2016 World Press Freedom Day

PROMOTING THE PRESS’ IMPACT ON NATION-BUILDING AS THE 2016 WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY IS MARKED TODAY TUESDAY MAY 3

        

     The last time I checked, the Press could be described as the news media and agencies collectively, especially newspapers and magazines. In the same vein, freedom of the Press or the Press freedom is the freedom the press workers or personnel have to communicate and express their views through the media including print and electronic. While such freedom mostly implies the absence of interference from an overreaching state, its preservation may be sought through constitutional or other legal protections.

      With respect to government information, any government may distinguish the materials that are meant to be public from the ones to be protected based on classification of the information as sensitive, secret, and being otherwise protected from disclosure due to its relevance to protecting the national interest. Many governments are also subject to sunshine laws or freedom of information legislation that are used to define the ambit of national interest.

      The United Nations’ 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference as well as impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers”. This philosophy is usually accompanied by legislation ensuring various degrees of freedom such as freedom of scientific research known as ‘scientific freedom’, publishing, press and printing. The concept of freedom of speech is often covered by the same laws as freedom of the press thereby giving equal treatment to both spoken and published expressions.

       Undoubtedly, the impact of the press on nation building cannot be overemphasized. It is noteworthy that, the current socio-political, ethnic and religious intolerance in Nigeria can best be addressed by giving the press a free role not only in presentation of reportage but educating the entire citizenry on the need to embrace absolute tolerance irrespective of their respective affiliations.

      The ongoing Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East region of the country, coupled with the current crisis occasioned by herdsmen cannot be properly approached or tackled without involving the press. In this aspect, the press would enable the citizens and other concerned or affected groups to know what is at stake as well as what is expected of them at any given time.

     Of course, it is the press that would enable the general public to acknowledge the anticipated dimension of the said anomalies. Creating awareness and awakening the consciousness of the populace in this regard or in a situation of such cannot be compromised, and suchlike measure cannot be achieved without the effort of the press.

      Considering the just concluded elections in Nigeria, we would agree to the obvious fact that the role of the press throughout the exercise was not just enormous, but unquantifiable. It was the press that enabled both the security operatives and the general public to know where and when there was any form of pandemonium or security threat as the case might be as well as the nature of the incident. Among all, the press created an avenue for transparency as long as the polls lasted which led to a credible, peaceful and successful exercise.

      Inter alia, as regards the activities of the political office holders or public officers at large, the press has helped tremendously to fight bribery and corruption that is often exhibited by the said personnel. It is the press that enables the people to be fully aware of the steps being taken by the government towards addressing any issue or anomaly alongside the respective efforts of each of the government functionaries. Similarly, the contribution of critics in national development or good governance through presentation of constructive criticism cannot be effective without the press.

      Against this backdrop, the United Nations (UN) thought it wise to proclaim May 3 of every year as the World Press Freedom Day. The World Press Freedom Day was approved by the UN General Assembly in December 1993 following the recommendation of the General Assembly of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Day is an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and among all pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

      As the world commemorates the World Press Freedom Day, there is need for all concerned authorities and groups in Nigeria to safeguard the Freedom of Information (FOI) law that is aimed at restructuring the Nigerian democratic system. On the other hand, there’s also an urgent need for the release of all the journalists and media personnel across the globe that are being detained unjustly by the police or any law enforcement agency.

      More so, the governments at all levels ought to stop further arrest and intimidation of activists whom they perceive as critics of their negative political agenda or mission. Suffice it to say; the press ought to be given a thorough free role in reporting and seeking solution to issues that may threaten the peace and unity of our great country, Nigeria.

      On their part, the members of the media must at all times concentrate on objective or unbiased reportage; hence, they are expected to think beyond their individual interest in any circumstance they find themselves. In view of this, no member of the press should in any occasion or on any ground publish any news/story without embarking on thorough and adequate investigation. In other words, investigative reporting ought to be the watchword of every pressman. Think about it!

