As the people of Delta State join the rest of Christendom in Nigeria and worldwide to mark the Easter, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state has urged the people to remain hopeful as ultimately the irregularities that thwarted the people’s will be unraveled.
In his Easter message issued through a press release signed by Sunny Areh, Omo-Agege’s Chief Press Secretary, the Deputy President of the Senate said the season should be celebrated in an atmosphere of calm and positive expectations.
“As Christendom celebrates the most important event in the salvation of mankind – the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – we are reminded of the route taken to secure our salvation,” the Omo-Agege stated in his message.
“When our Saviour was on His earthly assignment, Christ’s traducers sought to scuttle his mission not knowing that by their actions, they had become part of the divine road map. At the end of it all, the best efforts of the Redeemer’s traducers fitted into the divine plan to make the salvation of the world not only accomplished but also wholesome.
“There is a lot of lessons to be drawn from this given the disappointment that followed the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial election in Delta State. As you celebrate the Easter, I urge everyone to remain calm and positive. Your well-being and the future of your children that you invested by voting for me will surely be realised.
“As the Resurrection completed the divine work of salvation, my prayer is that the Almighty who has unquestionable control over our lives will continue to guide, protect and uphold you in all your endeavors”, Omo-Agege stated.
He wished Nigerian Christians, especially Deltans a memorable and rewarding Easter celebrations.
Signed:
Sunny Areh
Chief Press Secretary to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege

Ede Dafinone: Symbol of a new Delta – Omo-Agege
Chief Ede Dafinone, the Senator-elect for Delta Central senatorial zone, has been described as the symbol of a new Delta State in his ability to confront and defeat the old order.
In his birthday message to Dafinone who is 61 years today, the Deputy Senate President and governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, said the Senator-elect has the dogged spirit, inventiveness and drive needed to build a new Delta.
According to a press release issued by Sunny Areh, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Senate President, Ede Dafinone was extolled for his humility, strong character and for imbibing the will to serve.
“As a chartered accountant of international repute, Chief Ede Dafinone humbled himself and carried on with his great father’s call to service. Chief David Dafinone, his father, was a second republic distinguished Senator and raised a Guinness Book of Records recognized family of accountants, lived a life of service.
“When a son holds aloft the lofty ideal of service, he is a pride not only to his family but to the society. The Senator-elect has become a symbol of what any individual, society or nation can achieve even in the face of enormous forces that stunt development”, Omo-Agege stated.
He said that by defeating the ruling party in Delta State to emerge Senator-elect, “Ede Dafinone proved that our fight to wrestle the State from the hands of forces of retrogression can be won.
“I am proud to be a brother, friend and associate of a man with such vision and drive. I am confident that when he is inaugurated into the National Assembly, Nigerians will see a man bubbling with ideas on making the nation greater”, he said.
Omo-Agege urged him to gear up for the tasks ahead which “goes beyond revving up the law making machinery in Abuja, but also being part of building a new Delta State”.
In the February 25, 2023 election, Ede Dafinone who flew the APC flag defeated the field of contestants to emerge Senator-elect in Delta Central senatorial zone.
Ede Dafinone started his career in 1984 with Touche Ross & Co in London and joined the family firm in Lagos in 1989. His experience spans audit and consultancy in a variety of industries.
Ede Dafinone was appointed the Chair of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation in 2015 and was a one time Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group (MANEG).

