The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has maintained an open arms relationship with the media. It is in line with the philosophy of the President as an avowed democrat who spent a lifetime fighting for the entrenchment of democracy and human rights.
This administration has remained very tolerant of media criticism and guaranteed citizens’ rights to freedom of expression. It is disheartening that some elements are abusing this free environment guaranteed by the Government. We are alarmed by the level of reckless reporting and statements by some media organisations and individuals that border on national security and stability.
While we sometimes view and treat those occasional reports as part of media’s normal work, we have now seen a pattern that is difficult to be wished away as normal journalism.
The insidious and inciting publications by the Daily Trust these past months have come across as nothing but a deliberate effort to brush the government with tar. We have often restrained ourselves from believing this was the case, but the consistency of the jejune and mischievous publications leaves us with no option.
In the aftermath of the coup in the Niger Republic, Daily Trust championed a jaundiced narrative that the Federal Government was driving the country into a war and twisted it with regional sentiment to cause disaffection. The same newspaper gave a banner headline to a baseless accusation that the government was working on citing foreign military bases in the country. Neither Daily Trust nor the originators of that imaginative allegation provided any shred of evidence.
Then just two weeks ago, Daily Trust concocted and popularised a lie that the Federal Government had renamed the Murtala Mohammed Expressway in Abuja to Wole Soyinka Way. In all those instances all that the paper depended on were falsehood and hearsay. They also showed no remorse or the humility to recant.
We however did not envisage that Daily Trust and the people behind it could descend to the reckless level of attempting to set the country on fire by falsely accusing the government of signing a deal to promote LGBTQ. We found that despicable and wicked because the allegation is nowhere in the document signed. Surprisingly, the paper put forward no evidence nor provided the agreement allegedly signed to prove their point.
The baseless and sensational story unfortunately formed a basis for khutba (sermons) by some of our respected imams who were misled by the story thereby raising tempers.
On the part of the government, we continue on the honourable path of civility by restraining ourselves from taking self-help or draconian measures. While past governments clamped down on the media for infractions much lower than this, we are, however, toeing the path of civility and the rule of law.
This afternoon, I have the Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning to provide more clarity on this issue.
But beyond this, the Federal Government is lodging a formal complaint to the NPAN Ombudsman on this irresponsible reporting.
In addition, the Federal Government will use every lawful means to seek redress in a court of law.
The Federal Government once again restates its friendly policy towards ethical media and free speech. We would, however, not take fake news and disinformation that would injure the peace of our country and its national security lightly.
We once again thank you for your support and cooperation.
The True Story About the Samao Agreement
Text of the Press Statement on 6 July by Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu
- Background
The partnership between Nigeria and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) dates back to the Georgetown Agreement of 1975, which brought together countries in Africa, Caribbean
and the Pacific for the establishment of a framework for trade and development cooperation with the European Union (EU) as one of its objectives.
- The OACPS – EU Cotonou Agreement facilitated the commitment of about €1.7bn in grant aid alone to Nigeria through the 9th, 10th and 11th European Development Fund (EDF) during the period from 2000 – 2020. A recent survey shows that over 5000 water, sanitation, energy, education, health and other micro-project interventions were executed in about 4,800
communities in Nigeria over the course of the Agreement.
- The OACPS in 2018 launched the processes for negotiation of a successor Partnership Agreement ahead of the expiration of the Cotonou Agreement in
- At its 107th Session in Lome, Togo, the OACPS Council of Ministers adopted a Negotiating Mandate and appointed the Minister of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Togo, Prof. Robert Dussey, as the Chair of the OACPS Central Negotiating Group (CNG).
Key Objectives and Priorities in the Negotiation
- In launching the process for formal negotiations in the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the essence of the new partnership was to contribute to the attainment of sustainable development in all OACPS countries through strengthened and deepened political and
economic partnership, with the OACPS as a more effective global player.
The following thematic areas constituted the Pillars of the negotiation:
- Human rights, democracy and governance in People-Centred and
Rights-Based Societies;
- Peace and security;
iii. Human and social development;
- Environmental sustainability and climate change;
- Inclusive sustainable economic growth and development; and
- Migration and mobility.
