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IPC HOLDS ROUNDTABLE TO REVIEW THE NIGERIAN MEDIA CODE OF ELECTION COVERAGE

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For Immediate Release: Friday 14, October, 2022 Today, Friday October 14, 2022, The International Press Centre (IPC), implementing partners with the Institute for Media and Society (IMS) under component 4 (Support to media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project is holding a one-day stakeholders’ meeting on the update of the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The roundtable is one of the activities aimed at fulfilling the objectives of Component 4 (Support to media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project, being implemented by IPC in partnership with the Institute for Media and Society (IMS). IPC notes that in line with the overall goal of the media component under EU-SDGNII to “Support the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria with the media (broadcast, print and online media) helping to facilitate the key ingredient of credible elections through engagement and professionalism in coverage and reportage of the electoral processes”, it has championed the development and dissemination of the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage as an industry-driven self-regulatory guideline for election reporting since 2015. Harmonised with the specific objective of ensuring that, “The Media, including New and Social Media, provides fair, accurate, ethical and inclusive coverage of the Electoral Process”, IPC also spotlights that the update of the code which in 2018, was endorsed by all the major media professional bodies and associations in Nigeria, as well as over 200 media organisations, has been instrumental in engendering professional reporting of the Nigerian electoral processes. The Executive Director, IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade in a statement stated that, “Ahead of the 2023 elections, it has become imperative to not only update and re-produce the code in line with the overall goal of the media component of EUSDGN II, but to additionally deliberate on enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance by journalists and media institutions”. Mr. Arogundade, also added that following the review, the code will be re-published and widely distributed with availability in many more online media, to broaden the scope of distribution beyond the milestone that was achieved in 2018. He also said that IPC expects the reviewed and updated code to provoke further stakeholders’ commitment to create an enabling atmosphere for hitch-free coverage of their activities. Participating in the review meeting are representatives of Media Umbrella Professional Bodies/Associations, CSOs, Academia, Journalists, government, EMBs, and CSOs. SGD:Olutoyin AyoadeCommunications OfficerComponent 4 (Support to media)EUSDGN II Projecttayoade@ipcng.org

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PRESS RELEASE

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Lanre Arogundade Presents Book On Role In Student Movement & Leadership of NANS For immediate release: Friday October 7, 2022. Foremost unionist and former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Mr. Lanre Arogundade has documented his account of stewardship of the students’ body when he led its struggles. His memoir captures his interventionist and leadership roles in student unionism at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in the early 80s. The book also dwells on aspects of his childhood and early education. Significantly, Mr. Arogundade was President of NANS at the same period Major General Muhammadu Buhari was the military Head of State. He led several struggles against the military government especially on its planned commercialisation of education in Nigeria. NANS was a successor umbrella body of students in Nigeria following the ban of the National Union of Nigeria Students (NUNS) led by late Segun Okeowo. The over 250-page book titled: Breaking Coconut with Your Head (Akowe’s journey in student unionism) recalls the role of a generation of students’ union activists in defending the right to independent unionism and fighting for a functional tertiary educational system. It will be formally presented in Lagos on Monday, October 10, at an event to commemorate Arogundade’s 60th birthday. A statement by a member of the Planning Committee, Mr. Ayo Aluko-Olokun, said the event will be chaired by legal luminary and rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, while the Chief Presenter is Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman and former students’ Union leader at the University of Sokoto during Arogundade’s era of NANS. Dignitaries from different walks of life including past and current activists, top government functionaries, school administrators, ASUU leaders, trade unionists, etc, are expected at the book presentation as Guests of Honour and Special Guests. The book will be reviewed by Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, Dean, School of Communication, Lagos State University. The event which will hold at The Event Centre, off Lateef Jakande Road, between Government Technical College and Afrikan Shrine, Ikeja-Lagos, from 11am. Lanre Arogundade is the Executive Director of International Press Centre, a media resource institution established to facilitate the role of Nigerian and African media in democracy and development. He was a former Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and has authored two books previously – Media and Elections: The Professional Responsibilities of Journalists and Fela: Yesterday’s Message as Today’s Reality. SGD: Melody Lawal Press Freedom Officer, IPC. +234 813 277 6441