Report of kidnapping on Abuja-Kaduna Road false, misleading.
A report published today by a newspaper, alleging that bandits kidnapped scores of citizens on the Abuja-Kaduna Highway is false and misleading, as no such incident occurred on the highway which straddles five LGAs across Kaduna and Niger states.
An excerpt from the inaccurate report with the headline ‘Bandits Abduct Travellers On Abuja-Kaduna Highway’ reads:
“Scores of travellers were abducted after bandits opened fire on motorists in Iche community, some few kilometres away from Kagarko town along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.”
Contrary to the above, reports received from security agencies and the Kagarko Local Government Council indicated that armed men barricaded the Gwaje village axis of the Kagarko-Jere Road on Wednesday 5th April 2023, and kidnapped an unspecified number of occupants from two vehicles, a Volkswagen Golf Wagon (Reg No. LGT228XA) and Volkswagen Passat (Reg No. FSK556AV). The vehicles were subsequently found empty.
The coordinates of the scene of the incident (Gwaje village) are 9°29’34″N 7°39’18″E, which give a location nowhere close to, or even off the Abuja-Kaduna Highway as reported.
From available facts, the incident did not occur at Iche as reported by the media. The description which gives Kagarko town as being along Abuja-Kaduna highway is likewise inaccurate.
The Kaduna State Government expresses its displeasure over the misleading piece of reportage which has unfortunately gained undue traction on social media and beyond.
The Government views inaccurate and misleading reports as a major disservice to the campaign against banditry being prosecuted by officers and men of security forces, at the risk of their very lives.
The Kaduna State Government is following up closely with security agencies on all issues regarding security and safety of citizens.
Signed
Samuel Aruwan
Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State.

KDSG Easter Message, 2023
Malam Nasir El-Rufai has, on behalf of the Kaduna State Government, sent a message of felicitation to the Christian faithful on the occasion of Easter. The governor congratulated the Christian faithful on the completion of Lent, during which the faithful engaged in acts of fasting.
Easter commemorates events of monumental significance embodied in the example of sacrifice set by Jesus Christ and its culmination in the triumph of resurrection. Its lessons are profound and deep, demonstrating their timeless power to inspire people over the ages. This festival encourages people of faith to continue to practice in our daily lives the lessons of sacrifice, care for the poor, deep spiritual reflection and love for all humankind, irrespective of tribe or religion.
As we celebrate Easter, let us reflect on the timeless resonance of the message that hope triumphs over despair. Let us uphold each other in our common humanity and pray for peace in our land. Let us do our best to promote harmony in our communities and reject strife in our land. Let hope never depart from our hearts.
Let us pray for our country and our dear state as we prepare to usher in elected new leaderships next month. May the good Lord bless our country and all its people with peace and prosperity, and may He guide us on a progressive path.
Signed
Muyiwa Adekeye
Special Adviser to the Governor (Media & Communication)
9th April 2023

CHIMAMANDA’S EPISTLE OF Garbage by Femi Fani-Kayode
Chimamanda Adichie’s “hollow democracy” diatribe is a shitty little submission, in a shitty little letter, written by a shitty little diva.
It was hardly worth my time to read and ordinarily I would not have bothered.
Like all fecal waste it belongs in one place and one place alone: the bottom of a public toilet.
We do not need any lessons from this over-rated and Igbocentric new age diva.
Neither do we need to respond to her self-serving, self-seeking, jaundiced, subjective, partial, primitive, tribal observations and implausible ethno-religious sentiments.
If anyone needs to know that lawlessness has consequences it is her candidate Peter and not the Nigerian people.
And if anything is hollow it is her well-manicured diva head and not our democracy.
She is not in this league and she would do well to stick to writing fairy tales.
Running to foreign leaders to report your compatriots does not sit well with me no matter what your Uncle Tom credentials may be.
If you do not have respect for your own people and nation and if you have to go cap in hand to foreigners for validation then you are not worthy of being called a human being let alone a Nigerian.
Africa has come of age. We do not need to get a congratulatory note from any Western nation before we sleep well at night.
This is not some Hollywood film script or fantasy fairy tale.
This is about the destiny, future, welfare and fortune of 250 million Nigerian people who deserve to have their place under the sun as a free, progressive and independent nation and not to be treated like some vassal state or an appendage of others.
What this unpatriotic, hate-filled and overrated little diva has written is nothing but a long-winded, empty, tendentious and boring epistle of dishonest garbage.
It is a litany of unwholesome mendacities designed to undermine our democracy, impress her global audience and incite her local ‘Obidient’ tribesmen against the Nigerian people and state.
It is a refection of her low-self esteem and inability to grasp the fact that no nation or people on earth are perfect in all their ways and that the America she is reporting us to is also in many ways questionable and flawed and faced with many challenges.
The little diva is not worthy of much of our attention. She deserves nothing from us except ridicule, scorn and contempt.
She should give us a break, spare the world her unsolicited counsel, desist from denigrating her nation from a foreign land, stop reporting Nigeria to her slave masters and, as President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda would say, “go and eat her mother’s something” .
(FFK)

