Politics
BAYELSA MEDIA SUMMIT: Governor Diri Tasks Media Practitioners on Investigative Journalism

By David Owei,Bayelsa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Thursday, urged media practitioners in Nigeria not to shirk their responsibility as watchdogs, agenda setters and drivers of development in society.
Governor Diri made the call while declaring open the first ever media summit organized by the Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Yenagoa, with the theme, “Media, Culture and Identity: Promoting Indigenous Perspectives.
Governor Diri, who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, noted that journalists could contribute to development of society by speaking truth to power through effective reportage and investigative journalism.
The Bayelsa Chief Executive, who recalled with enthusiasm the critical role played by nationalists like Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ernest Ikoku, Dele Giwa and others, using journalism to fight for Nigeria’s independence, noted that investigative journalism has since lost its fervency in the country.
The Governor identified what he calls “the carry-and-go” brand of journalism where quackery and unethical conduct looms large, as the major bane of contemporary journalism practice in the country.
He, therefore, called on all critical stakeholders to work towards achieving the goal of quality journalism that would not only be authoritative and fearless but also credible and dependable.
Governor Diri, while commending the current leadership of the state council of the NUJ for being innovative, highlighted his administration’s supportive role in the development of journalism in the state, including the building, completion and equipping of the iconic Ernest Ikoli media complex.
His words: “I want to commend and congratulate the Bayelsa State Council for organizing this media summit. I want to thank the NUJ for its foresight and collaboration with the state government over the years.
“Journalists have played a major role in our progressive development as a nation. Herbert Macaulay and others all used the media to fight against imperialism during the days of the nationalist struggle.
“But today journalism is suffocating because of the carry-and-go journalism. Investigative journalism has virtually disappeared because only few journalists are actually doing investigative journalism. Let’s look at quality journalism at this point in time.
“The theme of this media summit is quite apt. As a government, we have done much for practicing journalists to thrive in the state. We also promote our print media.”
In her remarks,the Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Orientation, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, highlighted the vision, developmental strides and programmes of the Assured Prosperity administration to achieve a better Bayelsa.
She underscored the role of the media to beam its searchlight on the transformation unfolding in Bayelsa under the leadership of Governor Douye Diri, urging them to this while also portraying the rich cultural heritage of the people of the state.
Speaking earlier, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, noted that narratives shape the perception of reality, stressing that the need for media practitioners to spotlight and preserve the heritage, languages and cultures of the various societies in the country.
Comrade Yahaya, who expressed joy over the media summit and the existing unity among journalists in the state, commended the State Government for the huge infrastructural projects it had undertaken to transform Bayelsa.
Delivering a keynote lecture, Prof. Anifiok Udoudo, a professor of journalism and media studies, reminded both government and media practitioners of the great expectations society the people hold about them to develop society.
Dr Beauty Okuboere Niyekpemi of the Department of Economics, Niger Delta University, also delivered a lecture titled, “Blue Economy: Harnessing the Socioeconomic Potentials in Bayelsa.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha, said one of the key objectives of the summit was to promote professional accountability in both the conventional mainstream media and the social media.
Thanking the state government and all stakeholders, on behalf of the state council of the NUJ, for their support so far, Comrade Yemoleigha, informed that the Summit would be an annual event because of its capacity to effect a paradigm shift in the business of journalism in the state.
Politics
Senator Yar’Adua dumps APC …says party derails from original ideals,selfish, corrupt

By Our Correspondent
Senator Abubakar Sadiq Yar’adua has formally resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ), citing the party’s departure from its founding ideals and describing the current administration as “selfish and stinkingly corrupt.”
In a strongly worded resignation letter addressed to his colleagues and the Nigerian public, Yar’adua, a founding member of both the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the APC, accused the ruling party of betraying the masses and abandoning its original mission of service to the people.
“I can not remain in a party or support a government that unashamedly watches its citizens being maimed, intimidated, sexually-harassed, assaulted, killed and displaced… while the government, its leadership and organs… remain aloof and unconcerned,” Yar’adua stated.
He further criticized the economic policies of the APC-led government, labeling them “destructive” and targeted at the “welfare, dignity, lands and livelihood” of Nigerians . He likened those in power to “urban bandits” and declared his intention to work with other like-minded individuals to democratically oust the current administration.
His exit marks a significant development in Katsina State politics and could trigger more defections, especially among disillusioned party loyalists.
Yar’adua concluded his statement with a call to action: “I, therefore, have no option other than to join hands with like-minds to democratically remove this bad, selfish and stinkingly corrupt administration.”
Politics
Senator Yar’Adua dumps APC …Says its derails from its original ideals, selfish, stinkingly corrupt

By Our Correspondent
Senator Abubakar Sadiq Yar’adua has formally resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ), citing the party’s departure from its founding ideals and describing the current administration as “selfish and stinkingly corrupt
In a strongly worded resignation letter addressed to his colleagues and the Nigerian public, Yar’adua, a founding member of both the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the APC, accused the ruling party of betraying the masses and abandoning its original mission of service to the people.
“I can not remain in a party or support a government that unashamedly watches its citizens being maimed, intimidated, sexually-harassed, assaulted, killed and displaced… while the government, its leadership and organs… remain aloof and unconcerned,” Yar’adua stated.
He further criticized the economic policies of the APC-led government, labeling them “destructive” and targeted at the “welfare, dignity, lands and livelihood” of Nigerians . He likened those in power to “urban bandits” and declared his intention to work with other like-minded individuals to democratically oust the current administration.
His exit marks a significant development in Katsina State politics and could trigger more defections, especially among disillusioned party loyalists.
Yar’adua concluded his statement with a call to action: “I, therefore, have no option other than to join hands with like-minds to democratically remove this bad, selfish and stinkingly corrupt administration.”
Politics
Akpabio bags prestigious international Peace award

By George Mgbeleke
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has been honoured with the International Peace Award by the Global Peace Movement International
The international recognition, it was gathered, is in recognition of Akpabio’s outstanding contributions to global diplomacy and parliamentary excellence.
According to Global Peace organisation, “Global Peace Movement International is delighted to announce that Senator Godswill Akpabio, the esteemed Senate President of Nigeria, has been honored with the prestigious International Peace Award.
“This distinction is a testament to his exceptional leadership and vision as an Executive Member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and one of the esteemed Commissioners worldwide. His pivotal role in restoring Nigeria’s IPU membership, a distinction lost over five decades ago, is a monumental achievement that showcases his dedication to reinstating Nigeria’s prominent position on the global stage.
” This feat has not only elevated Nigeria’s international stature but also underscored Senator Akpabio’s unwavering commitment to fostering global cooperation and understanding.
“The Global Peace Movement International takes great pride in recognizing and honoring Akpabio’s remarkable achievements, celebrating his profound impact on Nigeria’s diplomatic landscape and his tireless efforts in promoting peace, unity, and cooperation. His exemplary leadership and enduring legacy are shaping a brighter future for our beloved nation, Nigeria.
“In light of these extraordinary accomplishments, the Global Peace Movement International will present the International Peace Award to Senator Godswill Akpabio in August 2025. This award serves as a testament to his outstanding contributions to global peace and diplomacy, and we are confident that his leadership will continue to inspire a new generation of leaders and citizens alike.”
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