The Nation Newspaper

Tag: social media

  • Full text of Buhari’s broadcast : I was distressed by social media comments

    Full text of Buhari’s broadcast : I was distressed by social media comments

    Full text of the broadcast by President Muhammadu Buhari on Aug. 21

    My dear citizens,

    I am very grateful to God and to all Nigerians for their prayers. I am pleased to be back on home soil among my brothers and sisters.

    2. In the course of my stay in the United Kingdom, I have been kept in daily touch with events at home. Nigerians are robust and lively in discussing their affairs, but I was distressed to notice that some of the comments, especially in the social media have crossed our national red lines by daring to question our collective existence as a nation. This is a step too far.

    3. In 2003 after I joined partisan politics, the late Chief Emeka Ojukwu came and stayed as my guest in my hometown Daura. Over two days we discussed in great depth till late into the night and analyzed the problems of Nigeria. We both came to the conclusion that the country must remain one and united.

    4. Nigeria’s unity is settled and not negotiable. We shall not allow irresponsible elements to start trouble and when things get bad they run away and saddle others with the responsibility of bringing back order, if necessary with their blood.

    5. Every Nigerian has the right to live and pursue his business anywhere in Nigeria without let or hindrance.

    6. I believe the very vast majority of Nigerians share this view.

    7. This is not to deny that there are legitimate concerns. Every group has a grievance. But the beauty and attraction of a federation is that it allows different groups to air their grievances and work out a mode of co-existence.

    8. The National Assembly and the National Council of State are the legitimate and appropriate bodies for national discourse.

    9. The national consensus is that, it is better to live together than to live apart.

    10. Furthermore, I am charging the Security Agencies not to let the successes achieved in the last 18 months be a sign to relax.

    11. Terrorists and criminals must be fought and destroyed relentlessly so that the majority of us can live in peace and safety.

    12. Therefore we are going to reinforce and reinvigorate the fight not only against, elements of Boko Haram which are attempting a new series of attacks on soft targets, kidnappings, farmers versus herdsmen clashes in addition to ethnic violence fuelled by political mischief makers. We shall tackle them all.

    13. Finally, dear Nigerians, our collective interest now is to eschew petty differences and come together to face common challenges of economic security, political evolution and integration as well as lasting peace among all Nigerians.

    14. I remain resolutely committed to ensuring that these goals are achieved and maintained. I am so glad to be home.

    15. Thank you and may God bless our dear Nation.

  • The age of social media

    When Diana, the late princess of wales, was involved in the fatal accident that claimed her life in France, a paparazzi trailing her did the unthinkable. Rather than help the dying princess and her friend, Dodi el Fayed, he started clicking away with his camera dreaming of the millions he will get from those photos. He approached several newspaper houses in a bid to sell the photos to them. Unknown to him, his millions vanished when editors started calling one another and agreed not to use the pictures so as to protect the dignity of the dead.

    Fast forward to the age of the social media and you’d definitely have a different ballgame altogether. On my way to Lagos from a trip to Benue State two years ago, we witnessed an accident right in front of us at the Ife-Ibadan expressway. Our driver stopped a few meters from the scene while we alighted to assist the victims. To my greatest surprise almost all the passengers immediately brought out their smartphones and started recording and snapping the scene!

    Help only came from a gentleman and I who ventured into the wreckage to assist passengers we could visibly see were still alive. The gentleman called the FRSC in the process and they arrived thirty minutes later to take over the rescue effort. We had a heated argument later in the bus about the conduct of the other passengers. Unfortunately, most of them didn’t see anything wrong in their conduct!

    From that incident, I started seeing the dark side of social media. A situation where the misfortune of an individual becomes “news” and opportunity to “thank god” by another should be worrying. I believe most readers can identify with this dilemma. You see it on Facebook where people post uncensored pictures of accident scenes on their walls with scant regard to the pains of the family members of such victims. This has remained the ugly side of the social media.

    The social media, a platform for social interaction among people in which they create, share or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks has radically altered the way we live and interact. Anchored on mobile and web-based technologies to create highly interactive platforms through which individuals and communities share, co-create, discuss, and modify user-generated content, it is indeed revolutionary. However, the issue with social media is that most people do not know how and where to draw the line.

