Editorial
Restoring Sanity In Rivers NUJ
After several postponements, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, last Wednesday, January 19, 2022, elected new officers to pilot the affairs of the union for the next three years. The election, initially rescheduled for August 12, last year, was put off about six times following altercations emanating from the delegates’ list and quite a few other matters between the two opposing camps and their supporters.
It was indeed an exhibition of shame and humiliation as the 7th Triennial Congress of the Rivers State Council of the NUJ resulted in tragic disagreements among the contestants, ending in chaos and fisticuffs. Armed police teams were required to chase out journalists from their state secretariat when the conflicts between the candidates and their adherents thwarted attempts to conduct the polls. Amazingly, those in the pen profession who chastise politicians for failed elections were unable to organise ballot for themselves.
Finally, the poll was postponed indefinitely as journalists were initially denied the use of the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre for a few months. However, meetings at the request of the state Information and Communications Commissioner, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, were held where a truce was reached with the major warring factions. The “warlords” decided to go down in their differences and agreed to hold the elections.
Recall that the battle of August 12 began when the zonal national vice-president of the time, Edward Ogude, decided to conduct the election as part of the formalities of the triennial congress without National Secretariat approval. Also, some members of the union in the hall promptly questioned the credibility of the list of voters about to be used to conduct the election because the credentials’ committee failed to display the voter’s list for claims and objections.
After the clash of August 12, a new electoral date of January 13, 2022 was approved by the National Secretariat. However, the election saw a new change in date as a result of objections to the voter’s list. January 18 was finally approved after concerns arising from the voter’s register were resolved. The election began, but because of differences in the ballots, it was cancelled and postponed until the following day.
As watchdogs of society and the conscience of the nation, journalists should be blameless in their conduct. They should be obligated to society and exhibit high ethical standards in all ramifications. In a disconcerting way, what happened to the gentlemen of the press, particularly on August 12, at the NUJ office in Rivers State, was a radical departure from these standards. It was the last straw of indecency.
However, and most favourably, stability and cohesion were eventually restored within the union, which saw the cordial conduct of the recent polls. Specifically, we thank Nsirim for his inexplicable support that enabled a breakthrough in the whole peace process. A former Information Commissioner, Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke and the union’s Committee of Elders are also commended for their tireless efforts to negotiate peace.
With the election now over, there is a need to quickly put the outcome behind and hit the ground running. It is essential that the new State Council Executive headed by the Chairman, Stanley Job Stanley, builds on the resuscitated love, unity, and camaraderie among journalists in the state to move the union forward. He must begin a gesture of reconciliation to heal the deep wounds inflicted upon the minds of members and lead an inclusive administration.
Numerous issues bordering on constitutionality, membership, adherence to the Code of Ethics, and seniority in the profession, require the urgent attention of the State Council. Firstly, and henceforth, all members of the new executive must ensure that their actions and decisions comply with the provisions of the Constitution and Code of Conduct of the union. We must make sure they lead by example. Secondly, they must conduct themselves peacefully and respectably to achieve harmony and stability in the union.
The unwarranted confusion that engulfed the Rivers NUJ would have been prevented if journalists were competent in the provisions of their Constitution relating to the union’s elections. Unfortunately, most journalists do not have a copy of the very important NUJ grundnorm and have been practising without adequate knowledge of the rules. It is an invitation to crisis. This is an unacceptable trend that needs to be reversed.
Again, the authentication of union’s membership remains a hot issue, waiting to be addressed. Many people whose membership is questionable are often allowed to vote during elections, encouraging quackery. The acquisition of the requisite academic qualifications and the payment of professional dues or check-off are obligatory for membership. The Constitution says defaulters should lose their rights and privileges, or at best be reduced to nominal membership. The new executive would, therefore, have to disinfect the union by enforcing that provision of the union’s decalogue.
Unlike the legal profession where classification is guaranteed, the NUJ has become a union where seniority, both in age and in practice, is observed in the breach. There is no respect for the senior partners by their subordinates, a situation which has led to superiors withdrawing from union activities. Every professional organisation needs the guidance and wise counsel of its senior members and the NUJ cannot be an exception. The new state leadership and the national body must take action accordingly.
Having assumed office, Stanley and his executive must restore the integrity of the Rivers State Council of the NUJ by raising the bar of trust and confidence of the members and the public. They must distance themselves from fraud and embezzlement, the scourge of most previous administrations, which then brought them to their knees. Instead, they need to provide responsive and accountable leadership, as befits a union that is highly regarded as the mirror of society.