EASTER MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT-ELECT
I send my best wishes to Christians in Nigeria and all over the world who are celebrating Easter this Sunday. As we all enjoy the well-deserved break, I urge every Nigerian to reflect on the priceless sacrifice and limitless love of God for mankind.
As we celebrate, let us also remember our obligation, as God’s children, to love our neighbour, regardless of tongue, faith and tribe.
For Christians everywhere, this celebration is in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s life of service and his supreme sacrifice for the salvation of mankind.
And as we observe Easter this year, let us all imbibe the essential message of Christ’s ministry and truly begin to love our fellow Nigerians as we love ourselves.
We will make faster progress towards the achievement of the peaceful, united, strong, progressive and prosperous country we all desire if we eschew divisive, parochial, ethnic and religious sentiments and rivalries, and begin to live more harmoniously with our compatriots.
Easter is about Renewed Hope and Redemption. It symbolizes the triumph of hope over despair, love over hate and condemnation, and optimism over cynicism. Let us embrace this spirit and recommit ourselves to edifying and patriotic pursuits in the interest of our nation.
I wish you all very happy Easter celebrations.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President-Elect, Federal Republic of Nigeria
08 April, 2023.

April 8, 2023
Press Statement
Easter: PDP Urges Justice, Hope for National Rebirth
…Charges Nigerians to Remain Optimistic
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urges Nigerians to use the occasion of Easter, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to pray for the triumph of justice in the country and rekindle their hope for a new and purposeful Order that derive only from the Will of the people.
The coming of Easter, at the time Nigerians are despondent over the outcome of the 2023 general elections, serves as an assurance that no matter how long falsehood and manipulation appear to thrive, the truth will surely prevail at the end of the day.
This season rekindles humanity’s assurance of victory of life over death, hope over despair, justice over injustice and the triumph of the Will of the people over the selfish and parochial scheme of an arrogant, selfish, corrupt and manipulative few.
The PDP is saddened that Nigerians are again observing a celebration such as Easter in hardship, fear, insecurity and hopelessness occasioned by the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Our Party therefore charges Nigerians to persevere in prayers and continue to care for, show love and share with one another at this critical time in hope for a better nation under a people-enthroned leadership.
The PDP assures of its upmost resolve to take every lawful action in the determination to retrieve the Presidential mandate freely given by the people to our Party and Candidate, Atiku Abubakar at the February 25, 2023 Presidential election so that Nigerians can have the breath of fresh air under a purposeful leadership that they eagerly yearn for.
The PDP felicitates with Nigerians and wishes them a happy Easter celebration.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONSOLES FAMILY OF LATE EMERITUS PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE, PROF NIMI BRIGGS, 79
President Muhammadu Buhari shares the pain of loss with family, friends and associates of the 5th Vice Chancellor of University of Port-Harcourt, Prof. Nimi Briggs, 79, extending sympathy to the academia and Nigeria Medical
Association (NMA).
President Buhari notes the historic contributions of the scholar to national development, particularly the educational sector, reaching the pinnacle of his career, with distinctions in service.
The President believes the Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Pro Chancellor of Federal University, Abakaliki, Bayelsa Medical University, Yenagoa and Chairman, Committee of Pro Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, lived for the good of the country and humanity, urging family and friends to immortalize his legacies.
The President prays that the Almighty God will grant the soul of the departed a peaceful rest.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 10, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI LEAVES FOR SAUDI ARABIA ON OFFICIAL VISIT
President Muhammadu Buhari will travel to Saudi Arabia on official visit from Tuesday, April 11th to 19th on his last trip to the Kingdom as President, during which he will perform Umrah, the Lesser Pilgrimage.
He will be accompanied by his aides.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 10, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS OUTSTANDING JURIST, BOLA AJIBOLA
President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with the family of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, who has passed on at 89.
While commiserating with the legal community in Nigeria and worldwide, President Buhari notes that the outstanding lawyer and Eminent Jurist used his God given knowledge, intellect and talent to advocate for justice, fairness and equity in all his undertakings within and outside Nigeria.
The legendary arbitrator was at different times, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (1984-1985), President, The World Association of Judges, Chairman, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria and President, World Bank Administrative Tribunal among other notable accomplishments.
President Buhari avers that the late Ajibola, having risen to the pinnacle of his career, took his brilliance in law practice to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, where he served meritoriously between 1991 and 1994. He was also the Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, 1999 to 2002.
“His contributions to the development of our legal system cannot be overstated, serving as the Attorney General and Minister for Justice at a critical period in the nation’s history. His patriotic inclinations, integrity and passion for service and advancement of humanity will continue to resonate after him,” the President said.
President Buhari also sympathises with the government and people of Ogun State as they mourn this illustrious citizen for the educational and social development he brought to his community and environs.
He prays that the Almighty will grant him Aljannah.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 9, 2023.