    It is not only about personal conducts; the social media is also changing the dynamics of politics and governance. With its overwhelming ability to connect the world through personalised devices, the social media has changed the way we see and understand the character of individuals and leaders. All over the world, individuals, leaders and their associates now maintain social media accounts, bypassing the orthodoxy of the traditional media and its commendable gatekeeping role.

    Recollect that from the time former United States’ president, Barack Obama, began to use the social media in a more personable format, politicians now cash in on its strategic function of direct access to the public. I believe we will not forget in a hurry the “Fresh Air” campaign of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who in 2010 used Facebook to announce his presidential bid taking the shine off his rivals who were scheduled to do the same earlier using the traditional media. His opponents were seen as “analog politicians” who cannot effectively “connect” with the youth. The rest, as we all know, is now history.

    On the flip side; as much as social media has done a lot of good, the direct access leaders now have to the people now helps us see that they have clay feet as well. Suddenly, people are realising that they are “human” after all with all the foibles of being human. They can be jealous, vindictive, throw tantrum like kids, and whip up ethnic tension with scant regard for its repercussions. I can go on and on.

    A classic example is the US President Donald Trump who has deprecated the essence of leadership through the impolitic tweets he sends out daily. According to Melanie, his wife, he never lets an insult pass him by. His Twitter storms reveal him as undisciplined, unregulated, and unhinged. At times, it looks like scenes out of a comic book, except it’s for real.

    Who could ever imagine that a time would come that the president of the US would take to Twitter to directly comment on live TV shows and ratings, insult journalists using crude language, or insult women by saying blood is oozing out from their wherever? Even dictators who do not pretend they have regard for their people, such direct attacks are incomprehensible.

    Where would one place a leader who can devote time and energy to playing the role of his own attack dog? Experts in PR, political communication and psychology are confused as his actions seem to defy known tested theories. An Ethics official who resigned recently said Trump has made America a “laughing stock.” Trump has revealed a dilemma that won’t go away anytime soon.

    For those of us who grew up associating the US presidency with decency, dignity and moral integrity, Trump has taught us that it is possible for a man never to be ennobled by the eminence of the office he holds. With his Twitter rants that no one seem to know how to stop, he keeps showing to the world that the office cannot make a man who will not let the nobility of leadership refashion him.

    Back home, there was a Facebook exchange between the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari and the Senator of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, almost two weeks ago. For those who hold the view on social media that Nigeria is a ‘zoo,’ the exchange made their day and confirmed their belief that Nigeria is no better than a jungle.

    It all started when Senator Sani posted a message on Mrs. Buhari’s Facebook wall, saying “prayer for the absent Lion King has waned. Until he’s back, then they will fall over each other to be on the front row of the palace temple. Now the hyenas and the jackals are scheming and talking to each other in whispers; still doubting whether the Lion King will be back or not. Now the Lion king is asleep and no other dare to confirm if he will wake up or not. It’s the wish of the Hyenas that the Lion King never wakes or come back so that they can be kings…”

    In response, Mrs. Buhari – who is never shy of expressing strong, sometimes controversial political views – posted her own loaded message: “God has answered the prayers of the weaker animals. The hyenas and the jackals will soon be sent out of the kingdom. We strongly believe in the prayers and support of the weaker animals.”

    Those who follow Senator Shehu Sani and his political allegory can piece things together to arrive at the conclusion of who the hyenas and jackals are. However, the reduction of the nation to the status of a zoo, a wild jungle in which all of us are seen in animal metaphor is rather unfortunate. Besides, while lions are regarded as the king of the jungle and the fiercest hunters of prey, it has also been established that any single lion can easily be brought down by a small group of hyenas, or a herd of buffalos can ensure they never have their way. Again, the social media has given us a sneak preview on what is going through the minds of our leaders.

    Now that the PDP issue has been resolved and Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi is now the legitimate chairman of the party, we will begin to see our politicians in their true colours. Be getting ready for alignment and realignment as we inch closer to 2019. Also, gird your loins because the social media is going to be the battle ground as it was on the road to 2015. Unfortunately, the social media holds no captive as everyone is free to air his views, from the most serious to the mundane.

  • Social Media diverting attention of girls from studies, Sultan laments

    Social Media diverting attention of girls from studies, Sultan laments

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, has expressed concern at a development where social media are  diverting the attention of students in the country.

    Abubakar expressed the feeling in Sokoto on Sunday at the closing ceremony of the 6th National Edition of the Quranic Recitation Competition.

