News
Experts Call For The Protection Of Children From Harmful Media Reporting
OBINNA UCHENDU Abakaliki
A Media and Communication Consultant, Dr. Geoffrey Njoku has called on journalists in the country to at all times ensure the protection of Children and young people from harmful reporting as they have all the rights of adults and the right against stigmatization and retribution.
Dr. Njoku made the disclosure during a two-day media training on ethical journalism and child rights reporting organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF in collaboration with the Child Right Information Bureau, CRIB, Federal Ministry of Information and Orientation.
Dr. Njoku while speaking on the UNICEF Ethical Guidelines For Reporting On Children maintained that reporting on children and young people has its special challenges with all the “do not’s” and even more daunting with current dynamics of the social media.
He noted that the act of reporting on children places them or other children at risk of retribution or stigmatization adding that UNICEF developed principles offered as guidelines to help media cover children in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner.
“The guidelines are meant to support the best intentions of ethical reporters, serving the public interest without compromising the rights of children. Whenever in doubt however, err on the side of caution and do least harm in the best interest of the child.
“The dignity and rights of every child are to be respected in every circumstance. In interviewing and reporting on children, special attention is to be paid to each child’s right.
“The rights includes, privacy, confidentiality, to have their opinions heard, to participate in decisions affecting them, to be protected from harm and retribution, including the potential of harm and retribution.
“The best interests of each child are to be protected over any other consideration, including over advocacy for children’s issues and the promotion of child rights.
“When trying to determine the best interests of a child, the child’s right to have their views taken into account are to be given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity
“Do no harm to any child; avoid questions, attitudes or comments that are judgmental, insensitive to cultural values, that place a child in danger or expose a child to humiliation, or that reactivate a child’s pain and grief from traumatic events.
He further urged journalists not to discriminate in choosing children to interview because of sex, race, age, religion, status, educational background or physical abilities.
The Head, Department of Film and Multimedia Studies, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Uyo, Prof Charles Obot emphasized the need on re-writing harmful headlines into ethical alternatives.
He noted that it involves casting headlines that are in the public interest, wholesome, with minimal or no harm to the persons and society at large without sacrificing vital and necessary information required by the society and audience.
He noted that to achieve this, the News Editor should be guided by the principles such as legal implications of the story, adherence to the ‘Golden Rule of how would I feel if I or my family members were at the receiving end of the headlines I want to carry?, empathy for the people affected in the news and the editorial policy of the media house.
He maintained that media houses should balance the consequences of identification, age, and the seriousness of their behaviour against the public interest in identification and freedom of speech.
“Children and young people who are witnesses or victims of crime, we must make judgements about their vulnerability before revealing their name, address, school or other educational establishment. Ends.
News
Between Odii and Nwifuru: When Will the Debate Hold? Time to Know Who Should Actually Step Down
The noise from political jobbers and beneficiaries of the present administration calling on the leading governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Odii (Anyichuks), to step down for Governor Francis Nwifuru may soon be put to rest. The opportunity has finally presented itself for Ebonyians to determine who genuinely deserves to govern them beyond 2027.
Odii has challenged Governor Nwifuru to a public debate. What better opportunity could there be for a sitting governor to defend his record, justify his stewardship and demonstrate why he deserves another four years in office?
For those who have made a career out of asking Odii to abandon his governorship ambition, the challenge presents a golden opportunity. Rather than dissipating energy on political propaganda, intimidation and sponsored commentaries, they should encourage their principal to accept the invitation.
After all, Nwifuru has been governor for more than three years. He has enjoyed access to billions of naira in public resources, exercised enormous executive powers and had sufficient time to demonstrate his capacity to transform Ebonyi State.
On the other hand is Odii, an internationally successful businessman who, without holding public office or controlling government allocations, has reportedly built over 158 houses for the less privileged, provided bursaries and scholarships to students across Ebonyi State and undertaken numerous philanthropic interventions that have touched lives across communities.
If one man could achieve so much with his personal resources, should Ebonyians not be interested in hearing what he intends to accomplish with the enormous resources available to the state?
Nwifuru is a lawyer, even if his academic journey came through adult education. One would ordinarily expect a lawyer, particularly one who has occupied the offices of Speaker and Governor, to possess sufficient confidence, articulation and understanding of public affairs to confront a businessman in an open debate.
