunted or silenced”.
It called for urgent reforms including community policing, consideration of state policing, and investment in modern surveillance such as CCTV in major cities.
“The Minister of the FCT and relevant security agencies must rise to the occasion and act, not with words, but with results,” the NUJ added.
The Union stressed that journalists must not be treated as enemies of the state, noting that they play a vital role in strengthening democracy.
“Journalists are not enemies of the state, they are the lifeblood of democracy, risking their lives daily to tell the truth, amplify the voices of the people, and hold those in power account.
“Their safety and welfare must be seen as national priorities. We demand: Improved working conditions; Fair remuneration and Psychosocial support for journalists exposed to trauma and danger,” the statement read further.
While restating its commitment to ethical journalism anchored on truth, fairness and the public interest, the Council insisted that the burden of protecting the press should not fall on journalists alone.
It therefore urged government, civil society and the private sector to work together in defending press freedom and strengthening democracy.
Describing Maduagwu’s death as a “national disgrace”, the NUJ-FCT vowed that her sacrifice must not be forgotten.
“Sommie’s death is not just a personal loss; it is a national disgrace. She returned from abroad to serve her country with passion and professionalism. Her blood must not spill in vain. Let her memory ignite a renewed national commitment to protect journalists and confront insecurity with urgency and sincerity,” the Chairman added.
Marking the Independence anniversary, the Union also reminded Nigerians of the dangers of a silenced press.
“On this Independence Day, we call on Nigerians to remember that democracy dies in silence; and silence thrives when the press is unprotected.
“Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Long live the Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council”.
Ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, have arrived Ibadan, Oyo State capital, ahead of the National Summit of all opposition parties.
Ex- governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso, alongside other opposition heavy weights, are expected in the summit.
They are being hosted by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Atiku, one of the opposition leaders jostling for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the 2027 election, posted the video of his arrival on his Facebook page.
In the video, a large crowd of supporters were seen welcoming the former vice president to Oyo State.
They are being hosted by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Atiku, one of the opposition leaders jostling for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the 2027 election, posted the video of his arrival on his Facebook page.
In the video, a large crowd of supporters were seen welcoming the former vice president to Oyo State.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Delta State chapter, has threatened legal action over alleged attempts to forge and backdate resignation letters of party members who defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The PDP Chairman in the state, Mr. Peter Mrakpor, while revealing the move, described the allegation as fraudulent and a clear breach of due process, warning that those behind it would be held accountable.
He confirmed that none of the defectors followed proper procedure by submitting resignation letters to their respective wards before leaving the party.
The PDP chairman further disclosed that the party is prepared to pursue legal action against any individual found culpable in the alleged scheme.
Despite the wave of defections, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) maintained that the PDP in Delta State remains united and structurally strong, expressing confidence in the party’s continued stability across the state.
The attempt to forge and backdate resignation letters is not only illegal but a desperate move that will fail. None of those who defected submitted resignation letters to their wards before the mass defection,” he said.
Just weeks ago, the PDP demanded that the APC state chairman, Chief Solomon Areyinka, vacate the PDP secretariat he occupies immediately.
The PDP further warned that the Delta State Government, which it accused of aiding the occupation, should note that the property’s Certificate of Occupancy remains in the PDP’s name and has not been revoked.
It accused the state government of complicity in what it described as the “illegal and unconstitutional” occupation of its state secretariat by the APC.
The party vowed to explore “every legal avenue” to reclaim the property, especially as some defectors who left for the APC as far back as April 2025 were still allegedly using the party’s bank accounts.
The PDP stated that the secretariat, located on WAEC Road, off Mariam Babangida Way, Asaba, was acquired in its name, with all documents bearing the party’s insignia.
The PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Chief Kingsley Akpos Oturubo, said the secretariat was built long before the APC came into existence as a political entity. He described the situation as unprecedented, noting that the APC already maintains a separate state office on Anwai Road.
“Where in this country does a political party have two secretariats in a state?” the statement read. “Chief Solomon Areyinka should know that he is now a member of the APC. The PDP secretariat and all the assets of the party did not defect with him to the APC.”
The statement linked the government’s actions to the PDP’s National Leader, Nyesom Wike, and his pledge to reclaim the party’s mandate in the 2027 elections.
“The state government is doing everything possible to dismantle the structures connected to the PDP National Leader,” the party alleged.
Describing the situation as “an invitation to anarchy,” the PDP called on security agencies to take note. It warned that Chief Areyinka and the state government would be held responsible for any breakdown of law and order.
We have already alerted the relevant anti-graft agencies to apprehend these fraudsters,” the statement added.
The party appealed to its faithful to remain calm, while insisting that the ruling APC must accept constructive criticism and abandon any dream of a one-party state in Delta.
Subscribers of MTN Nigeria have started receiving airtime credits from the telecom operator as compensation for poor quality of service experienced in January 2026.
The development became public after several users shared notifications on the social media platform X, showing that their lines had been credited with different amounts.
One of the messages sent to subscribers read: “Dear Customer, your account has been credited with N341 airtime for quality of service issues in January 2026. Thank you for your understanding.”
Findings indicate that the compensation varies across users. While some reported receiving over N300, others claimed they got smaller amounts such as N20 and N91, though these could not be independently verified.
As of the time of filing this report, it remains unclear whether all affected subscribers have received the airtime credit or if the process is still ongoing in phases.
The move follows increased regulatory pressure on telecom operators to improve service delivery and address persistent complaints from subscribers across the country.
Industry observers believe the action is linked to directives from the Nigerian Communications Commission, which requires operators to meet minimum quality-of-service standards and, where necessary, compensate customers for service lapses.
MTN had earlier signalled its readiness to comply with such directives, while also committing to further investment in network infrastructure to improve service quality nationwide.
However, the company has yet to provide details on the total number of subscribers affected or the criteria used in determining the compensation amounts.
Telecom service delivery has remained a major concern in Nigeria, with many users frequently complaining about dropped calls, slow internet speeds and network outages.
Regulators have in recent years intensified oversight of telecom operators to ensure compliance with service benchmarks and consumer protection guidelines.
Compensation measures such as airtime credits are part of broader efforts to rebuild trust among subscribers and enforce accountability within the sector.
Analysts say while the current compensation may offer temporary relief to affected users, long-term improvement in service quality will depend largely on sustained investment in infrastructure and efficient network management.
Victor Osimhen cleared to face Fenerbahçe in Istanbul derby
Ex-VP, Atiku, Amaechi, other stakeholders land Ibadan as opposition leaders hold summit
Delta PDP threatens Court action against APC defectors over alleged forgery
-
News23 hours agoWike Appoints Musa Idris As Senior Special Assistant On Procurement
-
News22 hours agoWoman Accused Of K!lling Her Two Ex-husbands Hours Apart
-
News9 hours agoCourt bars police, FRSC from imposing fines over third-party insurance
-
News9 hours agoMeta Platforms, Microsoft Announce Over 16,000 Job Cuts As AI Spending Surges
-
Metro9 hours agoPolice arrest woman for refusing to return N2,000 mistakenly sent to her
-
Metro9 hours agoDismissed Nigerian Soldier, Two Others Arrested For Car Snatching In Kaduna
-
Foreign9 hours agoHow I was diagnosed with prostrate cancer — Netanyahu
-
Sports22 hours agoArteta gives updates on injured players ahead of Newcastle clash