News

Activist Olisa Agbakoba labels EFCC as ‘terrorists

Published

5 hours ago

October 18, 2024

By Francesca Hangeior

Renowned human rights activist and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has sharply criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling the agency a “terrorist organization.”

He was speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s morning show on Friday.

Agbakoba accused EFCC operatives of abusing their powers to bully and intimidate Nigerians.

“They are terrorists… they are terrorizing us… intimidating Nigerians with their powers,” Agbakoba stated during the interview, expressing frustration over the agency’s conduct.

Agbakoba’s comments add to his longstanding criticisms of the EFCC.

Recently, he wrote letters to both the Senate and House of Representatives, questioning the constitutional legitimacy of the EFCC’s establishment by the Federal Government.

He has argued that the agency operates outside the framework laid down by the Nigerian Constitution, further exacerbating concerns about its overreach and alleged misuse of authority.

The former NBA President’s remarks come amid growing public debates on the conduct of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, with many questioning whether these institutions are adhering to their mandates or operating with unchecked power.

Agbakoba’s criticism underscores ongoing calls for reforms and greater oversight of the EFCC.

News

Deputy Speaker Mourns New Telegraph Photojournalist, Liberty TV reporter

Published

3 mins ago

October 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has expressed sadness over the demise of Mr. Elijah Olaluyi, a photojournalist with the New Telegraph Newspapers.

Until his death on Thursday evening, Olaluyi covered the activities of the House of Representatives with zest and professional integrity.

Kalu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, extended his sincerest condolences to Olaluyi’s family, the publishers of New Telegraph, the House of Representatives Press Corps (HoRPC) and the entire membership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) where the deceased belonged to as a member.

The Deputy Speaker recalled that Olaluyi practiced his career with utmost decency, displaying unassailable photographic skills, guided by the fine ethos and ethics of journalism profession.

According to him, Olaluyi, having covered the parliament for since 1999 had acquired institutional memory while documenting the House proceedings pictorially.

Kalu said that Olaluyi will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues and all who knew him.

He however said that the photojournalist will be remembered by the string of legacies he left behind.

Similarly, the Deputy Speaker also commiserated with the Senate Press Corps over the death of Malam Mohammed Adamu, a reporter with Liberty Radio and Television who passed on early hours of Wednesday.

While praying God to give the families and the people who knew them the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses, Kalu also asked for the repose of the souls of the departed.

News

Despite Sinwar’s death, the war is yet to come to an end-Israeli PM

Published

41 mins ago

October 18, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Killing Yahya Sinwar is Israel’s biggest victory so far in the war against Hamas in Gaza.

His death is a serious blow for Hamas, the organisation he turned into a fighting force that inflicted the biggest defeat on the state of Israel in its history.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, praised the soldiers and made clear that however big a victory, it was not the end of the war.

The remaining hostages are not free and Hamas is fighting and sometimes killing Israeli troops.

A year of war has killed at least 42,000 Palestinians and left much of Gaza in ruins

Source: bbc.com

News

NUJ FCT Council Elections: Group Calls for Fair and Transparent Process

Published

59 mins ago

October 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of the inauguration of the Credentials Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council on Saturday, 19th October 2024, which is expected to oversee the election of a new leadership, an advocate group under the auspices of Make A Difference Initiative (MAD) has called for a level playing field to ensure a peaceful transition.

The group, known for promoting justice and equity, has urged journalists in Abuja to set an example for the political class by conducting elections free from manipulation, rancour, or crisis.

According to the group, this can only be achieved through a leadership committed to the collective good of the union, protecting members’ interests, and resisting undue influence from self-serving individuals or groups.

In a statement signed by Executive Director of MAD Initiative, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, the group placed the responsibility of ensuring a fair electoral process on the incumbent chairman, Patrick Osaretin Osadebamwen, and his executive team.

He therefore urged them to create a conducive environment that allows all aspirants and voting members to participate freely and without intimidation.

“It is our hope that Osadebamwen will seize this opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by managing the process with transparency, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the union’s values”, the statement read.

MAD Initiative also called on the NUJ National President, Comrade Christopher Ikechukwu Isiguzo, to closely monitor the process and offer timely guidance to the FCT Council leadership if necessary.

The group concluded by expressing its hope for a smooth, peaceful transition that reflects the true will of the union’s members.

The NUJ FCT Council election is seen as an important opportunity for journalists in the nation’s capital to demonstrate that credible elections are possible, even in challenging environments.