The International Press Centre (IPC) Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), has frowned at the attack on journalists covering the Kano State Governorship Election petition tribunal.

Two journalists, Salim Umar Ibrahim of Daily Trust and BBC Hausa Reporter, Zahraddeen Lawal, were harassed by the men of the Nigerian Police Force at the venue of the tribunal, destroying their working tools.

Press Freedom Officer at I-CSPJ, Melody Akinjiyan, in a statement on Wednesday, quoted the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, as saying that the unwarranted attacks on journalists on legitimate duty is dangerous to the nation’s democracy and a major threat to press freedom.

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IPC said that the report has it that the Police who were on duty asked the journalists to move 10 meters away from the Court premises and in the process, some of them pounced on them, alleging that they were taking pictures.

He said: “IPC’s Centre for Safety and Protection of Journalists (I-CSPJ), is extremely dismayed by the reported police attack on some journalists who were in the court to cover the sitting of the Kano Governorship Election petition tribunal, today Wednesday, September 20, 2023.

“While some went after BBC reporter trying to seize his phone, others held Salim Ibrahim of Daily Trust and forcefully collected his phone, damaging the screen.

“The unwarranted attacks on journalists on legitimate duty is dangerous to our democracy and a major threat to press freedom. Such act violates the fundamental human rights of the journalists.

“We urge the men of the Nigerian Police Force to be mindful of actions they take against journalists and not continually create an environment where journalists would be afraid to work and discharge their duties effectively and efficiently.

“I-CSPJ therefore calls on the Kano State Commissioner of Police to take adequate and swift measures to bring to book those who assaulted the journalists while putting in place machinery to compensate the affected journalists for this inhumane treatment.

“We also call on the Nigeria Police Force to step up the training of its officers to be more respectful and courteous in relating with journalists and other media professionals. They should be reminded constantly that the primary responsibility of the Police is the protection of citizens including journalists,” he said.

Enugu state chapter of the National Association Of Nigeria Nurses And Midwives, NANNM, has given the Management of the Enugu state Teaching Hospital, parklane, a 15 day ultimatum to clear the six months salaries of one hundred and fifty (150) nurses employed by the state’s owned teaching hospital.

This was contained in a letter sighted by Daily Gazette which was addressed to the Chief Medical Director, ESUT Teaching Hospital parklane, on Monday and signed by the State Chairman of the group, Comrade Innocent Ejike Ezema and the secretary, Comrade Joy Laeticia Chukwu.

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The letter reads in parts;

“Sequel to the acute shortage of nurses in the hospital due to constant relocation of our nurses to overseas and federal establishments in search of greener pastures, the hospital management sought for and got the approval of Enugu State Government for the employment of 150 nurses through an open advertisement. The interested candidates submitted their applications and interview was conducted and successful nurses were selected and offered appointment letters.”

“These nurses resumed work since March 2023 and since then, all of them have been consistently punctual at work. Some had to leave their families and relocated to Enugu and have been working without payment of any salary.”

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“In May 2023, there was Bio data capturing exercise during which they were captured together with other health workers who were employed including the Doctors, but to our utmost dismay, the Doctors were selected and paid leaving the nurses to suffer even till now. Their condition of work has become unbearable such that many of them are heavily indebted and can no longer borrow to come to work.”

“In the light of this distress, they have consistently planned to protest but were prevailed upon to exercise patience for the new government to act on it. Recall that these nurses were employed to rescue the hospital from the acute shortage of nurses that was already jeopardizing the nursing care services very seriously ”

“Our Prayers therefore are:
1. That the hospital management should pay the newly employed nurses (150) their salaries without further delay.

2. That these salaries should be paid completely with arrears of six months for which they have worked and subsequently be paid alongside with the older staff”

“Be notified therefore that after 15 days from the day this ultimatum was served and hospital management has not paid all of the 150 nurses, the entire nurses will withdraw their services as injury to one of us is injury to all.”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to join the police in investigating the cause of death of the young music star, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, also known as Mohbad.

In a statement by the state Commissioner of Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso, the governor called on anyone with information that might assist in the investigation process to step forward and share what they know.

He also urged the investigating team to guarantee the safety and anonymity of all witnesses who come forward with vital information.

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The statement read, “The Lagos State Government has noted the developments that have followed the death of music star Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba (aka Mohbad).

“The government commiserates with his family and fans. We feel the pains of losing such a talented and promising young man, who made a name for himself in a highly competitive industry. May the Almighty grant his soul rest and comfort his bereaved family and fans.

“Following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive, the police in Lagos State have launched a major investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the young star. A 19-man police panel has been asked to unravel the mystery of the musician’s death.

“Further to this and to boost the investigation, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to join the investigation and widen the dragnet with inter-agency collaboration and use of best in class technology to unearth the truth.

“Mr. Sanwo-Olu has directed that all those who may have played any role whatsoever in any event leading to the death of Mohbad be made to face the law after a thorough investigation.

“Consequently, Department of State Services (DSS) has also joined the investigation so as to get justice for the youngster, his family and teeming fans.

“The Government pleads with all those who may have vital information that may assist the investigation process to avail the investigating team with such.

“Government also appeals to the investigating team to guarantee the confidentiality and protection of all witnesses who may come forward with vital information or indicative evidence that may assist the process.

“The government appeals to all friends and fans of the deceased to stay calm and refrain from making inflammary utterances and reaching prejudicial conclusions on this matter. Staying calm and following the process keenly will be our most solemn tribute to the memory of the departed talent.

“Besides, the grieving family should be allowed to mourn their loss in peace. It is, indeed, a difficult time for us all – the government, the family and MohBad’s fans. Any action that can aggravate the grief should be avoided.

“The Police and the DSS have been admonished to brief the public on their efforts periodically.”

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Revd Henry Ndukuba, has said that a new Nigeria can only be born with a new constitution.

Ndukuba made this known while delivering his address at the just concluded 14th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion at St Mark’s Anglican Church, Nnewi Ichi, in Nnewi-North local government area of Anambra State.

He said only a new constitution for Nigeria would reinforce true federalism, and grant states more powers to address local challenges and drive development initiatives.

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The primate said to address the pressing issues and lay a solid foundation for a stronger future, Nigeria must embark on the arduous, but essential task of crafting a new constitution that reflects the aspirations and values of all people and cultures.

“One is convinced that what we need is a totally new Constitution made by a sovereign representation of the Ethnic Nationalities of this country.

“The new constitution must reflect the Nation’s identity and diversity and be a unifying force that recognizes and protects our diversity. Nigeria is a diverse and dynamic nation that has seen significant progress over the years, but it also faces numerous challenges.

“The current constitution has limitations that hinder the nation’s growth and stability. So, what Nigeria needs now is a new Constitution as the foundation for a stronger future,” he said.