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AHEAD 2023 ELECTIONS, IPC BEGINS TRAINING OF MEDIA MONITORS

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PRESS RELEASEAHEAD 2023 ELECTIONS, IPC BEGINS TRAINING OF MEDIA MONITORSFor Immediate Release: Friday 23, September, 2022 12 Media monitors started a two-day training at the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, today Friday September 23, 2022, to prepare them for the monitoring of the coverage and reportage of the electoral processes and the 2023 elections by the print and online media. The essence of the 18-month monitoring that will commence on October 1, 2023, is to assess the level of compliance with professional and ethical standards by newspapers, including online ones, being selected for the exercise. Among others, the monitoring will be done within the context of the expectation of the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage, which spells out the responsibilities expected of journalists and other media professionals at elections. The Media Election Code was endorsed by umbrella media professional bodies and associations, and close to 300 individual media outlets in 2018. It enumerates what journalists and media management should do to ensure social responsibility and integrity; equitable access for parties and candidates; media access for disadvantaged groups including women, persons with disability and youths; conflict sensitivity and the avoidance of hate speech.The training of the monitors is one of the activities under component 4 (Support to media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project, being implemented by IPC, along with its partner, the Institute for Media and Society. The overall goal of the media component is to “Support the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria with the media (broadcast, print and online media) helping to facilitate the key ingredient of credible elections through engagement and professionalism in coverage and reportage of the electoral processes.”The specific objective is to ensure that, “The Media, including New and Social Media, provides fair, accurate, ethical and inclusive coverage of the Electoral Process.” The two-day training , the first day of which is being facilitated by Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and Mr. Sanmi Falobi, Project Manager of IPC, aims to build the skill of the monitors on the processes and methodologies of media monitoring. They will be introduced to the philosophical basis and technicalities involved in media monitoring, the outcome of which shall include agreement between the project implementation team and the monitors on the topics, the qualitative and quantitative indices, the standards for assessing/analysing media reportage, and the coding system. The monthly findings and outcomes of the monitoring shall serve as instruments of engagement with journalists and media managers to address identified gaps and agree on measures for improvement.“Against the background of the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation especially by political actors, all we are seeking to achieve is for the Nigerian media to contribute to the credibility of electoral information before, during and after the 2023 elections”, said the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade. SGD:Olutoyin AyoadeCommunications OfficerComponent 4 (Support to media)EUSDGN II Projecttayoade@ipcng.org

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IPC DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF JOURNALIST AGBA JALINGO

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PRESS RELEASE IPC DEMANDS IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF JOURNALIST AGBA JALINGO For Immediate Release, Saturday August 20, 2022 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria calls for the immediate release of journalist Agba Jalingo, Editor-in-Chief/Publisher of CrossRiver Watch who was whisked away after the Police subjected his wife and children to unwarranted harassment for hours at his residence in Ketu Lagos, yesterday on Friday August 19, 2022. Reports reaching IPC Safety Desk state that, “a team of police personnel dispatched from Abuja stormed the home of Agba Jalingo at Alapere, Ketu in Lagos to arrest him. He was yanked out and taken to the Area F Police Command, Ikeja, Lagos where he was detained until this morning and he is currently being detained at the Criminal Investigation Department, Garki, Abuja.” It is alleged that Jalingo committed “defamation and infringement of integrity” which according to informed legal opinion does not constitute an offence under any provision of the Nigerian Criminal Code. IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade in a statement condemned the arrest; noting that detaining a reporter for doing his/her job amounts to nothing but abuse of power and gross violation of fundamental human rights. He also condemned the fact that this is not the first time Jalingo is being detained, as this was the case in 2019 when a similar arrest led to his detention for over 140 days over spurious terrorism charges. IPC therefore calls for his immediate release while in the alternative he should be charged to court soonest to enable him enforce his fundamental right to freedom. SGD:Melody LawalPress Freedom Officer, IPCmelodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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NBC’s REVOCATION OF LICENCES OF BROADCAST STATIONS: IPC CALLS FOR CAUTION.