We need to realise that the NUJ is a professional body, not a political party with no threshold to a desperate thirst for power. Union representatives are elected periodically to promote the journalism course and, by extension, society. Unfortunately, members of the press seem to be tainted by the “stomach infrastructure virus” as an average Nigerian politician who sees elected office as a gold mine. This grotesque tendency is mainly responsible for the crises observed during NUJ elections across the country. This must stop if the union must move forward!
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made history by signing into law a bill that establishes the Federal Univer-
sity of Environment and Technology in Ogoni, Rivers State. This significant occasion marks a bold step forward not only for the Ogoni people but also for the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole. It signifies a commitment to education, environmental sustainability, and technological advancement.
For the Ogonis, who have long been impacted by environmental challenges, the university represents a beacon of hope. It is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a symbol of empowerment and a pathway to a brighter future. This development is akin to a seed, planted with the promise of a flourishing harvest of skilled professionals.
The university’s emphasis on environmental technology is extremely important, especially given Nigeria’s climate crisis. Education plays a crucial role in developing sustainable solutions. The institution will provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the environmental challenges affecting the Niger Delta region and beyond. This will have a momentous impact.
Signing the bill, the President praised the Ogoni people’s resilience and unity. He stressed that the institution would mark a “significant milestone in our national journey towards environment justice, education and sustainable development”. Tinubu said the university is a reaffirmation of his administration’s “unwavering commitment to the people of Ogoni, the Niger Delta and the nation as a whole. For decades, the Ogoni people have been at the forefront of fight for environmental restoration and sustainable development, shaping both national and global conversation of these critical issues.
“By signing this bill into law, we are taking a decisive step towards addressing historical grievances and creating new opportunities for learning, growth and prosperity. The university will serve as a centre of excellence, equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skill to tackle present environmental challenges, drive clean energy solutions and contribute to our national sustainable economic development.”
We commend President Tinubu for his visionary decision to establish the much-needed institution aimed at fostering development and progress. This initiative is a testament to his commitment to addressing critical social and economic knots and creating opportunities that will benefit the people. The President has laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth while demonstrating a genuine desire to empower and advance the nation’s collective interests.
In addition to his commendable action, we applaud Tinubu for initiating peace talks to bring stability and reconciliation to the troubled area. The decision to engage in constructive dialogue demonstrates a deep understanding of the relevance of inclusive governance and the role of peace in fostering meaningful development. For decades, Ogoni has endured turmoil and neglect, impeding its potential and the return of oil exploration activities.
By opening the door to peaceful negotiations, the President has made a bold and necessary move towards healing fractured relationships and fostering trust among stakeholders. This initiative holds the promise of ensuring that the voices and needs of the Ogonis are heard and respected. We urge all parties involved to seize this golden opportunity for lasting peace and progress. It is only through unity and mutual respect that the full potential of Ogoni, and by extension the nation, can be realised.
As steps are taken to acknowledge and remediate the damage caused by years of oil exploration and production, the Ogonis must reciprocate Mr. President’s gesture by fostering a climate of equanimity and stability. This will ultimately pave the way for the resumption of oil exploration and production. This is not a call to forget the past, but a pragmatic recognition that meaningful change and sustainable development require a collaborative approach.
The Federal Government has a responsibility to ensure that all academic disciplines offered by the new university are fully accredited to maintain the integrity and quality of the school. Without proper accreditation, the institution risks producing graduates who are ill-equipped to compete in the global workforce or contribute substantially to national development. Accreditation serves as a benchmark that ensures programmes meet academic standards and adhere to best practices across various fields of study.
Staff recruitment should be conducted carefully, as the individuals brought into a team can greatly influence an organisation’s performance, culture, and long-term success. The primary focus of recruitment efforts at the university should be on attracting the best candidates who possess the necessary skills, qualifications, experience, and values. Merit should be the guiding principle in decision-making throughout the hiring process, rather than favouritism or personal bias.
For a nation to thrive in the 21st century, a strong higher education system is not only desirable, but essential. Universities serve as the catalysts for innovation, the breeding grounds for future leaders, and the foundations of a knowledge-based economy. The Federal Government must acknowledge this vital role and take intentional actions to properly fund the university in Ogoni and develop infrastructure to ensure it meets international standards. Neglecting this responsibility would put its future prosperity and global competitiveness at risk.