On paper, therefore, the contest should favour Nwifuru. He has the advantage of incumbency, access to government records and firsthand knowledge of every decision taken by his administration.
But Odii has thrown down the gauntlet. There is no going back.
The world is waiting. Ebonyians are waiting. The governor’s response is all that is needed before a date can be fixed.
Indeed, there may be no better way of settling the growing argument over who should step down for whom. Let both men appear before an independent panel, present their records, defend their programmes and answer questions without prepared political praise singers.
Whoever demonstrates superior capacity, credibility, vision and understanding of the challenges confronting Ebonyi should earn the confidence of the electorate.
And if Nwifuru performs so convincingly, perhaps Odii’s supporters will have reasons to reconsider their position. But if Odii exposes the weaknesses of the present administration and presents a more credible alternative, those asking him to step down should bury their heads in shame.
For Nwifuru, the debate should ordinarily be an easy one. He already knows where the traps are. He knows the questions that have continued to trouble Ebonyians. He should therefore prepare adequately to navigate them.
Let us help him with a few.
First is the abandoned Vanco Flyover.
The governor must come prepared to explain how much public money has gone into that project, how many buildings and business premises were demolished to accommodate it, what compensation was paid and why the project has remained uncompleted more than three years into his administration.
He should also explain the economic losses suffered by traders, property owners, motorists and other residents whose livelihoods have been disrupted.
His predecessor, Senator David Umahi, constructed numerous flyovers within comparable periods. What, therefore, is so technically challenging about Vanco that the present administration has been unable to deliver it?
Is it inadequate funding, poor planning, contractual incompetence or simply a failure of leadership?
Nwifuru must convince the debate panel and Ebonyians that Vanco is not a monumental advertisement of his administration’s inability to translate promises into results.
Secondly, the governor should come with the documents concerning the three aircraft reportedly purchased for the proposed Ebonyi Air.
Two years after the announcement, where are the aircraft?
Were payments made? To whom? Under what contractual arrangements? What delivery dates were agreed upon, and why have the aircraft yet to arrive?
Or was the money mistakenly paid into a wrong account?
Ebonyians deserve answers, not another round of political explanations packaged as achievements.
Then comes the proposed new cement factory at Nkalagu, perhaps one of the most interesting subjects Odii should bring before the debate panel.
Nwifuru must explain how his administration intends to deliver a multibillion-naira cement factory within its advertised timeframe when serious questions remain about the necessary geological and geophysical investigations, core drilling, laboratory analysis, mining rights and regulatory approvals.
What is the actual status of the mining licence? What is the legal position regarding the existing rights reportedly held by Ibeto until 2048? Has the government established the commercial viability of the limestone deposit it intends to exploit?
A cement factory is not a constituency project that can be announced at a political rally and commissioned with rented equipment.
It requires serious technical preparation, substantial investment, verifiable mineral reserves and a clearly established legal framework.
If these fundamentals have not been addressed, what exactly is the governor promising Ebonyians? A functional cement factory or another attractive campaign slogan designed to secure re-election in 2027?
Odii, as an accomplished businessman, should be particularly interested in interrogating the commercial assumptions behind this project. This is where the difference between understanding business and merely announcing investments may become painfully obvious.
But beyond abandoned infrastructure, missing aircraft and questionable project timelines lies an even more disturbing issue: the deteriorating political atmosphere in Ebonyi State.
Governor Nwifuru must answer questions concerning allegations of intimidation and violence against opposition figures.
His reported warning to handpicked local government chairmen that they risk losing their positions if they fail to deliver their council areas politically deserves serious interrogation.
What exactly does delivering a council area mean in a democracy? Is the responsibility of a local government chairman to provide governance to the people or to secure electoral victory for the governor?
Since the emergence of these political threats, disturbing incidents of violence involving opposition figures have been reported in Ohaukwu, Ezza South, Onicha and Ivo council areas, with some resulting in deaths.
Although responsibility for these attacks must be established through credible investigations, the governor cannot escape questions about the political atmosphere under his watch.
Why has political competition become so frightening? Why should citizens feel threatened because they support another political party? Why should opposition activities become matters requiring the permission or approval of those holding government offices?
And, most importantly, why does an incumbent governor who claims to have performed creditably appear so uncomfortable with the growing political influence of his principal challenger?
