Nigeria petitions CNN over #EndSARS report, threatens legal action - Newstrends
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Nigeria petitions CNN over #EndSARS report, threatens legal action

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3 years ago

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The Federal Government has petitioned the Cable News Network (CNN),  demanding an immediate investigation into its report on the recent Lekki tollgate incident.
The FG threatened to take a legal action if it failed to act on the petition.
In the petition addressed to Mr Jonathan Hawkins VP, Communications, CNN Centre Atlanta, Georgia US, the government said if the international media organisation failed to carry out its demand, it will “take any action within its laws’’ to prevent the CNN from aggravating the #EndSARS crisis.
The petition dated November 23, 2020 and signed by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, was made available to newsmen in Abuja.
It urged the network to determine the authenticity and conformity of the report to basic standards of journalism.
CNN in its report had alleged that it ”uncovered that Nigerian security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters” at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos, during the #EndSARS protest.
The report entitled ‘How a Bloody Night of Bullets Quashed a Young Protest Movement’ was aired on November 18 by the international news organisation.
The petition read in part,
“We write to put on record that the report did not just fall short of journalistic standards; it reinforces the disinformation that is going around on the issue.
“It is blatantly irresponsible and it is a poor piece of journalistic work by a reputable international news
organization.
“In the first instance, the report did not live up to the most basic of the core principles of journalism – balance and fairness.’’
It said the CNN failed to exhibit the journalism ethic of balance and fairness in the report but slanted the story to favour the reporter’s desired conclusion.
It stated, “Rushing to air such a momentous story without presenting the government’s side is inexcusable and indefensible.
“CNN said it contacted over 100 protesters and family members, but did not speak to one official of Nigeria’s federal government.
“While CNN said there was no response from the army and that officials of Lagos State would not speak in view of the Judicial Panel that is investigating the matter, it did not say what effort it made to speak with any official of the federal government.
“The truth is that CNN did not even attempt to reach the federal government.
“Nima Elbagir, who presented the report and most probably led the investigation, is conversant with the Minister of Information and Culture, who is also the spokesman for the Federal Government of Nigeria, yet did not say that she even tried to reach the minister.
“It is therefore strange, to say the least, that she would rush to air such an important ‘investigation’ report without getting the government’s side.’’
The minister claimed the CNN was not present at the Lekki tollgate on the night of the incident but relied heavily on unverified footages it harvested from social media.
He said the government was baffled by the CNN position that it stood by its story and ”our reporting was carefully and meticulously researched” despite all evidence to the contrary.
Mohammed said DJ Switch; one of CNN’s star eyewitnesses in its ‘investigative’ reporting, is not credible because her story on the Lekki tollgate shooting has changed several times.
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Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship

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9 hours ago

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December 9, 2023

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Hon. Lukman Kayode Mudashiru

Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship

The member representing Iwo/Ayedire/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State, Lukman Kayode Mudashiru, has earmarked N100 million to sponsor indigent students from the constituency for university education.

A statement on Saturday from his media office said successful applicants would be sponsored for four-year undergraduate programmes at Ahman Patigi University, Kwara State.

Mudashiru had set up a scholarship committee comprising respected individuals from the community in order to ensure transparency and efficient selection process.

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He said the goal of the committee was to identify and support indigent students based on merit, assuring that the committee would discharge its duty judiciously “to maximize its impact on the lives of our youths.”

The lawmaker said: “This initiative is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the educational upliftment of our community. We are determined to ensure that deserving students receive the support they need to pursue higher education.

“Education is the bedrock of development, and I am proud to deliver on my promise to support the aspirations of our youths. This scholarship program is an investment in the future leaders of Iwo, Ayedire, and Olaoluwa Local Government Areas, and I am confident that it will yield positive results for our community.”

Osun Rep unveils N100m varsity scholarship

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Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack

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9 hours ago

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December 9, 2023

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Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack

The House of Representatives say it will monitor the investigation into the military drone attack that killed over 80 Nigerians in Kaduna State on Nov. 3.

Rep. Babajimi Benson, Chairman, House Committee on Defence, gave the assurance in a statement titled, “Tudun Biri tragedy elicits profound sorrow” in Abuja on Saturday.

He expressed regrets over the ugly incident, while tasking authorities of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to prioritise the safety of civilians during operations.

He urged them to exercise utmost caution, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

He said: “The unfortunate incident in Tudun Biri community, Kaduna state, has cast a sobre mood over the hearts of all Nigerians; the House Committee on Defence is profoundly saddened by this regrettable incident.

“The loss of innocent lives in this tragic incident is heartbreaking, and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families.

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“We would like to recognise the prompt admission of responsibility by the Nigerian Army following the accidental air strike.”

He commended various stakeholders who played crucial roles in alleviating the suffering of the victims.

He said the incident underscored the significance of exercising caution and precision in military operations, particularly in areas with civilian populations.

He said the committee acknowledged the complexities encountered by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in upholding security and addressing diverse threats across the country.

He commended the dedication and sacrifices exhibited by the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the service of the nation.

“It remains crucial for the public to steadfastly support our troops, acknowledging the intricate nature of the security environment in which they operate.

“The House Committee on Defence will closely monitor the investigations and work collaboratively with the military authorities to ensure that corrective measures are implemented to prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents, ” he said.

Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack

(NAN)

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Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince

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9 hours ago

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December 9, 2023

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince

President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, commiserated with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman of Saudi Arabia, and the Royal House of Saudi on the passing of Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz bin Bandar Al Saud who died in jet crash Thursday.

The Saudi Royal Court announced that Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz died when the Saudi Arabian Air Force’s F-15SA fighter plane crashed in Dhahran on December 7.

However, it did not disclose the injuries that led to the prince’s death.

Talal, 62, who was on a training mission died alongside one other pilot.

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The last rituals for Talal will be carried out at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, said the monarchy.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President

Tinubu expressed grief at the loss, acknowledging the departed Prince’s excellent and dedicated service to his country throughout his outstanding career in the Royal Saudi Air Force and the Saudi Intelligence Agency.

According to the statement titled ‘President Tinubu mourns Saudi Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz Bin Bandar Al Saud,’ the President prayed God Almighty to grant repose to the soul of the departed, and comfort for the Royal House of Saud, the Kingdom, and all who mourn this irreparable loss.

Prince Talal joins a list of Saudi Royals who were either involved in or lost their lives in aviation accidents dating back to a 2017 helicopter crash that killed Prince Mansour bin Muqrin and seven others near the Saudi-Yemeni border.

Tinubu commiserates Saudi Royal family over death of Prince

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