This institution must not suffer the same fate as other federally-owned universities that have been left to decay. That will be a disservice to its purpose and potential. Many government-owned universities in the country have struggled with dilapidated infrastructure, underfunding, insufficient staffing, and interruptions caused by industrial actions due to unpaid wages or poor working conditions. These challenges have led to declining standards in education, putting both students and staff at a disadvantage. The Ogoni University must not be another victim of this worrying trend.
The initial announcement by United States President, Donald Trump, to cut funding for international
HIV/AIDS initiatives sent shockwaves through the global health community. In Nigeria, a country facing a significant HIV/AIDS burden, the potential consequences were dire. However, the subsequent waiver granted by the administration has provided a lifeline for the millions of Nigerians who rely on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for their treatment and support.
PEPFAR has been an important partner in Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS. Since its inception in 2003, PEPFAR has committed more than $7.8 billion to the country, catering to approximately 90 per cent of HIV treatment requirements. With this funding, Nigeria has been able to enhance its HIV prevention, treatment and support services and has witnessed a reduction in HIV/AIDS deaths.
The waiver granted by the Trump administration guarantees that PEPFAR’s life-saving medicines and medical services will continue to reach the needy. Antiretrovirals (ARVs) are the most common type of medicine used to treat HIV and reduce the virus’ spread. Through the provision of ARVs, PEPFAR helps prevent the spread of HIV and enhances the quality of life of those with the condition.
Although Nigeria was recently exempted from the requirement, the signs are evident: the country has to graduate from dependence on donor funds for its HIV/AIDS control programmes. Over the years, partners including the U.S. government have been central to the provision of treatment to people living with the virus. However, it is time for Nigeria to own its national response to HIV/AIDS.
Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS burden remains critical, accounting for 10 per cent of the global total. In 2023 alone, there were 75,000 new infections and 45,000 HIV-related deaths. The battle against Mother-to-Child Transmission remains challenging, with only 35 per cent of the target 75 per cent being met. Nearly 1.7 million Nigerian children have been orphaned due to HIV. Vulnerable populations, especially women and children, continue to disproportionately suffer.
To transition away from donor dependence, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Firstly, the country must increase its domestic financing for HIV/AIDS programmes. This can be accomplished through innovative funding mechanisms, such as leveraging public-private partnerships and exploring local revenue sources. Secondly, the government needs to strengthen its healthcare system to ensure equitable access to testing, treatment, and care. This involves expanding access to antiretroviral drugs, investing in community-based models, and addressing the stigma associated with HIV.
Thirdly, Nigeria must prioritise prevention efforts. This entails promoting condom use, providing comprehensive sexual education, and increasing awareness about the risks and modes of transmission. By focusing on prevention, the country can decrease the incidence of HIV infections and ultimately lessen the burden on its healthcare system.
Finally, Nigeria should develop a sustainable human resource strategy for its HIV/AIDS response. This involves training and equipping healthcare workers, engaging community volunteers, and empowering people living with HIV to advocate for their rights. A well-trained workforce is essential for delivering high-quality services and ensuring the long-term success of the response.
The transition beyond donor dependence is a complex but necessary journey for the country. By increasing domestic financing, strengthening healthcare systems, prioritising prevention, and investing in its human resources, the country can create a sustainable and effective response to HIV/AIDS. Also, the government should consider alternative funding mechanisms, such as increased domestic funding, public-private partnerships, and philanthropic initiatives. The time to act is now, for the well-being of present and future generations.
Nigeria’s National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has made momentous strides in combating HIV/AIDS, including expanding access to testing, treatment, and education. However, challenges persist, hindering the effectiveness of these efforts.
One major obstacle is limited access to healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas. This impedes timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the likelihood of optimal outcomes for those living with HIV. Additionally, stigma surrounding the disease remains a formidable barrier, preventing individuals from seeking testing and care. Inadequate awareness campaigns further contribute to low testing rates and delayed diagnosis.
Addressing these challenges requires concerted action by the government and stakeholders. Allocation of adequate funding is crucial to expand healthcare infrastructure and ensure the availability of essential services. Moreover, targeted interventions to reduce stigma and promote awareness are vital for increasing testing and early detection.
Collaboration between civil society organisations and grassroots movements is also essential for advocating for protection of HIV funding. Advocacy campaigns can mobilise public support and pressure lawmakers to prioritise the fight against HIV/AIDS. By addressing these challenges and ensuring sustainable funding, Nigeria can depend less on donor countries, drastically reduce HIV transmission, and provide the necessary care to those affected by the disease.
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