If Nwifuru has delivered the dividends of democracy, why should he be worried about Odii?
If the people are satisfied with his administration, why the apparent desperation to secure political loyalty from local government officials?
A performing governor should be campaigning with completed projects, not relying on political foot soldiers to demand that his opponent withdraw from the contest.
The debate must also examine the broader question of governance. What has become of the hopes and expectations of Ebonyians who welcomed Nwifuru into office in 2023? Has the state made sufficient progress in employment generation, industrialisation, infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic empowerment?
What is the measurable difference between Ebonyi before his inauguration and Ebonyi today?
These are questions that cannot be answered through commissioned newspaper articles, television appearances by political appointees or the familiar chorus of praise singers whose livelihoods depend on remaining close to the corridors of power.
They require facts, figures, evidence and courage.
Odii, too, will come prepared to explain his development agenda, economic blueprint and strategy for delivering sustainable prosperity to Ebonyians.
He will be there to demonstrate how would translate his private-sector experience into effective public administration.
Let both men stand before the people without the protective walls of political office or the manufactured applause of hired supporters.
Let Nwifuru defend his three years of stewardship, and let Anyichuks explain why he believes he can do better.
For once, let Ebonyi politics move away from threats, propaganda, intimidation and the arrogance of incumbency to a genuine contest of ideas, competence and character.
The people are entitled to know who has the capacity to manage their collective resources and who merely considers political office an entitlement.
The challenge has been issued. The stage is waiting.
Governor Nwifuru should accept it, name his preferred date and face Odii.
After the debate, perhaps the political jobbers who have been shouting that Anyichuks should step down will finally discover that they have been directing their advice to the wrong candidate.
Between Odii and Nwifuru, who should actually step down?
Let the debate hold. Let Ebonyians judge.
Police, Agunechemba Reinforce Security Operations
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Tension has heightened in Abacha Community, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, following the conduct of an election for the position of President-General of the town.
The election reportedly took place despite a pending petition by the Akanato quarter of the community before the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Representatives of the Ministry, led by Mr Chukwuma Joseph Echidiegwu, were present at the election and reportedly advised the parties to establish a peace committee to address the lingering dispute.
However, the situation was brought under control following the intervention of officers of the Anambra State Police Command, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), alongside operatives of the Agunechemba Security Squad.
The intervention became necessary after aggrieved members of the community stormed the election venue, insisting that the exercise should not proceed.
The disagreement reportedly centres on allegations of imbalance in the distribution of traditional and community leadership positions.
Members of the Akanato quarter argued that Umudisi Village, which currently occupies the positions of traditional ruler and Prime Minister, was also seeking to produce the next President-General of the community.
They described the arrangement as unjust and marginalising, insisting that leadership positions should be distributed equitably among the constituent villages.
Consequently, the Akanato quarter boycotted the election, maintaining that allowing one section of the community to occupy all the major leadership positions was unacceptable.
Speaking on the development, the leader of the Akanato quarter, Chief Jonahs Okafor, said the arrangement amounted to a deliberate shortchange of other sections of the community.
“So this is actually the matter and, as a matter of fact, we boycotted the election. Those who participated in the election were people from the other quarter of the community,” he said.
Okafor further disclosed that the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Mr Obinna Obika, resigned on the eve of the election, explaining that he could not be part of any process capable of destabilising the peace of the community.
In his resignation letter, made available to journalists by Okafor, Obika cited growing disagreements and divisions among the various clans over the distribution of leadership positions.
He stated that the controversies had created an atmosphere of tension, mistrust and uncertainty, turning what should have been a collective exercise into a source of division and hostility.
“It is deeply painful to witness a situation where brothers who ought to stand together for the common good of Abacha have been divided into opposite camps, with threats of legal action also taking a considerable toll on my personal peace of mind, well-being and health,” he stated.
Obika added that his decision to step aside was in the interest of his personal well-being and, more importantly, the peace and stability of the community.
Explaining their position further, Okafor appealed to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to intervene, noting that Abacha Community comprises seven villages, with four belonging to one section and three to the other.
He urged the governor to address what he described as an imbalance and marginalisation in the sharing of leadership positions.
“The Akanato people are peace-loving, respect constituted authority and are law-abiding. We cannot take the law into our hands.
“Hence, we appeal to our governor, who believes in equity, fairness and good conscience, to intervene in this matter. We have implicit confidence that he will do the needful,” he said.