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH SEN. KOLA BAJOMO OVER PASSING OF WIFE, ROSALIND ADEDOYIN
President Muhammadu Buhari sympathizes with Sen. Felix Kolawole Bajomo and family over the passing of his wife of over 57 years, Rosalind Adedoyin Bajomo, 79.
The President joins family, friends and associates of the lawmaker in mourning the late Rosalind, who was pillar of support to her husband, children and grandchildren, and a committed member of the Anglican Church of Ascension.
President Buhari notes the outpouring of testimonies on life and times of the matriarch, particularly her strength in pursuing good for people and works of charity.
The President prays that the Almighty God will grant the departed peaceful rest, and stretch his arms of comfort over the family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 7, 2023

PRESIDENT BUHARI’S 2023 EASTER MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS
I join Christians in Nigeria and around the world to celebrate Easter, which commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, signposting his victory over death.
At the heart of Easter, is the triumph of light over darkness.
It is a season that reminds us that the Almighty can turn an unpleasant situation round for good.
Recognising that Easter is about renewed hope and a glorious future, I urge all Nigerians to continue to be confident and believe strongly in our country for better seasons ahead.
As a nation, we have gone through an election that has produced the next set of leaders at the federal and State levels.
I commend Nigerians for believing in the process. While I congratulate those that have been elected, I acknowledge that it is the right of those who feel dissatisfied with the outcome to seek redress. I expect them to wait patiently and allow our legal system run its course.
It has been a rare privilege for me to serve as your President since you gave me the first mandate in 2015 and renewed it in 2019.
Day after day, I have been guided by the vows I took to keep Nigeria united, prosperous and secure.
Our successes on security, economy, infrastructure, new oil frontier basins, landmark legal reforms as well as food sufficiency, among others, were possible because of the support of Nigerians.
As we celebrate this season with our families, neighbors and communities, let us do so in love, compassion, kindness, resilience and forgiveness.
Happy Easter!
Muhammadu Buhari
April 7, 2023

Okowa tasks Anioma traditional rulers on cultural day

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Monday, urged traditional rulers in Delta North Senatorial District to declare every Easter Monday as “Anioma Day” worldwide.

Okowa made the call in his remarks at the 18th Anioma Cultural Festival organised by the Organisation For The Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), in Asaba.

He clarified that it was the traditional rulers, and not the state government that would make a declaration to set a day aside for annual celebration of Anioma people and culture.

Okowa, who therefore, urged traditional rulers in the area to get together and make the declaration, remarked that the 2023 festival with theme: “Preserving Our Cultural Heritage” was apt.

He lauded OFAAC for its commitment to the propagation and advancement of Anioma culture over the years, and said “today’s event is the 18th in the series. Eighteen years is a year of maturity and I belive that this is a very special day.

“I thank the president and members of the organising committee for keeping this cultural festival alive for 18 years. I believe that the president and the traditional institutions at every event, have truly enriched this because rightfully, they are the custodians of our culture.

