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How 4 Media Firms Apologized To Osinbajo Over Fabricated Stories

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As individuals and groups continue to advance conversations for a more liberal, independent and free media space in Nigeria, happenings in the polity over the past 12 months have resurrected the old but important debate about the regulation of social/online media space in Nigeria, necessitating an overhaul, at least, to save the country and its distinguished men and women from the embarrassing publications of falsehoods and fairytales by authors masquerading as editors, publishers and bloggers.

Although the truth remains sacred, in some cases, the damage done usually destroys lifetime achievements, hard-earned reputations, long preserved legacies/names, before the true nature and intent of such malicious and false publications are unearthed. But in an era of pervasive social media consumption, correcting the wrongs becomes a herculean task.

A classic example of the aforementioned is the campaign of calumny against the person of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo perpetrated by some opposing political interests through a section of the media. Over the past 12 months, some media outfits engaged in the publication of unsubstantiated and outrightly baseless reports aimed at bringing to disrepute the person and office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Though the media groups erred in pushing those ‘rooster and bull’ stories, considered recognition of their courage and self-humility is not out place. At least, when they were confronted with their errors, they were honorable enough to retrace their steps.

Even though literally all the stories have been retracted and apologies tendered to the Vice President by those concerned (Vanguard, BusinessDay, Daily Sun and BBC), there is the urgent need to revisit the enforcement of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act of 2015 to regulate the social media space in the country. The enforcement of this act will go a long way to address some of the emerging issues in the social/online media space such as; the publication of falsehoods, deliberate act of sabotage, cyber bullying, etc. There should be consequences for these actions.

For instance, when on September 23, 2019, Vanguard newspaper published, on its website, a story alleging that the Vice President received N90 billion from FIRS for purpose of the 2019 elections, the organization was not sanctioned after it was found that the allegations were false.

However, on September 25, 2019, the medium published a retraction and an apology to the Vice President.

It said: “on our website publication of Monday, September 23, 2019, we published a story titled “N90 billion FIRS Election Fund: Osinbajo’s problem, not 2023 politics.” We have since discovered that the story lacks factual substance and we hereby retract it in its entirety. We tender our profound apology to Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on whom the story touches directly the All Progressives Congress, A.P.C. and the FIRS for any inconvenience or embarrassment the publication has occasioned them. We hold Professor Osinbajo, S.A.N. in the highest esteem.”

In the same vein, on October 2, 2019, another media outfit, Wazobia 95.5 FM, having mentioned the same story on one of its programmes “Dem say dem say”, aired on September 4, tendered an unreserved apology to the Vice President for the wrong done to him through the station’s broadcast of the story.

In yet another instance, the BBC News Pidgin Service pulled down a false story published on its website on July 8. It had reported a statement attributed to a former APC spokesman, Timi Frank that Vice President Osinbajo received N4 billion from ex-EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu. The medium, in what is seen as a smart but face-saving move, replaced the story with the Vice President’s reaction to the allegations by Mr Frank.

Most recently, and precisely on August 9, 2020, a section of the media (both social and traditional media) was awash with stories attributed again to the former APC assistant publicity secretary, Mr Timi Frank, alleging an illegal withdrawal of N10 billion from the TSA by the Auditor General of the Federation, wherein some allegations of corrupt practices were made against the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. Frank a renegade himself, was relying on the vacuous tweets of another fake news reporter, Jackson Ude.

Shamed by the emptiness of the content of the story published by its medium, BusinessDay, in its August 13, 2020 publication online, retracted the story and tendered its apologies.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara

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Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says the second coming to office of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, after the elapsing of the state of emergency should have made him better.

 

Fayose’s remarks come as the Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara as of January 8, 2026.

Speaking in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television on Friday, Fayose said he was removed as governor and went to exile but became a better person upon his return.

Fayose said that President Bola Tinubu hates ingratitude just like any other person else does.

The former Ekiti governor also dismissed the claim that what is happening in Rivers state is politics taken too far.

According to him, the constitution provides rules of engagement for every politician, stressing that it is when one gets out of the rule that he begins to look for public sympathy.

“The coming back of Governor Fubara should have made him a better person .If you made a mistake the first time, the second time you are not supposed to go through that route.

“Politics is a power game. Nobody solves political game for you. With due respect, let me tell you. Fubara is the one enjoying the office of the governor of Rivers state. It’s not the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

“Some people are saying it’s about Tinubu’s election. No! Because Tinubu’s election will come first, don’t forget that. Both Wike and Fubara will all work for Tinubu. Two weeks after, there will be an election for Rivers state,” he said.

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