Meanwhile, security operatives have reportedly reinforced their presence in the community and remain on alert to respond swiftly to any possible breakdown of law and order.
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State Council, South-East, will on November 5, 2026 induct renowned businessman, Engr. Arthur Eze, into its Hall of Fame during its annual Press Week celebration in Enugu.
The union will also honour the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, with the Pillar of the South-East Bridge Builder Award in recognition of his contributions to the region.
The event, scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu, is expected to attract more than 500 journalists and media executives, government officials, business leaders, traditional rulers, political stakeholders and other distinguished personalities.
The annual Press Week provides a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the media, governance and society.
Engr. Eze was the first person to renovate the NUJ Secretariat at No 4, Rangers Avenue Independence Layout, Enugu to ensure that media practitioners are being safe in a good environment.
He has contributed to the development of media practitioners, individual, institutions, churches and families across the Nation, his human capital development is massive.
Your nomination is a recognition of the remarkable legacy you have built over the years through your outstanding contributions to human empowerment, media practitioner empowerment, philanthropy, enterprise development, mentorship, capacity building, community advancement and the creation of opportunities for individuals and communities to prosper.
Your life and accomplishments stand as a compelling testimony to the power of vision, resilience, enterprise and service. Through your initiatives and interventions, you have demonstrated an uncommon commitment to lifting people, strengthening communities and opening pathways of opportunity for generations.
At a time when societies require individuals with the courage and capacity to transform dreams into possibilities, your remarkable journey continues to distinguish you as an outstanding builder of people, creator of opportunities and philanthropist of enduring impact.
The NUJ Enugu State Council considers this recognition particularly significant because your contributions go beyond material philanthropy. They represent a profound philosophy of investing in humanity, empowering the less privileged, nurturing enterprise, supporting communities and creating platforms through which individuals can achieve their potential.
This year’s press week celebration is expected to bring together key figures from different sectors to celebrate outstanding contributions and promote dialogue on the role of the media in society.
A Federal High Court sitting in Enugu has dismissed a suit challenging the candidacy of Hon. Barr. Sir OAU Onyema as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Enugu West Senatorial District in the 2027 National Assembly election.
The suit, marked No. FHC/SKC/EN/CS/218/2026, was instituted by Evangelist Mrs Juliet Ani against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the ADC and Onyema, with the plaintiff laying claim to the party’s senatorial ticket.
However, the court, presided over by Justice Ogubanjo, reportedly dismissed the suit on Thursday, October 30, 2026, bringing to an end the legal challenge to Onyema’s emergence as the party’s candidate.
Sources familiar with the dispute said the plaintiff had indicated an intention to discontinue the case after the ADC national secretariat reaffirmed Onyema’s candidacy. However, proceedings reportedly continued before the court eventually dismissed the suit.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the court proceedings at his chambers, Akpagu Chambers, Presidential Road, Enugu, Onyema described the legal challenge as a temporary distraction that had slowed down his campaign activities but insisted that it would not derail his senatorial ambition.
He expressed confidence that his political experience, longstanding relationships and record of service across Enugu West would give him the needed advantage in the election.
“We are moving into the field for campaigns. Sir OAU Onyema has networked his person into families across Enugu West Senatorial District.
“The network I have built will sell. I have served as Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu State, Deputy Chairman and Vice President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. I have also served under three successive administrations in Enugu State.
“I will rely on my records of service, relationships and what I have done for the people to win this election,” he said.
Onyema further declared that, with the legal distraction now over, he would intensify his participation in the ADC’s statewide campaigns, working to promote not only his senatorial ambition but also other candidates of the party.
He said his immediate priority was to reconnect with the grassroots, consolidate existing political structures and take the ADC’s message to communities across the district.
Also speaking, the Enugu State Chairman of ADC, Major General Chris Ezeh (retd.), reaffirmed that Onyema emerged as the party’s candidate through a substituted primary election.
Ezeh alleged that external forces had attempted to frustrate the party’s decision but expressed satisfaction that the legal challenge had finally been resolved.
He described Onyema as a major political asset to the ADC in Enugu State, noting that his longstanding involvement in the party and experience in public service would strengthen its electoral fortunes.
The party chairman also identified Onyema as one of the founding members of ADC in Enugu State and said his emergence as the Enugu West senatorial candidate was a significant development for the party.
