Tag: Lawan

President of the Ninth Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Thursday, November 2, described journalists as an endangered species with over 1,600 reportedly killed in 17 years.

He also insisted that impunity for crimes against journalists was a threat to democracy and undermined freedom of the press.

Lawan made this known in a statement by his media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, in Abuja to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.

The Yobe North underscored the crucial role played by journalists in promoting accountability and upholding democratic values.

Citing data from the United Nations Observatory of Killed Journalists, Lawan noted that journalists are endangered with over 1,600 journalists killed around the world in the last 17 years.

He called on governments, institutions, and civil society organizations to work collectively to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice for attacks against journalists.

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Lawan further advocated for a national plan to establish protective measures that guarantee the safety of journalists and end impunity.

The statement reads: “I join the international community in marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists today.

“This day serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by journalists worldwide and the urgent need to address the issue of impunity for crimes committed against them.

“This year, the annual commemoration is especially significant, as it highlights the crucial role journalists play in providing unbiased information, promoting accountability, and upholding democratic values. However, journalists continue to face alarming risks, including violence, intimidation, and even targeted killings, simply for reporting on critical issues or exposing corruption.

“Impunity for crimes against journalists remains a grave concern. Lack of accountability perpetuates a climate of fear, silencing not only journalists but also those seeking the truth and defending human rights. I firmly believe that impunity for these crimes undermines press freedom, erodes democracy, and threatens the foundation of any just society.

“According to the UNESCO Observatory of Killed Journalists, over 1,600 journalists have been killed around the world between 2006 and 2023, with close to 9 out of 10 cases of these killings remaining judicially unresolved.

“It is imperative for governments, institutions, and civil society organizations to work collectively to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice for attacks against journalists. Through comprehensive legal frameworks, effective investigation mechanisms, and unbiased judicial processes, we can combat impunity, safeguard freedom of expression, and protect those on the frontlines of truth.

“I call on governments to prioritize the safety of journalists and create an environment where they can report independently, without fear of reprisals. It is essential to establish protective measures, such as national action plans, to guarantee the safety of journalists and end impunity.

“Moreover, education is vital in combating impunity. By raising awareness about the threats faced by journalists and promoting media literacy, we can foster a culture of respect for journalism and cultivate a society that values press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy.

“On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting press freedom and defending the rights of journalists worldwide. I urge all stakeholders to take immediate action to end impunity and protect those who work tirelessly to bring truth to light.”

A former Senate President, Sen. Ahmad Lawan says, crimes against journalists threaten democracy and undermine freedom of the press.

This is contained in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Mr Ezrel Tabiowo on Thursday in Abuja to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.

The lawmaker, who represented Yobe North, underscored the crucial role played by journalists in promoting accountability and upholding democratic values.

Lawan advocated for a national plan to establish protective measures that would guarantee the safety of journalists and end impunity against them.

“I join the international community in marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists today.

“This day serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by journalists worldwide and the urgent need to address the issue of impunity for crimes committed against them.

“This year, the annual commemoration is especially significant, as it highlights the crucial role journalists play in providing unbiased information, promoting accountability, and upholding democratic values.

“However, journalists continue to face alarming risks, including violence, intimidation, and even targeted killings, simply for reporting on critical issues or exposing corruption.

“Crimes against journalists remain a grave concern. Lack of accountability perpetuates a climate of fear, silencing not only journalists but also those seeking the truth and defending human rights,” he said.

He added: “I firmly believe that impunity and crimes against Journalists undermines press freedom, erodes democracy and threatens the foundation of any just society.

“According to the UNESCO Observatory of Killed Journalists, over 1,600 journalists have been killed around the world between 2006 and 2023, with close to nine out of 10 cases of these killings remaining judicially unresolved.

“It is imperative for governments, institutions, and civil society organisations to work collectively to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure justice for journalists who suffered attacks.

“Through comprehensive legal frameworks, effective investigation mechanisms, and unbiased judicial processes, we can combat impunity, safeguard freedom of expression, and protect those on the frontlines of truth.’’

He called on governments to prioritize the safety of journalists and create an environment where they could report independently, without fear of reprisals.

Read Also: Supreme Court Judgement: Lawan congratulates Tinubu, urges Nigerians to support president

He said it was essential to establish protective measures, such as national action plans, to guarantee the safety of journalists and end impunity.