- Technical Negotiation of the New Partnership Agreement
- The finalised texts for a new Partnership Agreement between the OACPS and the EU which was initialed on 15th April, 2021, comprises a common Foundational Compact and three Regional Protocols, namely: Africa –EU; Caribbean-EU and Pacific-EU Regional Protocols with each regional Protocol addressing the peculiar issues of the regions. The negotiations and outcomes
of the Agreement were largely based on universally accepted international laws, conventions and treaties applicable to the Parties.
III. Consultations and Nigeria’s Inputs to the Negotiation Process
- The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Federal Ministry
of Justice (FMOJ) duly followed-up on the negotiation of the Samoa Agreement since September 2018 and confirms that the outcome is in line with the:
➢ Global conventions, which Nigeria subscribes to and relevant for advancement of multilateralism; and
➢ Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and measures for deepening the development cooperation with the EU and OACPS.
- In addition to the National Development Blueprints, the views of stakeholders for National positions on issues in the Negotiation process
through the following notable engagements:
- Inter-Ministerial Meeting on the Nigeria – ACP/EU Partnership on Wednesday, 28th March, 2018;
- Sensitization Workshop on Negotiation of the OACPS – EU Post-Cotonou Agreement on 17th– 19th September, 2018;
iii. Inter-Ministerial Meeting on the Draft Evolving Text of the Post –
Cotonou Agreement on 30th November – 1st December, 2020; and
- Seminar on the New Framework and Instruments of the European Union Development Cooperation held at the Reiz Continental Hotel Abuja on Friday, 8th March, 2024 [Participants included, CSOs, NGOs,
and religious bodies].
- Signing of the Post – Cotonou (Samoa) Partnership Agreement
- At the event for signing of the new Partnership Agreement in Apia, Samoa on 15, November, 2023 by 47 out of 79 OACPS countries endorsed the Agreement. Ahead of the 30th June 2024 deadline for the Parties, Nigeria signed the Agreement on Friday, 28th June, 2024 at the OACPS Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium, after the last consultative meeting with Civil Society
Organisations (CSOs), religious bodies and other interest groups was convened. All the OACPS. Nigeria’s endorsement was accompanied with a Statement of Declaration, clarifying the understanding and context of the Agreement.
- The Samoa Agreement is a vital legal framework for cooperation between the OACPS and the European Union, with the aim of promoting sustainable development, fighting climate change and its effects, generating investment opportunities and fostering collaboration among OACPS member States at the international stage. The EU and all its 27 Member states signed the Samoa Agreement on 15th November 2023. Out of the 79 members of the OACPS, 74 signed before the deadline of 30th June, 2024.
The OACPS members that are yet to sign are Equatorial Guinea (Africa) Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago (Caribbean) and Nauru and Tuvalu (Pacific).
Recommendations Next Steps
- In preparation for the operationalization of the Samoa Agreement, the next steps of action include:
- Ratification of the Agreement after due consideration/approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), National Executive Council (NEC), and
National Assembly;
- Launch of the Regional Compacts (Africa – EU; Caribbean – EU; and Pacific – EU);
iii. Effective participation at the forthcoming OACPS – EU Joint Council of Ministers meetings and other governance systems of Partnership; and
- Institution of structures for follow-up in the implementation of the Agreement in collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and
other interest groups.
Conclusion
- The Samoa Agreement is a veritable instrument for Nigeria’s development cooperation with the EU beyond aid. The OACPS – EU Partnership is one of the most diverse and multifaceted development pact in
the international system. It is therefore pertinent for the Public to consult the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for clarity on the far-reaching issues relating to multi-sectoral provisions of the Agreement
Samoa Agreement Signed in the Interest of Nigeria – FG
On 28 June 2024, Nigeria signed the Samoa Agreement at the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) Secretariat in Brussels, Belgium. The partnership agreement is between the EU and its Member States, on one hand, and the members of the OACPS on the other.
Negotiations on the agreement started in 2018, on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly. It was signed in Apia, Samoa on the 15th of November 2018 by all 27 EU Member states and 47 of the 79 OACPS Member states.