“The festival has become a yearly thing during the Easter period and I think that it is already established. I heard our brother talk about the need to ensure not only sustenance, but the fact that we need to declare it an Anioma Day.

“It is not the government of Delta state that has that right to so declare. So I hope that our traditional rulers will sit together and be able to make a joint pronouncement. And, once that is done, obviously, that day truly becomes an Anioma day.

“So, we thank you and all those who have contributed to the events that we come here to witness on a yearly basis in order to keep hope alive and to keep our culture alive and make us have much fun during the Easter season.”

The governor used the opportunity to thank the people for their support for his administration in the last eight years, adding that his administration tried to reach out to every ethnic group, every ward and every local government across the state.

He said that his administration had done so much to maintain peace in the state and called on the people to continue to give support to the incoming administration.

“There is no limit to what we are able to achieve in bringing our people together. The unity of the Anioma race is unquestionable. And, there is the need for us to keep hope alive; this is one of the ways to do that.

“Our strength lies in our unity. Therefore, I urge our traditional rulers to continue to keep this cultural festival alive. You are the ones that will give it strength.

“In the last eight years, I have been governor of Delta state. We have come to realise that though our tongues may differ, we are one people in Delta State.

“The unity of this state is one thing we must strive to give strength to by having a united Anioma, Urhobo nation, Isoko nation, Ijaw nation and Itsekiri nation.

“All we need to do is to ensure that we keep ourselves together and we will have a united Delta state. And ensure that development gets to every part of Delta state.

“It is impossible for one administration to do all that the government needs to do in Delta State. But I believe that if we continue with the pace of development, Delta will become greater and greater for it.

“When I leave office from next month, one thing I will most appreciate, is the support I received from all; the young and the old, men and women, even our traditional institutions.

“I truly must thank all Deltans; whether we like it or not, Delta state is one of the most peaceful state in this nation. Delta is a state that is growing much faster than people can imagine; especially Asaba the state capital.

“It is the fastest growing state capital as at today in the country, and I thank God for everything. I also thank the Asagba of Asaba and all our traditional rulers who have supported the peaceful process that has enabled development to come to this place,” Okowa added.

President of OFAAC, Mr Kester Ifeadi, thanked the Governor for his support for the advancement of Anioma culture, and said that the people of Anioma were proud of his sterling accomplishments with state-of-the-art infrastructure that dotted nooks and crannies of the state.

He said that no fewer than 170 groups were participating in this year’s celebrations and called for the declaration of every Easter Monday as Anioma Day Celebrations worldwide.

The annual cultural festival which was attended by Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Lawrence Ejiofor; Chairman, Oshimili South Local Government Council Dr John Ezenyili; “Desert Warrior”, Chief Newton Jibunoh and traditional rulers, featured cultural dances, wrestling and flute competition among others.
PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU MOURNS EX-ICJ JUDGE, BOLA AJIBOLA
•Says death of former NBA President great loss to Nigeria

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passage of the former Judge of International Court of Justice, Hague, Netherlands, Prince Bola Ajibola, describing his death as a big loss to the legal profession, the education sector, Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described Prince Ajibola, former Nigerian Minister of Justice and Attorney General as a renowned jurist, seasoned administrator and philanthropist who served his country and the world meritoriously at different levels.

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Sunday, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the ex-ICJ Judge for his legacies, sacrifice and dedication to nation-building and service to mankind.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also praised Prince Ajibola’s contribution to the judiciary and education sectors as a lawyer, World Court Judge and founder of one of the foremost private universities in Nigeria, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The governor also commiserated with Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the entire people of the State, especially, indigenes of Owu Kingdom, on the demise of their illustrious son and elder statesman.

He said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere condolences to the family, friends and associates of Prince Bola Ajibola on the demise of our elder statesman and renowned jurist.

“Prince Ajibola lived a fulfilled life having made positive impacts during his lifetime. The elderly and wise counsel of the jurist will be sorely missed not only by his family but the entire people of Owu Kingdom and Ogun State where he played active roles in its development for many years before he passed on.

