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APC Condemns Edo State Government’s Harassment of Media
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council wishes to address the recent controversy surrounding the burrow pits in the Obagie N’ Evbosa axis of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
Authoritative sources have confirmed that these pits, traditionally operated by the Palace of the Benin Monarch, were allocated by the Edo State Government to a private individual. This decision has sparked significant concern among the people of Edo State.
We are aware that the Edo State Government’s decision to reverse its allocation was largely due to the public outcry following the exposure of this information by an online medium. The dissemination of this information to the public has been instrumental in prompting the government to reconsider its position.
The APC Campaign Council commends the role of the media in bringing such issues to light, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
However, we strongly condemn the subsequent actions taken by the Edo State Government to harass the publisher of the online medium. The reported threats of court orders, alongside the involvement of the Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), are unnecessary and constitute an attempt to intimidate and suppress the freedom of the press. Such actions are counter-productive and undermine the principles of democracy and free speech.
The appropriate course of action for the government, if it believes it has been misrepresented, is to issue a rejoinder or formal response to clarify its stance. Resorting to intimidation tactics only serves to distract from the core issue under reference, and raises further questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
It is pertinent to note that this incident is not an isolated one but part of a broader pattern of anti-people and anti-Palace policies executed by the current Edo State administration. The allocation of communal resources to private individuals without adequate consultation and transparency is indicative of a governance style that prioritizes personal interests over the welfare of the citizens.
The APC Campaign Council calls on the Edo State Government to uphold the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability. We urge the government to respect the role of the media in society and to desist from actions that are direct and deliberate attempts to stifle free expression. The government should focus on addressing the genuine concerns of the people and implementing policies that promote the common good.
As we approach the gubernatorial election, it is crucial for the citizens of Edo State to be vigilant and informed about the actions and policies of those in power. The APC remains committed to advocating for the interests of the people and ensuring that their voices are heard.
The Edo DSS should not be a tool in the hands of Edo state Government to witch-hunt and harass innocent citizens on trumped up accusations. The Nigeria Police, Edo State Command should also not get itself involved in taking compromised position on issues such as the one under reference.
In conclusion, we reiterate our condemnation of the harassment of the media and call on the Edo State Government to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to intimidation. We stand firm in our commitment to holding the government accountable and ensuring that the rights and interests of the people of Edo State are protected.
It is for this reason that we call on all Edo voters to support and vote for the aspiration of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC, to usher in a new lease of life for the overall good of the people. This high level intimidation, harassment and threat must stop, and DSS must live within the bounds of law and order.
The Senator representing Taraba Central, Manu Haruna white washed officials of NAFDAC for poor budget presentation during 2025 budget defense on Friday.
In a video, Senator Manu a former Deputy Governor of Taraba State opened the underbelly of NAFDAC on improper presentation of figures in the outlines.
He pointedly told the officials that the presentation was designed to mislead senators.
Watch video below:
The Kano State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tajo Othman, who was recently in the news for returning N100 million excess fund to the state government, has revealed the reason behind his action.
The commissioner while addressing newsmen in Kano on Friday said his action was influenced by the state governor’s “exemplary leadership style,” adding that in an ideal situation, leaders are always a pace setter for others to follow.
He said he did not expect Governor Kabir Abba Yusuf to reveal the act to the public, but the governor chose to do so during the flag-off of the free uniform distribution to encourage the future generation to be transparent.
He said, “In an ideal governance setting, the leader is a pace setter for others to follow. We have seen the governor’s body language and as such we fall in. That is what exactly happened. it is the wish of the governor that everybody should be as transparent as possible.
“He is a transparent governor and therefore we should be transparent as well. I never expected the governor to go public with it, but I believe the reason behind his announcement is indeed genuine.”
The commissioner added that as the head of the committee for school uniform distribution, the state governor entrusted him with the task and advised the committee to execute it to the best of their ability.
The commissioner who was a retired customs officer was in the news when the Governor Yusuf publicly commended him for returning N100 million in unspent funds from a N2 billion budget earmarked for the production of 798,000 uniforms for pupils of primary 1 in the state.
A new global survey report from Ipsos and Google has shown widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools among Nigerian online population.
The study, tagged: “Our Life with AI: From Innovation to Application,” surveyed 21,000 people across 21 countries, and observed that global AI usage has jumped to 48 per cent and excitement about its potential now exceeds concerns (57 per cent vs. 43 per cent, up from 50 per cent / 50 per cent last year).
According to the report, in Nigeria, AI adoption and enthusiasm are even higher, as 70 per cent of the Nigerian online population used generative AI, surpassing the 48 per cent global average. Moreover, 87 per cent are excited about AI’s potential and see its benefits outweighing the risks.
Analysing the report, President of Global Affairs, Google & Alphabet, Kent Walker, said: “AI is starting to deliver magic at scale, making people’s lives easier and better. The survey results show the more people use these tools, the more excited they get about the possibilities and about the personal, professional, and scientific breakthroughs on the way.”
The survey results indicate that optimism about AI is growing within the surveyed online community in Nigeria. Key findings from the survey, show that among survey participants in Nigeria, 70 per cent reported using generative AI in the past year, which is significantly higher than the global average of 48 per cent. A substantial 87 per cent of Nigerian respondents feel that AI’s potential benefits outweigh the associated risks, suggesting a strong belief in the positive impact of AI. A significant 81 per cent of surveyed Nigerian adults believe AI will positively change the economy.
Furthermore, 90 per cent of the survey respondents in Nigeria anticipate AI having a positive impact on science and medicine, demonstrating the widespread belief in the potential of AI to drive progress in these sectors.
According to the report, Nigeria’s online population demonstrates a higher level of excitement and adoption of AI when compared to other regions. The survey indicates: Nigeria is among the top countries in terms of AI usage and excitement about its potential.
This contrasts with more cautious sentiment in some European and North American countries.
The report also said the Nigerian online community saw immense potential for AI in science and medical advancements:
“A significant 90 per cent of survey respondents expect AI to have a positive impact on science and medicine. This is one of the highest rates globally, highlighting the strong anticipation of breakthroughs in these fields through AI,” the report said, and onlinerd that the population in Nigeria recognised AI’s potential to enhance personal and professional development:
“Many believe AI can make people’s lives better by boosting productivity and providing access to resources. Within the Nigerian online population surveyed, there is a prevailing sentiment that supports the fostering of AI advancement rather than restrictive regulations. This suggests that those surveyed are keen to embrace innovation,” the report further said.
The survey results highlight the strong enthusiasm and optimism of the surveyed online population in Nigeria about the role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly in the economy, healthcare, and scientific advancement. The findings suggest that Nigeria’s online community is among the most enthusiastic globally about the transformative potential of AI.
Google has been pursuing AI boldly and responsibly for years. In 2018, Google was one of the first companies to establish AI Principles grounded in beneficial use and avoidance of harm. Two years ago, it unveiled its opportunity agenda, which shard concrete recommendations for governments to ensure AI benefits the broadest range of people possible.
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