The agreement has 103 articles comprising a common foundational compact and three regional protocols, namely: Africa –EU; Caribbean-EU, and Pacific-EU Regional Protocols with each regional protocol addressing the peculiar issues of the regions.
The African Regional Protocol consists of two parts. The first is the Framework for Cooperation, while the second deals with Areas of Cooperation, containing Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth and Development; Human and Social Development; Environment, Natural Resources Management, and Climate Change; Peace and Security; Human Rights, Democracy and Governance; and Migration and Mobility.
Nigeria signed the Agreement on Friday 28 June 2024. This was done after the extensive reviews and consultations by the Interministerial Committee, convened by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ). It was ensured that none of the 103 Articles and Provisions of the Agreement contravenes the 1999 Constitution as amended or laws of Nigeria, and other extant Laws.
In addition, Nigeria’s endorsement was accompanied by a Statement of Declaration, dated 26th June 2024, clarifying its understanding and context of the Agreement within its jurisdiction to the effect that any provision that is inconsistent with the laws of Nigeria shall be invalid. It is instructive to note that there is an existing legislation against same sex relationship in Nigeria enacted in 2014.
It is necessary to assure Nigerians that the President Bola Tinubu Administration, being a rule-based government will not enter into any international agreement that will be detrimental to the interest of the country and its citizens. In negotiating the Agreement, our officials strictly followed the mandates exchanged in 2018 between the EU and the OACPS for the process.
The Samoa Agreement is nothing but a vital legal framework for cooperation between the OACPS and the European Union, to promote sustainable development, fight climate change and its effects, generate investment opportunities, and foster collaboration among OACPS Member States at the international stage.
Mohammed Idris
Minister of Information and National Orientation.
July 4, 2024
July 4, 2024
Press Statement
Edo Guber: Ighodalo Remains Candidate – PDP
…Says Primary Election Followed Due Process, No Eligible Delegate Excluded
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says that its candidate in the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo remains validly in the race, contrary to erroneous interpretative media reports of the ruling by the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The PDP states that the Court did not make any Order nullifying the Primary election of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the Party’s candidate for the Edo State Governorship election as there are no grounds whatsoever for such.
The Party affirms that the Congresses and subsequent Governorship Primary that produced Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the winner and Party’s flagbearer were duly and legally conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Constitution and Electoral Guidelines of the PDP, the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
The PDP maintains that no eligible delegate was excluded from participating in the Primary election which accreditation, polling, counting of ballot, collation and declaration of results were publicly conducted, monitored by officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant security agencies at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City which exercise was also duly broadcasted live on national TV stations and multiple Social Media platforms.
Moreover, the PDP holds that pursuant to the provisions of Section 84 (14) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the case is even of no moment as the plaintiffs have no locus to question the outcome of the Primary election not being aspirants in the exercise.
Additionally, it must be noted that the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs do not include the disqualification and/or nullification of the Primary election of Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the winner of the Edo State Governorship Primary election of the PDP. The Court is not a Father Christmas.
The PDP urges the public especially the people of Edo State to disregard the report and remain focused on their solidarity and support for the PDP and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Asue’s candidacy: CTC reveals no order invalidating Edo PDP primary election.
The Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling by Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Abuja Federal High Court in Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2024 has revealed that the Hon. Judge gave an order for the inclusion of 378 delegates as part of the 3 Ad-Hoc Ward Delegates to participate in the February 22 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election.
The Judge made no pronouncement on the validity or otherwise of the candidature of the PDP, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie Esq, as against media reports which misled the public on the validity of the primary election.
The CTC document puts to rest the confusion that had emanated from the judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Inyany Ekwo, clearing all misinterpretations of the ruling.
In his ruling as seen from the CTC document, the judge declared that “the Plaintiffs and the other 378 delegates, whose names and election results appear on Exhibits BID 8A to 8L were elected and to allow the Plaintiffs and the 375 other lawfully elected delegates participate in the primary election of February 22, 2024.”