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PRESS RELEASE  NBC’s REVOCATION OF LICENSES OF BROADCAST STATIONS: IPC CALLS FOR CAUTION. For Immediate Release, Friday August 19, 2022 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria decries the arbitrary approach of the NBC in revoking the licenses of alleged debtor broadcast stations. NBC announced the measure Nigerian today, Friday, August 19, 2022. A total of 52 stations (television and radio) are affected. IPC holds that the sweeping revocation confirms its concern that NBC exercises its powers arbitrarily without recourse to the public interest.  It also confirms our worry that NBC continously constitutes itself to the accuser, the prosecutor and the judge in its own case.  In this particular instance NBC has not only ordered the revocation of licenses of many TV and Radio stations, it has gone further to usurp  the authority of the President and Commander-In-Chief and the National Assembly by directing security agents to move in and effect its order. IPC calls on NBC to exercise caution and ensure that it exhausts engagement channels before wielding a stick that may not only lead to thousands of job losses but also shrink the information dissemination space. NBC should stop acting as a revenue generating agency that is unconcerned about the business environment of broadcast stations. Nothing in its mandate says that it cannot contribute to the sustainability of broadcast stations who are having their own share of the economic crisis plaguing the Nation. SGN: MELODY LAWAL PRESS FREEDOM OFFICER, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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OSUN DECIDES: IPC URGES JOURNALISTS TO EMBRACE SAFETY/SECURITY CONSCIOUSNESS

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Press Release OSUN DECIDES: IPC URGES JOURNALISTS TO EMBRACE SAFETY/SECURITY CONSCIOUSNESS For immediate release, July 15, 2022 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos- Nigeria has tasked journalists on electoral duty in Osun State to adequately integrate safety and security consciousness to the performance of their professional roles. IPC said the advisory was necessary because many journalists and other media professionals would be on the field for the Osun state governorship elections on Saturday, July 16, 2022. IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Lawal, also said the warning was against the background of rising attacks on journalists by various actors including the security agencies and political actors. “It is therefore very important for journalists covering the gubernatorial elections to be safety conscious in the discharge of their duties, and to avoid situations that may put them in harms way”, Lawal said. She also admonished other electoral stakeholders, especially the security agencies to undertake their tasks in a very professional manner. “The security agencies should note that the media is a critical part of the electoral process and should be accorded due rights and privileges to enable them carry out their social obligations as partners seeking to ensure the credibility of the electoral process, Lawal added.” As part of initiatives to keep tab on the safety of journalists during the elections, IPC said that cases of attacks or threats to journalists should be promptly reported to the following: Olutoyin Ayoade (Communications Officer, IPC, +234 811 450 3887)Melody Lawal (Press Freedom Officer, IPC, 08132776441). Lawal also enjoined journalists to report any threats or act of violence against them to media professional bodies like the National, Zonal and State Chapters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE). SGDMelody LawalPress Freedom Officer, IPCmelodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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IPC DECRIES DETENTION AND HARASSMENT OF WIKKI TIMES PUBLISHER AND REPORTER