“Moreover, education is a vital tool in combating impunity.

“By raising awareness about the threats faced by journalists and promoting media literacy, we can foster a culture of respect for journalism and cultivate a society that values press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy.

“On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting press freedom and defending the rights of journalists worldwide.

“I urge all stakeholders to take immediate action to end impunity and protect those who work tirelessly to bring truth to light,” he said.

(NAN) 

President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on his victory at the Supreme Court.

Lawan, in a statement by his media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, described Tinubu’s victory as a legal vindication that further strengthens the nation’s democratic process.

The former Senate president urges Nigerians to rally behind the President for a stronger and more prosperous nation.

He commended the Supreme Court Justices for staying committed to upholding the rule of law; as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their unwavering support and steadfast determination throughout this entire legal process.

The statement reads: “I extend our heartfelt congratulations to President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) on their resounding victory at the Supreme Court, today, over the 2023 Presidential Election.

“This momentous triumph signifies not only a legal vindication but also reinforces the trust and confidence the Nigerian people have placed in the leadership of President Tinubu and the APC.

“The Supreme Court’s decision further strengthens the democratic process in our great nation, thereby upholding the principles of justice, fairness, and transparency. I commend the Supreme Court justices for their unbiased and diligent evaluation of the case, demonstrating their commitment to upholding the rule of law.

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“I also commend the APC for their unwavering support and steadfast determination throughout this entire legal process. The party’s unity, resilience, and commitment to the ideals of democracy have undoubtedly contributed to this significant victory. It is a testament to the strength of our democracy that all parties involved have respected the democratic process and accepted the Supreme Court’s ruling.

“As President Tinubu and the APC forge ahead with their “Renewed Hope” agenda, I am confident that Nigeria will experience a new era of prosperity, stability, and progress. I am optimistic that President Tinubu’s leadership will lead to inclusive governance, job creation, improved infrastructure, and increased investments, benefiting all Nigerians.

“I extend my congratulations once again to President Bola Tinubu and the APC on this landmark Supreme Court victory. I urge all Nigerians to rally behind President Tinubu’s vision for a stronger and more prosperous nation, ensuring unity and progress for all citizens.”

The immediate past President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has said Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will help the country address the problems of poverty; and natural disasters caused by climate change.

A UN report states that in 2022 alone, flooding killed at least 662 people, injured 3,174, displaced about 2.5 million people, and destroyed 200,000 houses across Nigeria.

Lawan, in a statement by his media adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, in Abuja, celebrated the 75th anniversary of the United Nations since the coming into force of the UN Charter in 1945.

The theme for this year’s celebration: “Equality, Freedom and Justice for All”, focuses on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

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The former Senate president described the United Nations as an indispensable platform for multilateral cooperation, advocacy, and action.

According to Lawan, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, the UN makes invaluable contributions to fostering peace, ensuring human rights, promoting sustainable development, and addressing urgent humanitarian crises the world over.

He urged the federal government to remain committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and collaborate with non-governmental partners, civil society organizations, and individuals to contribute to global progress.

Senator Lawan said: “I join the international community in celebrating United Nations Day. It is a day that commemorates the anniversary of the UN Charter coming into effect in 1945. This significant occasion provides the opportunity for us all to reaffirm our commitment to uphold the principles and goals of the United Nations and work towards achieving a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.

“As the world faces numerous challenges, including the ongoing global pandemic, climate change, poverty, inequality, and conflict, the United Nations remains an indispensable platform for multilateral cooperation, advocacy, and action. It continues to exemplify the vital importance of international solidarity and collaboration to confront shared global problems.

“It is indisputable that the UN has contributed invaluably to fostering peace, ensuring human rights, promoting sustainable development, and addressing urgent humanitarian crises. I commend the tireless efforts of UN agencies, diplomats, peacekeepers, humanitarian workers, and volunteers who dedicate themselves to advancing the UN’s mission.

He further stated: “United Nations Day also provides an opportunity to reflect on the milestones achieved thus far and the work that lies ahead. I, therefore, urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to remain resolute in our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which set the global agenda for achieving a better future for all. By advancing the SDGs, the government can address poverty, hunger, climate change, and other pressing issues, leaving no one behind.