According to him, “A Declaration is hereby made that by virtue of the provisions of Article 50 (3) of the Constitution of the 2nd Defendant (as amended in 2017), the Plaintiffs together with the other lawfully elected delegates, whose names and election results appear on Exhibits BID 8A to 8L herein, are the lawfully elected Ward Congress Delegates in their respective wards and by virtue of which the Defendants cannot exclude them from participating as 3 Ad-Hoc Ward Delegates at the Governorship primary election of Edo State slated for the 22nd of February, 2024 or any other date.”
He continued: “An Order is hereby made directing the Defendants who are bound by the provisions of Section 82 of the Electoral Act, 2022 and Article 50 (3) of the 2nd Defendant’s Constitution (as amended in 2017) to abide by the outcome of the 3 Ad-Hoc Delegates Ward Congress of February 4, 2024, at which the Plaintiffs and the other 378 delegates, whose names and election results appear on Exhibits BID 8A to 8L were elected and to allow the Plaintiffs and the 375 other lawfully elected delegates participate in the primary election of February 22, 2024.
The Judge added: “An Order of Mandatory Injunction is hereby made restraining the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Defendants from unlawfully excluding the Plaintiffs and the other lawfully elected delegates whose names and election results appear on Exhibits BID 8A to 8L herein, from participating as 3 Ad-Hoc Ward Delegates in the Governorship election primaries of the 2nd Defendant slated for the 22nd of February, 2024 or any other date.”
It confers no advantage on the plaintiffs, neither does it harm the defendants.
President Tinubu has Failed Nigerians.
The Tinubu administration’s bad leadership has plunged Nigerians into unimaginable hardship, exacerbating the country’s already precarious economic and social conditions.
Since assuming office in 2023, the APC led administration’s policies and actions have only served to worsen the lives of Nigerians.
One of the most significant hardships faced by Nigerians is the escalating cost of living.
The administration’s economic policy has led to a surge in inflation, making it difficult for Nigerians to afford basic necessities like food, healthcare, fuel, education, etc. The prices of staple foods have skyrocketed, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet.
Another area where the administration’s leadership has failed Nigerians is in the provision of basic infrastructure.
The country’s power sector remains in shambles, with frequent blackouts and a lack of reliable electricity supply.
This has not only hindered economic growth but also made life difficult for citizens who rely on electricity for their daily needs.
The administration’s handling of the fuel subsidy crisis has also added to the hardship faced by Nigerians.
The purported removal of the subsidy has led to a significant hike in fuel prices, making transportation and other essential services unaffordable for many Nigerians.
This has had a ripple effect on the entire economy, leading to increased prices of goods and services.
Furthermore, the administration’s failure to address the country’s security challenges has left Nigerians feeling vulnerable and unsafe.
The rising incidence of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping has made life difficult for citizens, who live in constant fear of attack or abduction.
The healthcare sector has also suffered under the Tinubu administration, with a lack of adequate funding and resources leading to a decline in the quality of healthcare services. This has resulted in unnecessary deaths and suffering for many Nigerians who cannot afford basic medical care.
In conclusion, the hardship faced by Nigerians under the Tinubu administration is a direct result of bad leadership and poor governance by the APC government.
The administration’s policies and actions have only served to worsen the lives of ordinary Nigerians, who are struggling to make ends meet. This administration has failed in its promises to Nigerians and has failed to address the problems caused by its party in the eight years of the Buhari administration.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES UK LABOUR LEADER, SIR KEIR STARMER, ON ELECTION VICTORY
President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, on the victory of his party in the United Kingdom general election.
As a former leader of the opposition in Nigeria, President Tinubu specially notes the determination and courage the incoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom demonstrated throughout his years in the opposition and as the leader of the Labour Party.
The President states that the party’s ability to reform, mobilize, and position itself for victory after 14 years clearly affirms the leadership qualities of Sir Starmer.
President Tinubu also congratulates the citizens and the government of the United Kingdom, describing the Kingdom as an abiding model of democracy and Nigeria’s long-standing partner.
The President looks forward to deepening relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in mutual areas of interest and in strengthening democratic institutions, as well as in building a safer and more prosperous future for the people of both countries.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 5, 2024