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)

-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-

Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research

& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056

Twitter: @mediambassador 

 

                 

The Long Awaited Imo-North Rerun Election

THE LONG AWAITED IMO-NORTH RERUN ELECTION, ET AL

    Last time I painstakingly checked, the conduct of the awaited rerun election concerning the Imo-North senatorial district in Imo State coupled with a few state assembly polls in the state was long overdue that even those who fully understand the language of patience had become pessimistic. It’s pertinent to acknowledge that some other states across the federation like Anambra among others are currently passing through similar fate.

    It’s more worrisome to note that the 90-day ultimatum issued by the Nigeria’s apex court otherwise known as the Supreme Court regarding the said senatorial election likewise that issued against the awaited state assembly polls by the Appeal Court has elapsed. And pathetically, the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as the electoral Acts seems to be silent on the appropriate action needed to be taken in a situation like this. This indicates that the said constitution is earnestly calling for amendment in this regard.

    The aforementioned elections were scheduled to hold on Saturday 20^th of February 2016 but were outrightly cancelled by the electoral umpire, the INEC, barely twenty-four hours to the polls owing to a sensed act of criminality or electoral violence. I, personally, among other concerned citizens took umbrage as a result of that abrupt cancellation that seemed not unlike a mere mirage. And till this very moment, I’m still finding it very difficult to reawaken my precious nerves which were ostensibly paralysed due to the ordeal.

    My greatest worry remains that the polls were postponed indefinitely and till now, a fresh date is yet to be fixed for its conduct that is long overdue. This is what exactly informed the emergence of this critique having remained silent for awhile like a mere onlooker. It’s not anymore news that many of the affected citizens have reacted vocally towards this anomaly in various quarters, hence I thought it wise to reexamine as well as throw more light on the nauseous scenario.

    It’s to say the least, a thing of worry that the affected legislative seats are presently vacant in the concerned jurisdictions which include the Red Chamber of the National Assembly otherwise recognized as the Senate as well as the Imo State House of Assembly. This significantly implies that the overall people of Imo-North Senatorial Zone alongside those of Oru-East State Constituency among others – which is one of the constituencies affected at the state level, don’t currently have a representative at the Senate and the Imo House of Assembly respectively.

    We are not unaware of the socio-political and economic implications of the aforementioned lapse. However, let’s assume we have forgotten the consequence; hence such loophole indicates that, presently, the electorate of the affected senatorial district or state constituencies, as the case may be, do not have someone who is meant to speak on their behalf in the aforesaid legislative councils. This undoubtedly means that this set of persons is at the moment being shortchanged as regards the dividend of democracy due to them.

    Universally, democracy is for all concerned, thus no one or group of people is meant to be kept in the dark. Some persons cannot be enjoying the good side of governance while a few others would be asked to act like observers. Such phenomenon, which is an act of humiliation, is constitutionally wrong, hence unacceptable. Obviously, everyone or group deserves a fair treatment in any democratic setting; they must be treated equally.

    The above assertion remains the reason it is generally believed that no matter how bad a democracy is, it can never be compared to an autocracy, because freedom remains the greatest thing that would happen to mankind come rain come shine. Now, the Nigeria’s democratic setting is characterized by a change mantra initiated by its leaders; suffice it to say that every citizen of the country is clamouring for change. Such clamour requires the effort of all Nigerians towards its actualization, thus a situation where some groups are yet to boast of a federal/state legislator or representative does not augur well with the anticipation.

     I’m baffled that the individuals who are negatively affected by this scenario are seemingly docile; if not, why am I yet to hear that an organized peaceful protest has been taken to the INEC as well as the National Assembly or Imo Assembly as the case may be. Though we have heard that the Senate had mandated the electoral umpire to fill the vacant positions in the said chamber, but more vehement effort is still needed. You can’t be subjected to agony and choose to remain silent while the trauma lasts rather than speaking at the top of your voice. One of the most paramount moments in one’s life is acknowledging when he/she is being shortchanged.

    Notwithstanding, two respected personalities in the country in the persons of Chief Athan Achonu of the PDP and Hon Benjamin Uwajumogu of the APC happen to be the most influential contenders in the long awaited polls, in that of Imo-North senatorial district precisely. The latter who has served as a Speaker of the reputable Imo House of Assembly understands what a day off in the legislative business is liable to cause or lead to, thus needn’t to be told to do the needful towards ensuring that the people of his district could boast of a representative in the Senate in no distant time.        