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For immediate release: Tuesday June 28, 2022: The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, condemns in strong terms the harassment and molestation of Mr. Haruna Mohammed, the publisher of WikkiTimes online newspaper and one of the reporters, Mr. Idris Kamal, by the Police in Bauchi, Bauchi State. The ordeal of the two journalists began on Monday, June 27, 2022, when they honoured an invitation from the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) following a petition by Mr. Yakubu Shehu Abdullahi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Bauchi Federal Constituency  concerning a Wikki Times report of May 18, 2022 on the sudden death of Chairman of the All Progressive Peoples Congress (APC) in Bauchi Local Government area of the State. The journalists arrived at the station about 10am on Monday but after making a statement they were clamped into a cell where they alleged that they were physically assaulted. Despite the presence of their Lawyer at the Police Station, they were not set free until about 10 hours later and asked to report back on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 for further interrogation. The two journalists again reported at the SCIID Bauchi on Tuesday as directed but were promptly taken before a Bauchi Magistrates Court where they were charged for criminal conspiracy, defamation of character and cyber stalking. The court ruled that they should be held in custody until tomorrow, Wednesday June 29, 2022. The IPC is worried about this trend of events and calls on the Police Command in Bauchi to avoid being used as tools of harassment against the journalists. “Since the petitioner alleged defamation, the Police should have in the first instance advised him to seek legal redress instead of illegally detaining the journalists for 10 hours on Monday, June 27, 2022 and subjecting them to physical and mental harassment in the process”, Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said in a statement. He added that it now behoves on the Police authorities in the State to ensure the safety of Mohammed and Kamal. Mr. Arogundade said journalists should not continue to be treated as endangered species in Nigeria, stating that in all circumstances the security agencies must always strive to follow the rule of law in handling complaints or petitions against journalists and other media professionals, just as they should normally do for all citizens. Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer, IPC tayoade@ipcng.org

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Attack on Journalists in Lagos and Ekiti: IPC Demands Strong Action

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Press Release Attack on Journalists in Lagos and Ekiti: IPC Demands Strong Action For immediate release: June 20, 2022 The International Press Centre (IPC) Lagos-Nigeria has stated that it is expressed extremely concerned about the attack on journalists in the convoy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday June 19, 2022 in Lagos. According to widely publicised reports, the ugly and bloody incident occurred in the aftermath of a visit to the palace of Oba Rilwan Akiolu by the APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was accompanied by the Lagos Governor. The affected journalists, Adeola Ogunrinde and Omatseye Atsenuwa of Smooth 98’1fm, were severely injured, while Adedoja Salam of TVC was left in a state of shock.  Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said in a statement that the worst could have happened to the journalists and therefore charged both the Police and the Lagos State Government to bring the perpetrators to justice to serve as deterrent to those who may be planning similar attacks on journalists in the count down to the 2023 elections.    Arrest of Omoniyi IPC also decried the arrest and detention of Jeremiah Omoniyi, a campus journalist who was deployed by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) to cover the Ekiti governorship poll. Omoniyi was arrested and taken away by the DSS during the polls on Saturday June 18, 2022 for allegedly recording a video of a brawl involving party agents at a polling unit in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government area in the state. Mr. Arogundade said the conduct of the DSS operatives amounted to undue harassment and obstruction of a professional journalist on legitimate election duty. According to him, the leadership of the DSS and other security agencies should sensitize their officers on election duty that there is no law preventing journalists from covering, recording and reporting incidents on Election Day. “It is also worth reminding all security agencies that the role of the media during electoral processes and elections is recognised by the constitution and the Electoral Act and any assault on any journalist or other media professional on electoral duty therefore means that the laws of the country are being undermined”, Mr. Arogundade said. “The fact that the weekend attacks bring to more than 40 the number of dangerous and life threatening incidents involving journalists and other media professionals as documented by IPC’s Safety Alert Desk in the year 2022 alone underscores the need for such protection for journalists in Nigeria”, Mr. Arogundade said. IPC said further that the Lagos and Ekiti incidents have again made it imperative for media owners, the political parties and the government to put in place mechanisms for the protection of journalists during campaigns and elections. Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer, IPC tayoade@ipcng,org     

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KOLE SHETTIMA, IGP, NPO LEADERS, OTHERS TO SPEAK AT IPC LAUNCH OF DOCUMENTARIES ON ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS AND STAKEHOLDERS’ ROUNDTABLE

