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.