“I want to urge the late Prince Bola Ajibola’s family, friends, judiciary and education sectors and the entire people of Owu Kingdom to immortalise the good name of the late lawyer and educationist.

“I pray that God will grant him eternal rest and give his immediate family, friends and the people of Ogun State, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
09 APRIL, 2023
Datti-Ahmed: SERAP, CJID sue Buhari, others over ‘unlawful N5m fine on Channels TV’

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) have filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari, asking the court to “declare arbitrary, illegal and unconstitutional the N5m fine imposed on Channels Television over a recent interview with the Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed.”

Joined in the suit as Defendants are the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Mr Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture.

The NBC had recently fined Channels Television N5 million over an interview with Datti Baba-Ahmed. The NBC alleged that the interview ‘violated the NBC code.’

But in the suit number FHC/L/CS/616/2023 filed last week at the Federal High Court, Lagos, the plaintiffs are asking the court to determine “whether the NBC code used to impose a fine of N5m on Channels TV and the threat of ‘higher sanctions’ is not in inconsistent and incompatible with access to information and media freedom.”

The plaintiffs are asking the court for “a declaration that the NBC code used by the NBC to impose a fine of N5m on Channels TV and the threat of ‘higher sanctions’ is arbitrary, unconstitutional and unlawful, as it violates the rights to a fair hearing, freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.”

The plaintiffs are seeking “an order setting aside the N5m fine for being inconsistent and incompatible with section 22, 36 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”

The plaintiffs are also seeking “an order directing and compelling the NBC to reverse its arbitrary and unlawful decision to impose a fine of N5m on Channels TV forthwith.”

In the suit, the plaintiffs are arguing that: “the media has the task of distributing all varieties of information and opinion on matters of general interest and public interest.”

The plaintiffs said, “Imposing any fine whatsoever without due process of law is arbitrary and unconstitutional, as it contravenes the fundamental principles of nemo judex in causa sua which literally means one cannot be a judge in his own cause and audi alteram partem which means no one should be condemned unheard.”

The plaintiffs are also arguing that, “The media plays an essential role as a vehicle or instrument for the exercise of freedom of expression and access to information in a democratic society.”

According to the plaintiffs: “The NBC Act and Broadcasting Code cannot and should not be used in a manner that is inconsistent and incompatible with plurality of voices, diversity of voices, non-discrimination, just demands of a democratic society, and the public interest.”

The plaintiffs also said, “The fine is arbitrary and unlawful and would have a disproportionate and chilling effect on the work of other broadcast stations and journalists and Nigerians.”

The suit filed on behalf of the plaintiffs by their lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Andrew Nwankwo, and Ms Blessing Ogwuche, read in part: “The grounds for imposing a fine of N5m on Channels TV fail to meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.”

“Broadcasting is a means of exercising freedom of expression. Any restrictions on freedom of expression must meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.”

“The regulation of broadcasting must aspire to promote and expand the scope of the right to freedom of expression, not restrict it.”

“Under the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party, freedom and diversity must be guiding principles in the regulation of broadcasting. The fine of N5m imposed on Channels TV is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with these principles.”

“Article 19 (1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights establishes the right to freedom of opinion without interference. Article 19(2) establishes Nigeria’s obligations to respect ‘the right to freedom of expression,’ which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information, regardless of frontiers.”

“Under article 19(3), restrictions on the right to freedom of expression must be ‘provided by law’, and necessary ‘for respect of the rights or reputations of others’ or ‘for the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health and morals’”

“Although article 19(3) recognizes ‘national security’ as a legitimate aim, the Human Rights Committee has stressed ‘the need to ensure that the invocation of national security is not used unjustifiably or arbitrarily to restrict freedom of expression and media freedom.”

“The use of NBC Act and Code in this case would inadmissibly open the door to arbitrariness and would fundamentally restrict the freedom of expression that is an integral part of the public order protected by the Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.”

“Arbitrarily imposing fines on media houses simply for carrying out their constitutional duties would both seriously undermine the rights of millions of Nigerians to express their thoughts, and their right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, in any medium they choose.”

