News

Amidst FCT-NUJ Election Imbroglio : Defending Integrity Against Baseless Allegations

Published

2 days ago

November 3, 2024

In the world of media and journalism, where words can build bridges or burn them, it becomes imperative to uphold facts, dignity, and professionalism. The recent commentary, “Who Wants to Set the FCT NUJ Ablaze,” unfolds as a classic case of misinformation, one that seeks to undermine the achievements and resilience of the NUJ FCT Council. As the saying goes, “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” Now, let’s lace up and set the record straight.

The article paints an image of chaos, alleging that the recent Congress was infiltrated by a “rented crowd” made up of so-called “beer gulpers” and “marijuana smokers.” This derogatory claim is nothing more than a cheap shot aimed at discrediting the council members and the diverse, respected professionals who make up our ranks. How convenient that those once seen as pillars of loyalty are now recast as miscreants, all because the winds of fortune have shifted. The idea that these professionals suddenly became hired troublemakers is akin to accusing a gardener of plotting against his own flowers—a laughable notion, if not so deeply insulting.

The accusations go further, suggesting that supporters of a particular candidate plotted to hijack the meeting, bringing bottles and weapons. However, evidence is conspicuously absent. Instead, these sensational claims bear the hallmark of desperate storytelling, where a dramatic narrative is prioritized over verifiable facts. “Empty barrels make the loudest noise,” and it appears that noise is being used to distract from the genuine accomplishments of the council.

The criticism directed at the newly constituted Credentials Committee reveals a selective understanding of democracy. The committee’s decision to elect its officers independently reflects not only a respect for our democratic processes but also an unwavering commitment to fairness and transparency. It is rich with irony that those who claim to value democracy suddenly bristle when it does not bend to their will. The parable of the sour grapes comes to mind here, where the real grievance is not procedural missteps but outcomes that fail to satisfy personal ambitions.

Biblical analogies are sprinkled liberally throughout the original write-up, likening committee members and supporters to villainous figures such as Nebuchadnezzar and Dagon. Yet, these references fall flat when scrutinized. Just as the ark of integrity stands firm, the NUJ FCT Council remains a sanctuary of ethical journalism. The story of King Solomon and the true mother serves as a poignant reminder: those who genuinely care for the union would never risk tearing it apart. The Credentials Committee, in its wisdom, acts as a guardian, ensuring that the union’s integrity is preserved.

The notion that the National Secretariat is complicit in a scheme to destabilize the council is speculative at best, and inflammatory at worst. The union has always operated with an eye toward unity, not division. The comparison to King Solomon’s wisdom should extend to understanding that the real goal is to nurture, not destroy. It is a peculiar form of criticism to attack the very body that has safeguarded the union’s interests and upheld the principles of its amended constitution.

Now, let’s address the allegation of selective constitutional application. The writer decries a supposed preference for Article 4 over Article 3, implying an inconsistency that does not hold up under scrutiny. The interpretation of constitutional provisions must always be contextual and holistic. Just as one cannot cherry-pick laws to suit a narrative, one cannot twist constitutional guidelines to serve a fleeting agenda. As any true scholar of governance would know, constitutional interpretation is a nuanced art, not a blunt instrument wielded in the service of ego.

What is truly disconcerting is the veiled threat that those who disagree are poised to “pull down the entire NUJ structure.” This rhetoric, laced with ominous undertones, does more to destabilize than any purported actions of the Credentials Committee. Wise elders, as the article rightly reminds us, do not burn down the clan simply because their views are challenged. It is time for all parties to adopt a mindset of constructive engagement rather than resort to divisive tactics.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approach to governance, marked by inclusivity and national healing, should serve as a model for us all. His appointment of individuals across the political spectrum demonstrates a profound understanding of leadership that transcends personal vendettas. The NUJ FCT Council, too, embodies this spirit, striving to represent diverse interests while upholding the highest standards of professionalism. If President Tinubu can extend a hand across party lines for the good of the nation, surely we can extend a hand within our ranks for the good of our union.

In closing, let us remember that the NUJ is built on the foundations of journalistic integrity, fairness, and accountability. The Credentials Committee, operating within the bounds of our constitution, is working to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process. It is the duty of all members to respect this process and the decisions that arise from it. As the adage goes, “When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends.” The Credentials Committee has friends in those who value truth and democratic principles.

