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Banning or restricting Social Media Undermines Press Freedom, Human Rights-US Consul-General, Claire Pierangelo

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By Michael Effiong

The Consul-General of the United States Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria, Claire Pierangelo has stated that banning or restriction of social media is a threat to press freedom and freedom of expression.

Speaking at an event tagged “A Conversation On Press Freedom, Freedom of Expression and Civic Space” hosted by the Embassy, Pierangelo noted that a free press is a core pillar for any democracy which is reason the First Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting the press or the rights of individuals to speak freely.

She stated that the Biden-Harris administration is committed to putting human rights at the heart of its foreign policy, adding “We believe that media freedom and freedom of expression are vital to a thriving democracy”.

In her words: “I have been in Lagos as Consul General since 2019.  I have spoken with hundreds, perhaps thousands of Nigerians about democracy, elections, and the history of Nigeria.  These conversations have shaped my perception that Nigeria has a vibrant democracy and a relatively free press.

“However, some concerns remain about the freedom of journalists to do their job.  We take note when legislation is introduced which could have significant consequences for the freedom of the press.

“In addition, Nigerian government’s ongoing suspension of Twitter and stated intent to introduce registration requirements for other social media platforms is deeply worrisome.  Banning or significantly restricting social media, including under threat of prosecution, undermines Nigerians’ human rights and fundamental freedoms.  We are encouraged by the meetings between Twitter and government technical committee last week aimed at resolving the suspension.

According to her, history is full of cautionary tales showing that when governments try to limit citizens’ right to talk about certain topics, important conversations are pushed into the shadows. She urged government to allow individuals express their opinions — no matter how much the government and other citizens may disagree with them.

In her words: “Rigorous debate promotes transparency and social stability”

The Consul-General stated that in view of the prevailing circumstances in Nigeria, media professionals need to be vigilant as well as act with the highest level of integrity and responsibility.

“The United States, however, understands that with more freedom comes more responsibility.  Advances in technology and increased reliance on social media platforms as sources of information make the accuracy and objectivity of your reporting crucial.  More than ever before, good journalism relies on accurate, in-depth, and critical reporting of facts on matters of public concern or interest”. She stated.

In his key note paper, Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of International Press Centre revealed that the Nigerian Press has been under severe attack from the present government as well as what he termed “legal and legislative coups”

Arogundade painted the grim picture of the media in Nigerian thus “we document incidents of attacks on journalists and the media including arson and killing – and they are numerous.Reporters San Frontiers (otherwise called Reporters Without Borders) rated Nigeria 115 out of 180 countries in its 2020 World Press Freedom Index”

He went on to highlight cases of impunity of state actors against the media and civil society activists.

He concluded “ The summary of the above is that there is virtually no rule of law in existence anymore with criminals, kidnappers and terrorists getting away with murder while innocent citizens, civil society actors, journalists are charged with treason, terrorism, etc.

The conversation was taken a notch higher by a panel comprising Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, Managing Director of Arise TV;  Fisayo Soyombo, Founder, Foundation for Investigative Journalism and Jiti Ogunye, Principal Counsel of Jiti Ogunye Chambers while Mike  Okwoche. Senior Anchor TVC was the moderator.

The panel examined the legal and professional implications of gagging the media and the Nigerian populace while also providing insights into what should be proper conduct by today’s journalists.

In his remarks, Mr. Mustapha Isah, President, Nigeria Guild of Editors brought to fore the barrage of attacks on the media in recent times, giving the instances of the new National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Nigerian Press Council bills. He noted that the Nigeria Press Organisation (made up of media owners and practitioners)  will fight these obnoxious bills and ensure they do not see the light of the day.

There were also contribution from an audience of seasoned professionals which included Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye.  In deed, it was a very intellectually-stimulating session.

 

 

 

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Boko Haram Among Terror Groups Funded by USAID, Says US Congressman, Perry

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US Congressman, Scott Perry, has said that US aid agency, United States Agency for International Development, funded terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram.

Perry, a Republican representing Pennsylvania, made the claim during the inaugural hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency on Thursday.