    The people of Oru East LGA of Imo State coupled with other state constituencies in the state whose absence are currently felt in the Imo Assembly are also not left out regarding doing the needful with a view to ensuring that the ongoing humiliation becomes a thing of the past in a few days time. Oru East indisputably remains one of the frontiers among all the 27 LGAs in the state, hence isn’t supposed to be relegated to the background like a benchwarmer.

     The electoral umpire (INEC) must do something very fast toward fixing a tangible and reliable date for the awaited polls, not just in Imo State but in other affected state across the federation. They are expected to remain independent as their name implies, patriotic, resolute, genuine and most importantly unbiased, regardless of the circumstance. Someone ought to tell them that this unsolicited delay is seriously getting out of hand. Or, if I may ask; what are they really up to? Think about it!

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)

-Researcher, Blogger, Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-

Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research

& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056

Twitter: @mediambassador 

  

Unauthorized Use of Sensitive Vehicular Gadgets

THE RISING UNAUTHORIZED USE OF SENSITIVE VEHICULAR GADGETS

    The last time I holistically checked, the unauthorized use of emergency-vehicle equipment like siren among other sensitive vehicular gadgets including tinted glass and customized number plate was on the increase in the contemporary Nigerian society that it forbade the use of a partisan measure toward its holistic eradication.

    Illicit indiscriminate use of the aforementioned devices by unauthorized motorists is, to say the least, mainly responsible for most traffic embarrassments and anomalies experienced in recent times on our various major roads that if severe and rigorous approach isn’t taken towards addressing it, I’m afraid one may wake one morning to hear that such traffic authorities in the country as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), among others, have been taken over by a group of ‘bloody’ civilians.

    Siren, which is a popularly used emergency device in most countries across the globe, could be described as an instrument fitted to or carried by an emergency-vehicle other than the devices that a standard non-emergency vehicle is fitted with such as headlights, steering wheels, windshield, and windscreens. It is generally an acoustic device that concurrently exhibits coloured lights in the process.

    Siren was invented solely to be used by emergency vehicles to include the fire truck, ambulance, and the police car, because they are usually involved in hazardous situations including relatively not uncommon incidents like a road traffic collision. This set of vehicles is required to gain access to incidents as quickly as possible, thus in many countries likewise Nigeria, it’s given a preference as regards obeying certain traffic rules.

     For instance, suchlike vehicles may, or possess the immunity to, treat a red traffic light or stop sign as a give way, or be permitted to break the speed limit, as the case may be. Notwithstanding, emergency vehicles may not be able to equally treat a railroad crossing as a give way because a train cannot be warned in time to stop before the crossing to let the vehicle through; hence, an emergency vehicle might not enjoy its usual privileges when heavy land freight or passenger trains are involved.

    Thus, owing to the inevitable role of emergency vehicles in several countries including Nigeria, they are fitted with visual warnings to alert members of the public, particularly other motorists and road users, either as they approach the said vehicle or vice-versa. Visual warnings are generally classified into passive and active.

    The passive visual warnings are usually inherently linked to the design of the vehicle, and involve the use of high contrast patterns such as striking or unusual paintings, retro-reflective designs, flamboyant stickers, and what have you, directly on the vehicle. Another method is the inscription of the name or purpose of the emergency service organization such as Fire Service, Ambulance, Red Cross et al, boldly on the front of the vehicle. This enables drivers of other vehicles to easily identify an approaching emergency vehicle via their rear view mirrors.

    On the other hand, active visual warnings are usually in the form of flashing coloured lights known as beacons or light-bars which are often accompanied by variety of sounds. The flashing coupled with sound attracts the attention of other road users including pedestrians as the emergency vehicle approaches; it equally provides warning to motorists approaching a stopped vehicle in a dangerous position on the road.

    On its part, tinted glass, which refers to any glass that has been specially treated with a material such as a film or coating that reduces the transmission of light ray through it, is purposely meant to block and/or reflect different kinds of light based on the needs as well as preferences of the consumers.