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House 11, Dideolu Court, Dideolu Estate, off Ijaiye road, Ogba, Lagos-Nigeria.Email: admin@ipcng.org Website: www.ipcng.org Press Release KOLE SHETTIMA, IGP, NPO LEADERS, OTHERS TO SPEAK AT IPC LAUNCH OF DOCUMENTARIES ON ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS AND STAKEHOLDERS’ ROUNDTABLE For immediate release: May 10, 2022 The International Press Center (IPC) is set to launch two documentaries and a publication on attacks on journalists in Abuja tomorrow – Wednesday May 11, 2022 – in Abuja, FCT. The first of the documentaries and the publication are titled, ‘Voices From Covid-19 Frontlines’ while the second documentary is titled ‘Voices From #EndSars Frontlines’. The event being organised to commemorate the year 2022 World press Freedom Day held globally on May 3rd under the theme: ‘Journalism Under Digital Siege’, will also feature a stakeholders’ roundtable on protection for journalists during periods of national crisis or public emergencies. Mrs. Stella Nwofia, IPC’s Programme Manager, said in a statement that the two-in-one-event is conceived by the organisation to bring stakeholders together to examine sustainable frameworks and mechanisms for halting media repression, stop impunity for crimes against journalists and guarantee the safety of journalists, amidst concerns over the shrinking of the civic space in Nigeria. According to her Dr. Kole Shettima, the Director of MacArthur Foundation will deliver the Keynote address while Alkali Baba Usman, the Inspector General or his representative shall also be a speaker. Mr. Kabir Yusuf, the President of NPAN, is expected to present the publication. Amara Nwakpa, Director Public Policy Initiative of Sheu Musa Yar’adua Foundation, will deliver special remarks alongside a representative of the International Freedom of Exchange (IFEX), which along with MacArthur Foundation, Luminate, Ford Foundation and OSIWA are supporting the event. Mrs. Nwofia said other speakers who will participate in the event include, Chris Isiguzo, NUJ President; Mrs. Stephanie Adams Douglas, Coalition of Whistle Blowers; Mr. Aliyu.M. Aliyu, Vice-President, Nigerian Guild of Editors; Mr. Raheem Adedoyin, Director, International Press Institute; Dr. Peter Afunanya, PRO, DSS; Mr. Abdul Mahmud, Legal Practitioner; Mr. Kabir Garba Tsanni, President, RATTAWU and Mrs. Ladi Bala, NAWOJ President among others. The programme will, among others, feature the participation of journalists and editors, media organisations, media professional bodies and associations, media regulatory agencies, press freedom organisations, media and digital rights organisations, security agencies, government representatives, legal practitioners, human rights organisations, foreign missions and international development organisations. Stella NwofiaProgram ManagerTel: 234-(0)8020359629, 08063810424Email: stellanwofia@ipcng.org

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Press Release – IPC decries attacks on Punch Newspapers Journalists; Calls for immediate investigations

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Press Release IPC decries attacks on Punch Newspapers Journalists; Calls for immediate investigations For immediate release: March 15, 2022 The International Press Centre (IPC) Lagos-Nigeria is concerned about the recent attacks on two Abuja based journalists of Punch Newspapers; Amarachi Orjiude and Solomon Odeniyi. Reports from the Punch Newspapers specified that Orjiude was picked up by kidnappers in Chika, Lugbe, around 12pm on Sunday while Odeniyi was robbed around 2am on Saturday in his Lugbe residence of Abuja. Orjiude who faced death threats from the kidnappers was robbed of her money and phone, likewise, Odeniyi who was cut severally with a matchette by the robbers was also robbed of his phones, money and belongings. IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, in a statement said that the state of insecurity in the Country has become extremely worrisome. He added that in a country where press freedom is under attack, journalists and media workers now face the additional threats of kidnappings and robbery attacks. He pleaded with security operatives and relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the criminal attacks, and prosecute the perpetrators for their crimes as a step to reducing the worsening state of insecurity in Nigeria, while concerted efforts should be taken to ensure that the stolen belongings are returned. IPC therefore appeals to security operatives to escalate investigations into these crimes. SGD: Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer, IPC tayoade@ipcng.org

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