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Free press in Nigeria under life support – Prof Otiono
Free press in Nigeria under life support – Prof Otiono
By Patrick Egwu
An associate professor at the Institute of African Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, Professor Nduka Otiono, has said that free press is on trial and life support under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration
Professor Otiono made this remark as keynote speaker during the inaugural Jacksonites Professional Development Series, organized by the alumni association of the Mass Communication Department of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka titled “A “Captured” Media in an Insecure Nation: Democracy, Hate Speech, and Free Speech on Trial?”
He, however, added that while the media appeared captured, attempts to arrest or cage the media would not be successful. “While the media space can be repressed and suppressed, it cannot be captured. It would only undergo a mechanism to deal with government censorship,” he said, adding that the country’s media remains one of the most vigorous and resilient in the world despite increasing attacks.
Otiono acknowledged that fake news or misinformation and hate speech which have been widely aided by social media, have played a role in the government’s move to capture the Nigerian media which include proposed bills by the National Assembly to gag and regulate social media.
”There have been growing attacks on free press in Nigeria. In early July, all Nigerian national daily newspapers protested a legislation being proposed by the National Assembly that would allow authorities to control the press with a front page titled ‘Information Blackout’ as a way of condemning the move and calling for support from media advocates and activists.
Lawmakers have denied any move to gag the press but said the bills are intended to curb fake news and hate speech. Activists, however, disagreed and said the bills, if passed into law, would give authorities the power to punish journalists and media outlets with fines and prison sentences.
President Buhari has toughened his stance on the media and civic space since his re-election for a second term in 2019. In June, the government banned Twitter in Nigeria for censoring a tweet made by the account of President Buhari which Twitter said violated its rules. The ban is yet to be reversed and activists say there have been increasing moves to regulate social media which has empowered citizens to express their opinions. Journalists have been attacked and arrested while media organizations have been raided by security forces loyal to the government.
Professor Otiono further noted that “Increasing agitation for the restructuring of the federation and concern over widening insecurity have become the gasoline inflaming mass movements, hate speech and repressive assault on fundamental human rights, including free speech as enshrined in the various local and universal charter.”
Professor Chinedu Mba who is a college professor at Algonquin College, Ottawa, Canada and chair of the steering committee of the lecture series, said the theme of the lecture is very topical, timely and “a first step in meeting the mission and vision of the series” which is to promote the personal and professional development of Jacksonites, communication students, professionals, and allied sectors, adding that the lecture would happen quarterly in collaboration with practitioners in the field to help facilitate the continuous growth in the profession.
According to Mba, the next series is slated for November and details would be announced soon.
The lecture had in attendance Garba Shehu, the senior special assistant to President Buhari on media and publicity; Professor Pat Utomi, founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership and chairman of the Jacksonite Alumni Global Network, Professor Charles Okigbo of North Dakota University among other professionals and media executives.
Son of the late head of state and former Minister of Defence, Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a letter of remembrance and solidarity written on behalf of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family to the Fajuyi family, marking the 60th anniversary of his death, said July 29, 2026, will be a solemn occasion to honour a soldier they described as “a war hero who offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.”
The family recalled that Lt Col Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1966 when mutinous soldiers abducted him alongside Maj Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan during the military counter-coup.
They stated that Fajuyi, in a defining moment of conscience, chose honour over personal safety and refused to abandon his guest and superior, a decision the family said reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity, and military brotherhood.
According to the statement, his action transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continued to inspire unity, courage, and selfless service.
The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also expressed sympathy with the Fajuyi family, acknowledging the enduring pain of their loss, while praying for continued strength, comfort, and peace.
The statement further stated, “He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand. In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.”
The family called on government institutions, military authorities, and custodians of national memory to ensure sustained recognition and support for the Fajuyi family, stressing that his sacrifice remained a national responsibility to remember and honour.
It urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and death, noting that his legacy continues to challenge the nation to uphold unity, courage, honour, and selfless service.
Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.
Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.
According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.
“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”
“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”
Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.
“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Six members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB have been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police .
The six persons led by Mr Chukwuebuka Ohaechesi, include Emma Okonkwo, Jude Uwa, Gentle Okoro, Uchenna Dike, and Emmanuel Nwankwo who are said to be at large.
The were said to have fled to neighboring states in the South East hence signaling the other four Police Commands in the geopolitical zone to assist in the manhunt for them
The Police accused them of executing protests against the detaintion of the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently serving jail terms in Sokoto Correction Center.
According to a statement issued by the Abia Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eguavon Omokaro, the individuals are suspected members of IPOB who have allegedly participated in protests at various times and locations within the state.
The statement alleged that the protests were organised in connection with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demands for justice through the judicial process.
The Police Command further stated that these protests have allegedly resulted in breaches of peace and disruptions to law and order in Abia State. Consequently, the Police Intelligence Department reportedly concluded that the named individuals were among the principal organisers and coordinators of the demonstrations.
The statement further alleged that; ;
“It should be noted that on every 30th day of May, these men and their cohorts convene for the so-called remembrance of Biafra, holding clandestine meetings at various locations in the name of the emancipation of the Biafran Republic and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
According to the police, the six individuals were invited on several occasions for questioning in relation to the allegations against them.
The statement indicated that the first invitation was issued on 18 December 2025, followed by a second invitation on 7 February 2026, and a third invitation on 3 March 2026.
The police alleged that the individuals failed to honour all three invitations.
The statement further asserted:
“These individuals were invited by the police on several occasions. Firstly, on 18 December 2025, they failed to honour the invitation. Again, they were invited on 7th February 2026 and failed to appear. Finally, they were invited on 3 March 2026, and they also failed to present themselves before the police.” It stated.
As a result, the Abia State Police Command announced that all six individuals had been formally declared wanted.
The police appealed to members of the public to provide any reliable information that could lead to their arrest and prosecution, stating that informants would be suitably rewarded.
The declaration of the six individuals as wanted persons is linked to allegations of their participation in pro-Biafra activities, demonstrations concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and their alleged association with IPOB, an organisation that has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and security operations by Nigerian authorities.
In a statement shared on social media, VeryDarkMan argued that Wike may not fully understand the pain and trauma experienced by parents of abducted children and affected teachers. He claimed that the minister’s children were educated abroad, away from the security challenges facing many Nigerian families.Nigerian entertainment news
The activist stated that insecurity, kidnapping, and attacks on schools remain serious national concerns and should not be dismissed or reduced to political issues. He stressed that the fears and frustrations of parents whose children face security threats deserve greater attention from public officials.
VeryDarkMan further warned that political power is temporary, urging leaders to remain accountable to the people and sensitive to the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.
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