Checks by TCM further indicated that Onyema’s political ambition has consistently centred on representing Enugu West in the Senate, having reportedly never sought election to any other political office since venturing into partisan politics.
With the legal challenge dismissed, Onyema is expected to intensify his grassroots mobilisation and join other ADC leaders in building support for the party ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of thousands of senior police officers, including two Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), 10 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and 17 Commissioners of Police (CPs).
The promotions followed the successful completion of promotion examinations and oral interviews conducted by the commission.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, the approvals were granted during the commission’s plenary meeting in Abuja, presided over by its Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu.
The two officers elevated to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police are Olaolu Adegbite, Head of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, and Dankombo F. Morris, who heads Zone 4 Headquarters, Makurdi.
Adegbite holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian Language from the University of Lagos and a Master’s degree in Philology from the Pushkin Institute, Moscow.
A recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR), he is also a member of the FBI National Academy Associates and an alumnus of Harvard Kennedy School. He previously served as Director of Operations at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Morris, an indigene of Gombe State, holds a degree in History from the University of Maiduguri and a Diploma in Police Science. He previously served as Commissioner of Police in Adamawa State.
The 10 officers promoted from Commissioner of Police to Assistant Inspector-General are Omosanyin Olusegun, Ogbodo Ugobueze, Ohagwu Felix Ndukwe, Taylor Lennox Olanrewaju, Regina Cosmas Udoette, Afolabi Wilfred Olutokunbo, Nwogoh Martin, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, Ibrahim D. Gotan and Danjuma I. Yahaya.
The commission also approved the elevation of 17 Deputy Commissioners of Police to the rank of Commissioner of Police.
They include Nache Bashir Liman, Sirajo Lawal Salihu, Ayeleye Adegboyega, Isiaka O. Salau, Usman Shaik Adamu, Aminu Maiwada Garba, Abdulkarim Musa Waziri, Muhammad Yusuf Adamu, Sani Adamu Nufawa, Bello M. Adamu, Okezie Chikezie, Aminu Usman Gusau, Abiodun Onuoha, Salisu Bello Fago, Adegoke A. Alani, Wuwa Auwal Muhammad and Benedict U. Agbo.
In another round of promotions, 85 Assistant Commissioners of Police were elevated to Deputy Commissioners of Police.
Among the beneficiaries are Dr Ruth Oyinmearelu Okunbo, Medical Director of MD Abubakar Police Hospital, Deidei, and ASR Police Reference Hospital, Utako, Abuja; Isah Adejoh of the Police Staff College, Jos; and Mannir Yusuf Gafai of the Kano State Command.
Similarly, 49 Chief Superintendents of Police were promoted to Assistant Commissioners of Police, while 245 Superintendents of Police advanced to Chief Superintendents.
Notable among those elevated to CSP are Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer of the Federal Capital Territory Command, and Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, spokesperson of the Adamawa State Police Command.
Other beneficiaries include Abah James of Rivers State Command, Okere Romanus of Isiowulu Division in Anambra State, Ugochukwu Ozoude Alex of Zone 9, Umuahia, Vincent Elekwa of Rivers State Command, Umar Sani of FCT Command and Mustapha Mohammed.
The PSC further approved the promotion of 498 Deputy Superintendents of Police to Superintendents of Police, including Isa Osu of the Border Patrol Force Headquarters, Abuja; Samaila Amadu Bangajiya of the 12 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Minna; and Akadu Godwin of the Tactical Intelligence Unit, Force Headquarters.
Another 3,218 Assistant Superintendents of Police were elevated to Deputy Superintendents.
Among them are Frank Okafor, former Chief Security Officer of Jaiz Bank and Intelligence Coordinator at Government House, Uyo; Samson Sule, Chief Security Officer to the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund; Ibrahim Abuh of Force Headquarters; Dauda Yusuf Olatunji; Sarauta Mohammed Mohammed; and Yusuf Mukarram Ado of the Airport Police Command, Ikeja.
Congratulating the newly promoted officers, Argungu charged them to see their elevation as a call to greater responsibility, professionalism and dedication to duty.
He urged them to redouble their commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order and enforcing the law.
The PSC chairman stressed that Nigerians expected improved performance, discipline and accountability from officers entrusted with higher responsibilities.
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