“I also enjoin the Federal Government to continue to collaborate with non-governmental partners, civil society organizations, and individuals to contribute to global progress. Together, we can drive change, foster understanding, and promote peace and justice for present and future generations.

“On United Nations Day, let us reiterate our support for the UN’s work and renew our commitment to global cooperation. By embracing the spirit of multilateralism, Nigeria can overcome the challenges it faces in order to ensure sustainable development and progress.”

• Buhari commiserates with ex-Senate President

Senate President Godswill Akpabio yesterday led other current senators on a condolence visit to his predecessor, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, over the death of his mother.

The delegation visited to Lawan’s home town, Gashua, in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the ex-Senate President, Ezrel Tabiowo, said Akpabio and the other senators arrived the Wachakal airstrip in Nguru Local Government Area of the state around 3:30 p.m.

On the delegation were Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senators Sani Musa, Suleiman Sadiq Umar and Yahaya Abdullahi.

Others are: Senators Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and Saliu Mustapha.

The senators were received at the Wachakal airstrip by Yobe State Deputy Speaker Ya’u Usman-Dachia, alongside some other lawmakers.

The delegation proceeded to Lawan’s home.

In a condolence speech delivered on behalf of the delegation, Akpabio paid glowing tribute to Lawan’s mother, Hajiya Halima ‘Baba’ Ibrahim.

He prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

The Senate President also lauded the accomplishments of Senator Lawan as the Ninth Senate President.

He hailed his predecessor for his commitment to the development of his constituency and the country.

Akpabio noted that Lawan’s passion for serving his people attracted several projects which brought about infrastructural development to Yobe North Senatorial District.

Lawan thanked Akpabio and other members of the delegation for visiting over the death of him mother.

Also, former President Muhammadu Buhari has condolence with Lawan on the death of his mother.

In a telephone conversation yesterday with Lawan, the former President recalled the simplicity and warmth of the deceased.

He said: “I’am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of your mother. My heartfelt condolences are with you in this intense period of grief.”

• Ex-Senate President buries mother in Yobe

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and many other prominent Nigerians have condoled with former Senate President Ahmad Lawan on the death of his mother, Hajiya Halima (Baba) Ibrahim.

The late Hajia Ibrahim was laid to rest yesterday at Gashua in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.

She was 86.

Akpabio and Jibrin expressed grief at the passage of Hajiya Ibrahim who died on Saturday in Gashua.

A statement by Lawan’s Special Adviser on Media, Ezrel Tabiowo, said the Chief Imam of the Gashua Central Mosque, Imam Ahmad Talba, led Islamic funeral rites on the deceased before her internment at the Gashua Central Cemetery.

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The statement said Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Yobe State Deputy Governor Idi Barde Gubana, Yobe State House of Assembly Speaker Chiroma Mashio, among other dignitaries, participated in the ceremonies.

In his condolence message to his predecessor, Akpabio said: “I am particularly impressed by the maternal support she provided in guiding you through your years of primary and secondary education in Gashua, despite her own limited education.

“Such foresight and maternal instincts in craving the best for their children must be commended and should be a guiding spirit for our mothers everywhere.”

Barau, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said: “Hajiya was a devout Muslim who dedicated her life to the service of Allah and humanity. May Allah (SWT) grant Hajiya Al-Jannah Fir’daus and give the President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, and all those she left behind the strength to bear her passage.”

Former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Sunday, laid his mother, Hajiya Halima (Baba) Ibrahim, to rest in Gashua, Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State.

In the same vein, Senate president Godswill Akpabio and his Deputy, Barau Jibrin expressed grief at the passage of Hajiya Ibrahim who died on Saturday at her residence in Gashua town at the age of 86.

The Special Adviser on media to Senator Lawan, Ezrel Tabiowo, in a statement in Abuja, said a burial ceremony was held for the deceased before her internment at the Gashua Central Cemetery. 

According to the statement, Islamic burial rites were performed by the Imam of the Gashua Central Mosque, Imam Ahmad Talba.

He said the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Idi Barde Gubana, and Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiroma Mashio partook in the ceremonies. 

Read Also: Ex-Senate President Lawan loses mother

He said Constituents in their thousands from Senator Lawan’s Yobe North Senatorial District, and sympathizers from beyond thronged the venue of the funeral ceremony which commenced at 11a.m on Sunday. 

