The Kano State Government has announced its intention to collaborate closely with online media to effectively disseminate its programs and policies. This was disclosed by the new Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, during a meeting with the Association of Online Media Guild at the headquarters of the State Ministry of Information.

“They are August visitors and the first to come officially. I thank you for the visit and the congratulatory letter. I have been working closely with the media, and there are many issues of concern. I now speak on behalf of the government, which is also a people-oriented government. The media has been a very good friend to me, and we will work with you to fish out the quack ones among you,” stated Comrade Waiya.

The Commissioner emphasized the need for regulation and collaboration with online media to ensure accurate dissemination of government projects and policies. “We will liaise with you to regulate. The government has executed a lot of projects, and it needs to be disseminated. Criticism could be a very good one. You draw attention to certain issues; let our attention be clear,” he added.

Comrade Waiya expressed concern over sensationalism in journalism, noting that some journalists provoke the government with their stories without considering the consequences. “The sensationalism in journalism is unbecoming. People are doing it without minding the consequences. Some journalists bring stories that provoke the government. Media is one of the fourth estates of the realm; be an intermediary between the government and the people. There are certain issues that you don’t need to write on. You can do things through investigation,” he said.

He shared an example of a journalist who discovered a village in one of the local governments in Kano without portable drinking water. “When I saw the video, I sent it to the Governor, and action was immediately taken. I am ready to liaise with you to fish out quacks,” Comrade Waiya stated.

The Commissioner also called for unity among online journalists in Kano and announced plans to train all information officers and public relations officers in the state on a weekly template. “We want to see more unity among online journalists in Kano. We want you to be more united. We will train all the information officers in Kano and the public relations officers on a weekly template,” he said.

He further highlighted the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating, “The government of Abba Kabir Yusuf wants to see things openly. We are going to champion the replication of the FOI law. We are going to have the practice of openness and accountability. His Excellency is much ready on that.”

On his part, the Chairman of the Association of Online Media Guild, Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, expressed support for the Commissioner’s media-friendly approach. “The composition of our members are professionals. We are here to congratulate you. We are in support of your move as a media-friendly person,” he said.

Jos emphasized the need to check fake news and address misinformation, which has brought down many countries. “We need to check fake news and address misinformation, which brought down many countries. We are committed to disseminating government information for public interest and consumption,” he added.

The entourage included Abbas Yushau Yusuf, publisher of Nigerian Tracker; Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, publisher of Independent Post; Zainab Abdurrahman Mai Agogo, Head and publisher of Kakaki24; and Musa Best Seller, publisher of Alfijir Labarai.

In a significant move against child trafficking, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has handed over three abducted children to their relieved parents.

The children, who were stolen from Bauchi and sold in Anambra by unscrupulous individuals, were safely returned through collaborative efforts.

During the formal handover at the Bauchi Government House, Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Auwal Musa, briefed the Governor on the successful rescue operation.

CP Musa narrated the joint efforts of the Bauchi and Anambra State Police commands, working in close coordination with the Office of the State First Lady under the Gender-Based Violence Committee.

First Lady Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his unwavering support in combating child abuse, abduction, and trafficking.

Aisha Bala Mohamme emphasized that Governor Bala’s commitment has been instrumental in the success of various initiatives led by the committee.

Governor Bala Mohammed condemned the heinous activities of those exploiting innocent children.

Governor Bala praised the security agencies, as well as the First Ladies of Bauchi and Anambra States, for their crucial roles in tackling such criminal acts.

Addressing parents, Governor Mohammed urged them to remain vigilant and ensure the proper upbringing and monitoring of their children.

He, however, called on community leaders to supervise and monitor residents in their localities to prevent future occurrences.

In a statement by Governor Balas media aid Lawal Muazu Bauchi Reiterating the importance of justice, Governor Mohammed stressed that justice delayed is justice denied, directing that perpetrators be dealt with decisively according to the law.

A State High Court sitting in Enugu has issued an interim injunction restraining apex Igbo socio-political group Ohanaeze Ndigbo from entertaining the candidacy of former Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, as an aspirant or contestant in the January 10 election to the office of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

This followed a motion filed by Chimenu Amadi for himself and on behalf of the Indigenous Igbos of Rivers State asking the court to restrain Okiro from contesting the Presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the fact that he’s an indigene of Imo State and only indigenes of Rivers State are eligible to aspire for the said position.

The court gave an interim injunction restraining Okiro on the grounds of ineligibility with particular reference to his state of origin pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

The court also issued an interim injunction giving a go-ahead to the Nze Ozichukwu-Chukwu constituted committee to conduct the election into the office of the president general of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group slated for January 10, 2025, and also restraining some chieftains of the group from interfering or disrupting the election.

According to a motion filed by Aloy Ejimakor against some chieftains of Ohanaeze Ndigbo; Chidi Ibe, Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Richard Ozubu known as 5th to 7th respondents, there is a calculated bid to sow a seed of discord, disharmony, lawlessness and unrest by some elements who constituted a parallel body without lawful authority as they intend to go against the constitution of the group by throwing the contest into the president general’s office as an open and free-for-all affairs.

Also, according to Article 11 of the mode of election to the office of the president general, it ought to be rotational amongst the Igbo states and Igbo-speaking people of Delta and Rivers states.

However, the court issued an interim injunction for status quo to be maintained in the matter pending the hearing of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

On January 10, Ohanaeze Ndigbo would elect its next president-general following the expiration of the tenure of the late Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

Iwuanyanwu, who died a few months ago was replaced with Fidelis Ozichukwu who would preside over the affairs of the group till January 10, 2025.

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