    One of the most common ways in which tinted glass is used is in automobile windows. Almost all vehicles come with tinting at the top of the windshield to reduce solar glare when the sun is low in the sky. Aside this, the windows of many vehicles, particularly cars, are tinted either at the factory or as an aftermarket add-on by the consumer, to provide privacy for the vehicle’s occupants as well as to reduce the build-up of heat in the vehicle while it is parked outside.

    As regards the functions of a vehicular tinted glass, apart from regulation of light or heat, the most rampant reason a tinted glass is used especially in a society like ours is provision of privacy for the vehicle’s occupants. Nevertheless, it’s paramount to acknowledge that, contrary to the wholesome attributes of tinted glasses, they prevent timely identification of the actual look of the vehicle’s driver alongside other occupants of the car, thereby creating room for various fraudulent or dubious acts.

    This is why the Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Acts regulate the degree to which vehicle windows can be tinted, especially the front windows. These limits are in place in order to enable the Police and other security agents to identify the driver and passengers of the vehicle in question, as well as to allow motorists to see through the windows of other vehicles in order to spot hazards that otherwise could not be noticed. Similar regulation or restriction is also accorded to the use of siren.

    Furthermore, customized or personalized number plate, which creates a unique identity of any vehicle it is applied on, is another sensitive gadget indiscriminately used by automobile owners in Nigeria. In essence, a customized registration number plate, which is really much easier to memorize, conceals the age of the automobile contrary to a general number plate that discloses the age of the vehicle that bears it.

    Summarily, a personalized number plate, which its use is equally controlled by the FRSC, is widely used for three main purposes, namely: creation of uniqueness, easy memorization as well as for concealment of the automobile age, as the case may be. However, in some quarters like the entertainment industry, most individuals use it to showcase to their fans or the public in general how influential they are, thereby ridiculing the prime essence of the device. Owing to this lingering abuse, the apt authorities had in various times banned or warned decisively on the continued use of these sensitive gadgets by unauthorized Nigerians.

    It’s appalling to observe that despite the incessant severe warnings, most Nigerians such as the politicos and what have you, still violate the law on a daily basis with impunity, thereby disabusing the public of the popular notion that ‘no one is greater than the law’. It’s more worrisome to realize that these persons received an unofficial or illegal authorization to make use of the devices from the top personnel or employees of the concerned law enforcement agencies such as the FRSC.

    Such preferential treatment invariably received by influential Nigerians from the above mentioned saboteurs in the name of ‘immunity’ really calls for a public outcry as well as a more stiff measure towards its eradication. Against this backdrop, any member of the FRSC alongside other relevant bodies caught in the act of sabotage or any form of criminality ought to be outrightly dismissed and thereafter be duly prosecuted no matter whose ox is gored. In the same spirit, any unauthorized citizen regardless of his/her status found wanting, is also meant to face the wrath of the law.

    Inter alia, there’s a compelling need to review most of the laws or Acts biding the use of sensitive vehicular devices to include siren, tinted glass and customized number plate, with a view to making amends where necessary. And such review needs to be done headlong without further ado considering the societal implications of the aforesaid uncalled lifestyle unabatedly displayed by various Nigerians who think they are beyond the law of the land that is invariably reckoned to be a respecter of nobody.

    More so, the various military cum paramilitary organizations in the country ought to be extremely careful whenever they are recruiting new members into their respective confraternities with a view to ensuring that no person of any questionable character benefits from the exercise as long as it lasts. They must be conscious of the fact that the membership of such bodies isn’t meant for everybody or all Nigerians. Unarguably, the ongoing alarming pace of sabotage witnessed in several quarters in Nigeria is mainly attributable to harbouring of frauds, albeit ignorantly, by various sensitive societies or corporate bodies across the country.

    The President Buhari-led administration that possesses a high integrity profile against corrupt practices is expected to act very fast toward ending this alarming rate of heresy, before we’ll wake one morning only to realize that the FRSC and its likes have been taken over by a group of ‘bloody’ civilians. Think about it!

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor

(TheMediaAmbassador)

-Public Affairs analyst & Civil Rights activist-

Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research

& Career Development - Owerri

_____________________________________

frednwaozor@gmail.com

+2348028608056

Twitter: @mediambassador