“Freedom of expression includes the public’s right to receive, and the right of those who express themselves through a medium of communication, to impart the greatest possible diversity of information and ideas.”

“The right to freedom of expression is based on the right to establish or use a media outlet to exercise freedom of expression and on society’s right to have access to a free, independent, and pluralistic media that allows for the most diverse information.”

“The exercise of the right to freedom of expression through the media is a guarantee that is fundamental for advancing the collective deliberative process on public and democratic issues.”

“The strengthening of the guarantee of freedom of expression is a precondition for the exercise of other human rights, as well as a precondition to the right to participation.”

“Any regulation of the media must be evaluated according to the guidelines and directives imposed by the right to freedom of expression.”

“The plaintiffs recognize the mandates of NBC to regulate broadcasting. However, the exercise of such mandates including imposing any fine must follow the thresholds and guidelines set by the right to freedom of expression and media freedom.”

“The free circulation of ideas and news is not possible except in the context of a plurality of sources of information and media outlets. The lack of plurality in sources of information is a serious obstacle for the functioning of democracy.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
9/4/2023
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

We’re building sustainable infrastructure in Delta – Okowa

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Saturday said his administration was building sustainable infrastructure for the continued growth and development of the state.

Okowa stated this while speaking to journalists shortly after inspecting extent of work on Storm Drainage channel from Owa-Alero and environs through Owa-Alizomor and Owa-Offie to Iyi-Amah stream in Ika North East Local Government Area.

The multi-billion naira project which is 50 per cent completed was among the projects listed in the bridging finance facility earlier obtained by the state government.

The governor, who was conducted round the site by the Commissioner for Works, Mr Noel Omodon and Project Consultant, Mr John Onwualu, said that the project was embarked upon to properly channel flood water from Boji-Boji through Owa-Ekei and Owa-Alero to the river across Owa-Offie.

According to him, the reason we are doing this project is because there have been a lot of flooding these past years, starting from the Boji-Boji end.

“Initially we had constructed drainage leading to the Boji-Boji river but it is not enough to take all the flood water and we see some water still coming down through Owa-Ekei, Owa-Alero and Owa-Oyibu areas.

“The project is similar to the kind of storm water project we did in Asaba and also replicating in Warri and Effurun areas.

“It is very important because no matter the amount of drainage and roads you construct without a major drainage like this linking it to a discharge point, you can’t take the volume of water away.

“What we are doing here is actuually building for today and planning into the future because in years to come it will become a major challenge if not addressed now,” he stated.

Okowa disclosed that the project would not be completed before the end of his administration but assured that it would be ready for inauguration in the early part of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.

Easter: Governor-Elect Bassey Otu greets Cross Riverians
…. Preaches peace, love and unity among Nigerians
The Governor-Elect of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, has extended his warmest greetings to the people of Cross River State and Christians across the country on the occasion of the 2023 Easter celebration.
Otu in his Easter message urged Cross Riverians to see the celebration as a moment of sober reflection and supplication for the state and Nigeria at large.
The Governor-elect noted that Easter, believed to be the foundation of Christian faith commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, renews hope in mankind.
He urged Christians to imbibe the significant lessons of Easter and emulate the virtues of Christ as demonstrated in His life of sacrifice, tolerance, perseverance, patience, compassion, humility, honesty, forgiveness, selflessness and love.
“I wish all Cross Riverians and Christians nationwide a Happy and rewarding Easter celebration. May the blessings of Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, bring us hope, joy, happiness and peace!
“Let us use this period to seek the face of God, reflect on the important lessons of Easter and pray for our dear state (Cross River) and Nigeria in general as we prepare to transit from one administration to another in the state and at the centre,” the Governor-Elect said.
He assured Cross Riverians that upon assumption of office as their governor come May 29, he would serve them with the fear of God and work tirelessly to take the state to the next level for the benefit of the people.
Otu emphasized the need for Nigerians to continue to live together in peace and show love to one another irrespective of their ethnic, religious and cultural differences.