Politics

Polls: NUJ Tasks Officials On Neutrality, Decorum

Published

9 years ago

March 18, 2016

The Nigeria Union of
Journalists (NUJ) has charged critical stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure that the rerun elections scheduled for tomorrow across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State are seen to be free, fair and credible by all standards.
In a statement in Port Harcourt, and made available to The Tide, yesterday, the Zonal Secretary, South-South of NUJ, Opaka Dokubo, particularly urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to acquit itself creditably by being fair and firm in dealing with all parties in the contest, and in strict adherence to its rules and guidelines.
Dokubo said that “while we see reason for the massive security deployment to the state for the election, we cannot but implore them to strictly keep to their security duties, and completely stay away from the electoral process”.
The statement expressed grave “dismay that politicians in the state have engaged more in demonizing their opponents in their campaign messages rather than dwell on what and how they intend to better the lot of the people.
“We, therefore, appeal to the political elite in the state to change their rhetoric, and assume a conciliatory posture in speech and in action that will engender peace and harmonious co-existence before, during and after the elections,” the NUJ said.
Dokubo also tasked all journalists in the state to maintain the highest level of professionalism and neutrality, and avoid the temptation of being drawn into the political fray, adding that the political atmosphere in the state was already at boiling point, accentuated by the unwholesome activities and unguarded language of the political class.
“We must, therefore, consciously not add to the raging inferno by being at our professional best in the coverage and reportage of the election,” the statement noted, emphasizing that “as journalists, our reports must continue to be unbiased, balanced, fair, factual and conflict-sensitive.”
The NUJ further implored journalists covering the elections to prioritise their personal safety and security as they go about their lawful duties.
Similarly, the Rivers State council of the NUJ has called on all stakeholders to comport themselves in such manner as is befitting of a people seeking the best for society, urging journalists to avoid anything capable of fanning the embers of discord and rancour.
In a statement in Port Harcourt, yesterday, the state Chairman, Omoni Ayo-Tamuno, and Secretary, Soibi Max-Alalibo, the union admitted that while nobody wants to lose any election, “it is imperative that we accept as a fact that only one winner must emerge at the end of the contest”, and advised politicians not to see the elections as a “do or die affair”.
The union urged journalists covering the elections to be conscious of “the fact that at no time is their ability to report dispassionately needed than the period of imminent crisis, which the March 19 rerun elections portend,” it also urged them to be neutral while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
The statement called on security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the electorate before, during and after the polls, and further charged the leadership of INEC to ensure that its staff understand and appreciate the fact that only strict adherence to the dictates of their duty as unbiased arbiters can exonerate them from partisanship, and make the outcome acceptable to all.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana

Politics

Gov Alia Appoints TuFace As Adviser

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2025

The Tide

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appointed Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as TuFace, as his Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.
In a viral video on Wednesday, Governor Alia praised TuFace for all the support towards his administration.
The Governor stated that TuFace can do more.
He stated, “On behalf of the Benue State Government and our very good people, we want to give you some more responsibility plus the ones you have been doing because you have the capacity to do some more and help us chart a way forward to improve other people’s lives and to gain more from your wisdom and advice as well.
“So, I’m pleased to announce that we will make you a Technical Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment and Community Outreach.”

Politics

Oborevwori, Okowa Dump PDP For APC

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2025

The Tide

Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, confirmed the development in a telephone conversation with The Tide’s source.
Similarly, the defection of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was announced on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, following a meeting that lasted over six hours at the Government House.
Senator Manager said all PDP members in the State, including the Governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, and all local government chairmen, had agreed to join the APC.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.
The decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Governor Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was received by senior APC officials in what political analysts are already describing as a strategic realignment with far-reaching implications ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Politics

Speakers Conference Tasks FG, Governors On Wanton Killings

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2025

The Tide

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau, Borno, Benue, Niger State and most recently, Kwara State, calling on the federal and state governments to take urgent steps to stem the tide.
Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundoyin, stated this in a statement issued in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rt Hon. Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said the gruesome killings had led to tragic loss of lives, widespread displacement, and unimaginable trauma for thousands of Nigerians.
“We are alarmed by the escalating insecurity in the land and the seeming helplessness with which these attacks are met. The time for mere condemnation and rhetoric has passed; urgent and coordinated action is now required at all levels of government to end these bloodbaths and restore peace and order.
“While we acknowledge that defence and national security fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government, we must stress that every level of government bears responsibility for the security and welfare of the people. State governors, in particular, must rise to the occasion and fully understand that governance is not limited to road construction and ceremonial functions. True governance is rooted in the protection of lives, the preservation of order, and the alleviation of suffering,” he said.
He called on state governments to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making and enforcing enabling laws for community policing and other grassroots-driven security models.
According to him, States must develop proactive frameworks that integrate local intelligence, social support systems, and youth engagement in the fight against insecurity.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to meaningfully engage the citizenry and introduce bold, practical measures to cushion the hardship caused by its current economic policies.
“Millions of Nigerians are groaning under the weight of inflation, unemployment, and a cost-of-living crisis. It is imperative that relief initiatives—targeted, transparent, and impactful—are rolled out without delay. Dialogue, not distance, must define the relationship between the government and its people at this critical time.
“The Conference of Speakers affirms its commitment to supporting all legislative actions necessary to restore security, promote justice, and foster inclusive governance across the country. The killings in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Kwara, and any part of Nigeria must not be allowed to continue unchecked. Justice must prevail, and peace must be restored.
“Let it be known: the safety, dignity, and well-being of every Nigerian must remain the top priority of all arms and levels of government,” Rt Hon. Ogundoyin said.