The session, titled “The War on Waste: Stamping Out the Scourge of Improper Payments and Fraud,” focused on alleged misappropriations of taxpayer funds.

“Who gets some of that money? Does that name ring a bell to anybody in the room? Because your money, your money, $697 million annually, plus the shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding,” Perry said.

According to the subcommittee’s website, it will “actively work with President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency to root out waste, shore up vulnerable payment systems, and fully investigate schemes to defraud taxpayers.”

Perry further cited USAID’s reported funding of $136 million for building 120 schools in Pakistan, alleging that there was “zero evidence” of the schools’ construction.

Perry added, ” If you think that the programme under Operation Enduring Sentinel entitled Women’s Scholarship Endowment, which receives $60 million annually, or the Young Women Lead, which gets about $5 million annually, is going to women who, by the way, if you read the Inspector General’s report, is telling you that the Taliban does not
allow women to speak in public, yet somehow you’re believing, and American people are supposed to believe, that this money is going for the betterment of the women in Afghanistan. It is not.

“You are funding terrorism, and it’s coming through USAID. And it’s not just Afghanistan, because Pakistan’s right next door.

“USAID spent $840 million in the last year, the last 20 years, on Pakistan’s education-related programme. It includes $136 million to build 120 schools, of which there is zero evidence that any of them were built. Why would there be any evidence? The Inspector General can’t get in to see them.

“But you know what? We doubled down and spent $20 million from USAID to create educational television programs for children unable to attend the physical school. Yeah, they can’t attend it, because it doesn’t exist. You paid for it.

“Somebody else got the money. You are paying for terrorism. This has got to end.”

US President Donald Trump has previously called for the closure of USAID, accusing the agency of corruption in a post on his Truth Social platform.

The move is part of Trump’s–and his billionaire ally Elon Musk’s–drive to shrink the US government.

Musk, whom Trump appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, has also criticised USAID, alleging that it engages in rogue operations.

Musk has called USAID “a viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America” and has vowed to shut it down.

Among other criticisms, which Musk has claimed that USAID does “rogue CIA work” and even “funded bioweapon research, including COVID-19, that killed millions of people.”

Trump said DOGE would “dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excessive regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies — essential to the ‘Save America’ movement. This will send shockwaves through the system, and anyone involved in government waste, which is a lot of people!”

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CDS Visa Denial: No Comments, Canadian Embassy Declares

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The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has refused to make further comments on circumstances surrounding the denial of visas to some senior Nigerian military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, citing privacy policies.

The Authorities however, acknowledged social media reports of the situation.

Musa and some military officials were denied visas to attend an event in Canada honouring war veterans, a situation the CDS revealed during an event in Abuja on Thursday.

Responding on Friday, via its social media handle, the Canadian High Commission stated, “The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria is aware of media reports related to planned travel by senior officials. However, for privacy reasons, we are unable to comment on the status of visa applications of specific individuals.”

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Afenifere Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo Dies at 96

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Pa Ayo Adebanjo, the Afenifere leader, is dead.

He died on Friday morning at his Lekki residence in Lagos, according to a family statement. He was aged 96.

It reads: “With a heart full of gratitude for a selfless life spent in the service of God, the nation and humanity, we announce the passing on of our beloved patriarch, Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo.

“He died peacefully this morning, Friday, February 14, 2025 at his Lekki, Lagos Nigeria home at the age of 96.

“The foremost nationalist, elder statesman, distinguished lawyer, very distinct politician, apostle of true federalism, former organising secretary of Action Group and the national leader of Afenifere is survived by his 94 year-old wife, Chief Christy Ayo-Adebanjo, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“We will forever cherish his commitment to fighting for truth, equity and justice. His belief and struggle for a truly independent and progressive Nigeria was total and this he fought for until he breathed his last breath.

“The family is consulting with Papa’s friends, associates, numerous interest groups across the length and breadth of Nigeria and beyond, to fine tune plans for a befitting funeral details which will be communicated in due course.

“A condolence register is open at his residence in Lagos (8, Ayo Adebanjo Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos) and  his country home in Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode Ogun State.”

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