Politics
MOSOP Makes Case For Killed, Injured Journalists
The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), has called on governments at all levels to pay compensation to families of journalists who have been killed or attacked in the course of carrying out their legitimate assignments.
MOSOP hailed journalists in the country for their doggedness and resilient spirit in the discharge of the duties despite repeated attempts to weaken them by some government forces and overzealous security agencies.
President of MOSOP, Legborsi Pyagbara, who stated this in a statement against the backdrop of the ‘World Press Freedom Day’ however,charged journalists to always adhere to the ethics of their profession.
Pyagbara in a statement issued by the acting Publicity Secretary of MOSOP, Sunny Zorvah however, commended journalists for staying committed to the ideals of the noble profession.
The statement reads, “As the world today, May 3, 2019, observes Press Freedom Day, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, congratulates journalists all over the world and particularly commends the Nigerian Press for their doggedness and resilient spirit in carrying out their difficult tasks.
“We celebrate the gentlemen of the pen fraternity and members of the Forth Estate of the Realm, who have, in spite of the odds, remained committed to their call and ideals of the noble profession.
“It is regrettable that rather than making an improvement in our (Nigerian) records in providing safe and free environment for the media to operate, the country, from the latest global statistics, has dropped steps down on press freedom.
“Undoubtedly, Nigerian Press have continued to play vital role in the development, peace and stability of the country, and most be commended for that. Regrettably, they have also continued to be cowed, muzzled and unnecessarily attempted to be weakened by some government forces and overzealous security operatives.
“MOSOP frowns at efforts by individuals, institutions and governments at all levels to silence the media, which provide proper ventilation of public opinions and give voice to the defenseless peoples, particularly, the minorities and indigenous tribes across the world.
“We, however, use the opportunity to call on all journalists and media professionals in Nigeria and the world over not to be deterred or allow themselves to be gagged by oppressive forces but to recommit themselves to upholding the professional ethics or tenet of the profession, which include objectivity, balanced reporting.
“May we also commend the steps taken by the leadership of the Nigerian press to checkmate and address the issue of quackery.
“The Movement calls on governments all over the world to ensure total press freedom and provide unhindered opportunities to journalists to carry out their work. We also urge the authorities concerned to compensate all journalists and media workers, who, in course of carrying out their legitimate assignments, have been attacked, abused and killed.
“For us in the Movement, we will continue to partner with the press on enlightening and mobilizing the citizens and masses, as well as advocating for justice and respect of the people’s fundamental rights, which are parts of the focal commitments and objectives of our struggle and for which the press also stand.
“The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, under the able leadership of Comrade Legborsi Pyagbara, uses this year’s Word Press Freedom Day to renew her commitment to pursuing justice, freedom from all forms of oppression and intimidation of the people, including the Press,” the statement said.
Dennis Naku
A grassroots organisation known as Sir Siminalayi Fubara Peace Initiative, Friends For Good Governance, has passed a confidence vote on the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara over his development strides in the state within a short time in office.
Apart from the numerous development projects embarked upon by the governor in the state, the body expressed delight over the recent payment of N85,000.00 minimum wage to civil servants in the State to reduce the economic burden of workers and their dependants.
Spokesperson of the organisation, Chief Felix Ologara, who addressed newsmen in Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area described Governor Fubara’s administration as the most compassionate, peace-loving and labour-friendly in Nigeria.
Coordinator of the NGO, Comrade Felix Nnaa, also lauded the governor of Rivers State for staying focused on the development of the state despite the challenges by detractors of his administration.
The NGO also commended the newly elected local government chairmen in the state, particularly the chairman of Khana LGA, Hon Martin Nwigbo and his Tai counterpart, Hon Mathew Dike for modelling their leadership style after Governor Fubara’s in providing essential services to the people.
On his part, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Hon. Martins Nwigbo, who also spoke with the press assured that his administration will give priority attention to the development of Khana, particularly in providing security, economic empowerment, human capital development and restoration of power in the area.
Former President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Atuboyedia Obianime, has called for a people centred governance in Nigeria.
Prof. Obianime said this at the Rivers Liberation Summit and Awards organised by the Ijaw Wari Initiative Worldwide in Port Harcourt.
He said projects execution are good but government must come up with policies that will create employment opportunities for the people.
The former INC president particularly urged the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, to revive all moribund industries with the view to creating jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the state and stressed the need for the revamping of the agricultural sector in the state.
Also speaking, a former chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Dr Sam Sam Jaja, said the Ijaws will never surrender their rights for any reason.
“We know where we come from and we know where we are now; we know the battle we fought and we know the battle we are still fighting and one thing is very important among us, we will never surrender our rights for any reason”, he said.
Dr Jaja said the Ijaws have been known to fight against oppression and marginalisation and commended the Ijaw Wari Initiative for complementing the INC.
“What we are doing today is to honour Ijaw sons and daughters who deserve to be honoured and of course we have one of our elderly sons to tell us what we have done in terms of pursuing leadership”, he added.
He also described the Ijaws as symbols of leadership, adding: “it starts from us and it will continue to remain with us for a long time”
Dr Jaja also declared that with an Ijaw man at the saddle of leadership in the State, the people will see a new phase of governance, adding that areas neglected will be touched, while expressing optimism that the event would equip the participants to face the challenges ahead.
In his welcome address, the president of Ijaw Wari Initiative Worldwide, Somina Wokoma, said the event was to “commemorate the October 30th, 2023, failed attempt to impeach our dear Governor which marked a turning point in our democratic journey”.
“As we converge on this epoch making occasion, we celebrate the triumph of democracy, people oriented leadership and the resilience of Rivers people”, he said.
John Bibor
A non- governmental organisation in Rivers State, the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force ( (NDPVF), Opobo/Nkoro Chapter, has tasked Chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas of the State to urgently focus on aggressive infrastructural and human capital development projects.
This is contained in a statement released by the group in Port Harcourt shortly after her Chapter Executive Council ( CEC) meeting in Opobo Town, and signed by its Coordinator, Commander Idawari Brown; Secretary, Comrade Success Dinne Ebranga and Public Relations Officer, Comrade Lucky Ubani.
The group urged the chairmen and councillors to be proactive in the discharge of their assignment of dispensing quality service delivery in their areas of jurisdiction and admonished them to follow the leadership example of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“There is need for the Chairmen of various Councils in the state to ensure that they emulate the leadership style of the governor by building bridges of transformation, human capital development and youth inclusiveness in governance of their LGAs”, the statement said.
The group further admonished the chairmen of the various councils and their Councillors to put in their best in the leadership of their local areas for the well-being of the people.
“The people are in dire need of your contributions for better development bridges in terms of even distribution of development projects and programmes that will have direct- bearings on the people’s welfare and lives.
“They should include those who have what it takes to develop the areas through their contributions to move the area forward developmentally.
“We urge the chairmen of various councils and their councillors not to appoint anybody on political patronage in order to siphon the treasury of the councils.
“We would not tolerate this lackluster attitude from any council chairmen Councillors. The real thing should be done through those with leadership expertise and are ever ready to join forces with them to build a pleasant and virile Local Government Areas administration for posterity.
By: Bethel Toby