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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”.
The South West Zonal meeting and press conference of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has showcased newly elected chairmen from the six states in the region.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Abosede Busayo Oluwaseun, Osun ADC State Publicity Secretary (Elect), on Saturday after the meeting held at Ibadan Business School in Old Bodija, Ibadan.
According to the statement, “the meeting formally presented the chairmen who emerged through a credible and transparent processes following the party’s recent State Congresses conducted earlier in April across the South West states.”
Participants at the meeting expressed appreciation to Rauf Aregbesola for his leadership in overseeing the activities of the Zonal Executive Committee.
The party also commended other zonal leaders for their contributions, noting that their efforts had strengthened internal cohesion within the ADC in the region.
The statement praised the conduct of the congresses, describing them as smooth, transparent and credible under the guidance of the National Secretary and the National Chairman, David Mark.
It added that “the outcome of the congresses reflected the party’s commitment to internal democracy and due process in its organisational structure.”
The meeting noted that “the ADC had continued to witness growth, with members from the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party and New Nigeria Peoples Party aligning with the party.”
According to the statement, “the growing support base reflects a shared commitment among members to address challenges facing Nigerians under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to restoring governance and economic opportunities to citizens, stating that its policies would prioritise the welfare of the common people.
It also emphasised its resolve to “enhance the safety of lives and property across the South West, with a focus on addressing kidnapping and armed banditry.”
The party called on citizens in the region to join its ranks, urging members to intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance.
Opposition political leaders are converging in Ibadan, Oyo State, for a national summit aimed at strengthening unity and coordination among political parties, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo listed as chair of the meeting.
Multiple reports on Saturday, as monitored by our reporters, showed that leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party and other political parties were gathered in the Pacesetter State.
The summit, to be held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, is themed “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” with organisers describing it as a response to Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges.
A statement said that the meeting is serving as a strategic response to the “socio-economic and security challenges currently facing the Federation,” while confirming Obasanjo as chair and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as host.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar confirms his arrival in a post on his Facebook page, writing, “I have just arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the National Summit of all opposition parties.”
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, also says, “Excited to arrive in Ibadan… ready for meaningful engagements with fellow national leaders.”
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Lagos State 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, are among early arrivals.
The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening opposition cooperation and charting a coordinated political direction ahead of future elections.
According to the Cable, Former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, and a former member of the House of Representatives, Usman Bugaje, are expected to speak on the challenges of sustainable democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
A former resident electoral commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mike Igini, will present a paper on ensuring free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria, while Pat Utomi, professor of political economy, will discuss building a productive, dynamic and efficient national economy for Nigeria.
Kabir Adamu, security and intelligence expert, will examine “the tragedy of widespread insecurity in Nigeria”.
Organisers say the event is widely viewed by opposition figures as an important move toward building consensus and positioning a credible alternative ahead of future electoral cycles.
Rotimi Amaechi, with the former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Nasiru Gawuna were also in attendance.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress, in a separate post on X, alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress was planning to disrupt the summit.
“We have uncovered plans by the ruling APC to disrupt the summit being held by the opposition parties in Ibadan, Oyo State, today, the 25th of April.
“After denying us the use of venues in Abuja, they now will not leave us alone to hold our meetings.
“They say they are not scared, but they are behaving like people who are terrified. But we will not be deterred, because we are on the side of the Nigerian people,” the post read.
Online correspondent reports that the APC had yet to respond to the allegation. Efforts to reach the party’s spokesperson, Felix Morka were unsuccessful as of press time.
ADC in a separate post also noted the presence of Rotimi Amaechi with the former Deputy Governor of Kano State Nasiru Gawuna, and other senior members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement at the Summit for Opposition Party Leaders.
“The summit sets the stage for a strategic tightening of ties between key political blocs,” the coalition party stated.
The Cable
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.
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