To the skeptics and critics, we extend not disdain but an invitation: join us in building a stronger, more united NUJ. Together, we can weather any storm, guided by the light of integrity and the shared mission of advancing the noble profession of journalism.

Emmanuel Osuagwu

Public Affairs Analyst

News

No going back on forex, subsidy reforms – Finance minister

Published

22 mins ago

November 5, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, says there is no going back on the current administration’s reforms in the forex and oil and gas sectors.

Edun made this known when he received the newly assigned Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka Anitez at the Ministry’s headquarters, on Monday.

“Nigeria now have a foreign exchange rate that is market based and also a deregulated oil market pricing which are two reforms that are long overdue over many decades that President Tinubu is currently implementing.

“Therefore as co-ordinating minister of economy, we stand on a threshold of a new dawn to implement these reforms and increase productivity, create jobs and reducing poverty and we are glad to have a minister of state that will help in actualizing the President’s reforms,” he said.

According to him, consultation and collaboration is key to achieving these key reforms both from public and private sector, stressing that ongoing economic policies are showing sustainability and sign of success.

The Minister of State for Finance, in her response, restated her commitment to work with stakeholders in both private and public sectors to ensure economic growth is materialized.

News

Rivers: Fubara fond of disobeying judgements, – Amaewhule-led Assembly

Published

25 mins ago

November 5, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly in Rivers State said Governor Siminialayi Fubara has a penchant to disobey courts’ judgements and constitutional provisions.

This is as the lawmakers also vowed to make Fubara’s appointees and permanent secretaries aiding him to circumvent the law have their date with the law.

They stated this during their 65th sitting on Monday in the legislative quarters.

In a statement by Martin’s Wachukwu, Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, said the lawmakers reviewed the governor’s actions while deliberating on the recent judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.

The state legistators comnended the verdict of Justice J.O. Abdulmalik barring government from withdrawing from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State, until the 2024 Appropriation Bill is presented before a properly constituted Assembly describing it as a sound and well considered ruling.

The statement also pointed out that the Assembly on 15th July, 2024 deliberated and resolved on the continuous refusal of Fubara to present the 2024 Rivers State Appropriation Bill to the House.

The lawmakers then took the decision to write to the governor to shut down on expenditure pursuant to Section 122 of the 1999 Constitution.

Enabled by its resolution, the House and Amaewhule filed an action before the Federal High Court to determine whether Fubara could expend or continue to expend from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State without a valid 2024 Appropriation Law by the State House of Assembly.

The lawmakers prayed the court to invoke the consequences of such constitutional breach by ordering the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Accountant- General of the Federation, some Money Deposit Banks among other defendants to stop the release of moneys or permit the withdrawal of Rivers State funds until Fubara complied with the Constitution which he swore to uphold; and the court decided in favour of the House and the Speaker.

Commenting on the judgement, Amaewhule said, “Since 1st of July, 2024, Governor Fubara has been spending moneys of the State without approval hence the declaration of the shutdown of expenditure.

“Yet, the Governor in his characteristic manner of disobeying judgements of Courts, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and extant laws has continued to circumvent the Law with the aid of Permanent Secretaries, and some individuals who parade themselves as Commissioners. They will certainly have a date with the Law”.

News

NAF Airstrikes neutralize ISWAP commander, dozens of others

Published

28 mins ago

November 5, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Nigerian Airforce says its airstrike has neutralized 50 terrorists, including a high-ranking ISWAP commander known as Bashir Dauda, during an operation in Marte Local Government

Air Commodore Olusola F Akinboyewa, Director, Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force, in a statement on Monday night said the precision strikes focused on known ISWAP strongholds in the villages of Tumbun Daribiyar, Jubularam, Buluwa, and Tumbu Karfe, marking a major effort in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Nigeria’s Northeast.

It said an on-ground assessment confirmed that “approximately 50 terrorists, including a high-ranking ISWAP commander known as Bashir Dauda, were neutralized in the operation.”

” Additionally, an ISWAP supply depot in the Jubularam enclave, filled with a substantial cache of food and essential items like beans, millet, and rice, was destroyed, effectively severing a critical resource line for the terrorists.

“These successful air strikes, targeting personnel and logistics, underscore NAF’s ongoing commitment to supporting ground forces and enhancing joint efforts to decimate terrorist strongholds in the region,” he said.