Among dignitaries present were the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, the Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Idi Barde Gubana, and Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiroma Mashio.

Others in attendance include Emirs and traditional leaders, Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC – Jigawa North West), Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC – Borno Central), Hon. Usman Zannah representing Kaga/Gubio/Magumeri Federal Constituency, and serving Commissioners with the Yobe State Government. 

Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio, in a condolence letter to Senator Lawan, expressed gratitude for the sacrifices and maternal tenacity provided by Hajiya Halima, which helped him in attaining his laurels in academia and Nigeria’s political space.

Akpabio, in the letter said that Nigeria at this time, needs more mothers like her, who looked beyond the present towards directing their children unto lasting legacies.

“Hajiya Halima will be etched in our national memory not only for being a virtuous mother, but as a woman, who played her role in raising up a child who rose to the top of academia and our political orbit.

Akpabio wrote in the condolence letter personally signed by him: “I am particularly impressed by the maternal support she provided in guiding you through your years of primary and secondary education in Gashua, despite her own limited education. Such foresight and maternal instincts in craving the best for their children must be commended and should be a guiding spirit for our mothers everywhere.

“I dare say, Your Excellency, that Nigeria at this time needs more mothers like yours, who must look beyond effervescent grandeur that society offers towards lasting imprints that define lasting legacies. Your mother chose and encouraged you in the path of intellectual attainment and it proved to be a better choice for you, your family and Nigeria.

“I can only imagine her satisfaction as you progressed in life knowing that the sacrifices were worth it.

“My brother, I mourn with you and join all your well wishers to pray for the repose of her soul in Aljannah Firdaus.”

On his part, the deputy Senate president Barau commiserated with Lawan on the death of his mother. 

The deputy president of the Senate in a  condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, also commiserated with other members of the family over the loss.

While praying Allah SWT to grant Hajiya Halima Aljannah Firdaus, he urged the former President of the Senate and all those she left behind to take solace in the fact that she lived a righteous life dedicated to the service of Allah and humanity.

“Hajiya was a devout Muslim who dedicated her life to the service of Allah and humanity. May Allah SWT grant Hajiya Aljannah Firdaus and give the President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan and all those she left behind the strength to bear her passage.”

Mother of immediate past President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim, Hajiya Halima (Baba) Ibrahim is dead.

Senator Lawan’s mother passed on Saturday at her residence in Gashua town, Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State at 86.

Hajiya Halima Ibrahim will be buried according to Islamic rites tomorrow, today, October 15, 2023, at Gashua by 11am.

Funeral prayers will, thereafter, be said for the deceased at the Gashua Central Mosque, located in the Emir’s Palace.

Read Also: Ex-Senate President Lawan loses mother

According to a statement by his Media Adviser, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo: “Senator Ahmad Lawan appreciates the outpouring of love and support already received from friends, relatives, and colleagues.

“The family would like to extend deepest gratitude to all those who have reached out and offered their condolences, thoughts, and prayers during this time of immense sadness. Your love and support have been a source of strength, and they are forever thankful”.

Former Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has condoled with the Senate correspondent of The Nation Newspaper, Mr. Sanni Onogu, over the demise of his father.

The journalist’s late father, Mr. Onogu Umoru Ukpa, died on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the age of 98.

Lawan, in a condolence message to Onogu and his family, urged The Nation reporter to honour the legacy of his late father through his journalistic pursuits.

The former Senate President, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Ezrel Tabiowo, in Abuja, said, “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father, Mr. Onogu Umoru Ukpa, at the remarkable age of 98.

 “Losing a parent is an incredibly profound loss, as they are the pillars of our lives, providing love, guidance, and support.

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“It must be challenging to navigate through this period of grief, especially when your father has lived such a long and fulfilled life. However, it is important to remember that the memories and wisdom he imparted will always remain with you, serving as a constant source of strength and inspiration.

“As a journalist, you have always been instrumental in providing an unbiased reportage of the National Assembly. I genuinely admire your dedication to the coverage of the activities of the Senate, in particular. During this time, I hope you can find solace in your work and continue to honour your father’s legacy through your journalistic pursuits.

 “May your father’s memory be a blessing, and may you find comfort in the love and memories that surround you.”