In this report, our correspondent, UHUOTU OMILABU takes us through the disturbing challenges faced by communities following the destruction of their farmlands by herders and their cattle.
The pains bite more as the governor had signed the anti-grazing bill into law.
Do take a listen.
He started with an inspection visit to Methodist central school Ette, Ikot Abasi, Special Education Center, Uyo and Bishop Clarks Primary school, Abak.
This was followed by a meeting with Stakeholders drawn from Ministry of Health, Ministry of education and the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, to deliberate on the policy validation in the state.
Dr. GODWIN AKPAN disclosed that the Federal Government has in a bid to sustain the programme beyond the current administration, created the National Social Investment Programme Agency.
All the participating states in the programme have been encouraged to create a full Ministry, Agency or a Bureau to allow for continuity and sustainability of the programme in line with the directive of the World Bank, which is a major partner in the programme.
In Akwa Ibom State, the National Social Investment Programme office was domiciled in the office the Governor but supervised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
To this end, the Akwa Ibom NSIP focal person explained that creation of the Bureau will enable the State to fully benefit from all Federal Government Social Security Programmes, which will address the issue of out of school children, enhance effectiveness, reduce fragmentation, and tailor the budget while allowing for complementarities among the different MDAs.
He added that the Bureau, when created will serve, complement and collaborate with the State in its determination to create jobs as well as afford the state first-hand information about the Programmes and policies of the New Agency and also allow for effective collaboration with the Federal Government.
The police have arrested and began grilling the suspended Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Barr. Hudu Yunusa-Ari, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, over alleged impropriety during the April 15 supplementary governorship poll in Adamawa State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed to journalists that Yunusa-Ari and other suspects were in police custody and were being questioned.
“Barrister Yunusa-Ari, who was arrested by the Police Election Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Team in Abuja on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, is currently in police custody and he’s being grilled to ascertain the motives and motivations behind his alleged improper actions during the supplementary elections in Adamawa State.
“In addition, other officials and individuals culpable in the saga are being interrogated by the team.
“The Inspector-General of Police has given clear assurance that every individual involved/indicted in the matter will be apprehended and investigated in line with the provisions of the law for possible prosecution.
“The IG has assured of the commitment of the Force to ensuring that justice is served in this case and that all guilty parties are brought to justice.”
However, the suspended Adamawa REC was quoted to have said, in an interview with BBC Hausa prior to his arrest, that he had no regrets about announcing the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Aisha Dahiru, popularly known as Binani, as the winner of the 2023 governorship election Adamawa State.
He said, “I don’t have the papers with me here but both in the main and supplementary elections, Binani scored 428,173 while Fintiri got 422,303 votes.
“I have no regrets at all as I acted under the law; it is the law that warranted what I did and it shall absolve me.”
On accusations of receiving N2bn to pull off the electoral stunt, Ari told BBC Hausa that, “I never demanded any gratification from either of Binani or Fintiri. None of the duo sent anything to me; if they had done so, by now they will be demanding their money back.”
In an era where information flows like never before, Press Freedom Day is observed worldwide today, highlighting the indispensable role of independent journalism in upholding democracy, transparency, and accountability. This annual celebration serves as a reminder of the fundamental rights of journalists to report freely without fear of repression or censorship.
Across the globe, media organizations, human rights activists, and journalists themselves have united to commemorate the occasion and raise awareness about the challenges faced by the press in fulfilling its crucial mandate. This year’s theme, “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights,” underlines the importance of unrestricted access to information in the digital age.
Press Freedom Day encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to reflect on the significance of a free press and the necessary safeguards that must be put in place to ensure its continuous protection. It is a day to recognize the dedication and courage of journalists who risk their lives to bring crucial stories to light, often in dangerous and hostile environments.
In many parts of the world, journalists face a multitude of obstacles, including harassment, intimidation, violence, and even imprisonment, simply for doing their jobs. Attacks on press freedom undermine democracy and hinder societies’ progress, preventing the dissemination of accurate and unbiased information that is essential for making informed decisions.
The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of reliable and responsible journalism. In the face of the crisis, journalists played a vital role in disseminating accurate information, debunking myths, and holding authorities accountable for their actions. However, they also faced challenges such as the spread of misinformation and increasing attacks on their credibility.
On this Press Freedom Day, numerous initiatives and events are being organized globally to promote dialogue, awareness, and action to defend and strengthen the freedom of the press. It serves as a platform to discuss emerging threats to journalism, including digital censorship, surveillance, and the spread of disinformation.
Governments, media organizations, and civil society are called upon to uphold and safeguard the principles of press freedom. They are urged to protect journalists, ensure their safety, and promote an enabling environment that fosters independent journalism, free from political interference or economic pressures.
As citizens, we have a responsibility to support a free press by consuming news from reputable sources, engaging in critical thinking, and actively advocating for press freedom. A robust and independent media is the cornerstone of democracy, enabling us to hold power accountable and ensure transparency in our societies.
On this Press Freedom Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to defending the right to free expression and ensuring the unrestricted flow of information. By standing together, we can protect journalists, preserve press freedom, and safeguard the values that underpin our democratic societies.
Adebayo A. Samuel Writes from Uyo, Nigeria.