    The Sultan said:” There is a disturbing development where the attention of students is being diverted from their studies.

    “This is through the use of various social media like Facebook, Twitter,Whatsapp, 2Go and Instagram, among others,’’ he said

    The traditional ruler urged youths, particularly girls, to stop spending too much time on social media at the expense of other engagements that would add more values to their life.

    ”The rate at which girls are spending time on social network is worrisome and this poses imminent danger to our society.

    “Girls are the nerve centre of our moral and societal development and if they derail, the whole society will be in danger because they are our mothers and care givers.”

    Abubakar advised parents to ensure that their daughters spend more time on meaningful things, like reciting the Holy Qur’an.

    ”Doing so will make them better mothers and care givers’’.

    The monarch also urged Muslims to desist from doing things capable of tarnishing the image of their religion.

    The Sultan, who congratulated the winners of the competition, donated N10, 000 to each of the 89 participants ,while the overall winner,  Husna Nura from Katsina State, got N100,000.

    The sultan further promised to host the 7th edition of the competition in 2018.

    In his remarks, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal said that the competition would encourage girls to memorise the whole sixty chapters of the Holy Qur’an.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba, Tambuwal represented the governor at the occasion.

    Tambuwal announced a gift of hajj seat to the overall winner of the competition in addition to N150, 000 and a deep freezer, among other gifts.

    Other winners also went home with deep freezers and cash among other items.

    NAN also reports that twenty two states participated in the competition which was deducated for non-Arabic Girls’ Secondary Schools and it was hosted by Sokoto State Government.( NAN)

  • Complimenting entrepreneurship skills with social media – Cutekimani

    Complimenting entrepreneurship skills with social media – Cutekimani

    Fast rising On Air Personality, Adekeye Esther has expressed her thought about entrepreneurship. Esther, fondly called Cutekimani lamented the lack of effective utilisation of social media among the Nigerian youths. In this interview with FAMUYIWA DAMILARE, Cute Kimani, who is also a Social Media Influencer, affirms that the best way to grow a brand and enhance one’s skill is by making effective use of social media.

    What’s your thought on entrepreneurship? Is it learnt or innate?

    Entrepreneurship is just a polished word for a hustler, and I tell you, no one learns to be a hustler, it is inborn. The first thing you need as an entrepreneur is a drive, before the skills. Even if you didn’t have the skills, the drive will push you to acquire skills. So entrepreneurship is innate.

    What does Estol Props Media do?

    Estol Props Media, a subsidiary of Estol Africa is a media service and Brand Promotion Company that enables the world’s leading brands, publishers, agencies and industry bodies to navigate and succeed in a rapidly evolving media industry while also giving them optimum exposure in the digital space and return-on- investment.

    How did the name Cutekimani come about?

    while in Unilag, I used to work for a campus magazine (Bif magazine) where I would dig up dirty stories, stories about the “bad guys”, molestation, bribery, and social vices in school, so for security reasons, I needed to have an abstract name that could never be traced back to me, also had a radio show where I used to dish out lots of scoop  about the “Under G” activities on campus, I also had a different on- air name, this went on and on till I graduated and went to Port Harcourt for NYSC, at that time my on-air name was Fantasia, so I approached Mr Gibson Lee  who was the then Silver Bird Tv director, he interviewed me, asked for my name, I told him and he said so now that I am in Port Harcourt what name would I like to bear, I started looking up the ceiling, then he gave me 30 minutes to come up with a name. I just told God I wanted something that defined me, that was African, interesting & hip.

    I got on Google and started searching till I found Kimani, an Ethiopian name that means Smart, sexy & successful.  When I told him he said oh cute, and I was just blushing. On my way home that morning I bought my first blackberry phone, after charging for 6 hours I started toying with the apps and there I discovered twitter, tried signing up but @kimani was taken, it gave me different options but I didn’t want numbers so I tried @cutekimani and voila it was up.

    How did you venture into Media /PR

    Started with PR, when I established my own PR Company called Estol Props Media in 2011. The first person who gave me an opportunity to handle PR was Koffi the comedian, who entrusted all of workerman movement to me, this was even before I met Olamide and since then worked on various artistes in the industry; the likes of Olu Maintain, Chuddy K, W4, Harrysong, Olamide , Chidinma,   brands; Airtel Nigeria, Kenya Airways, Bank of Industry,  iPhone, MTN, Slot , P&G, Premier Bet, Visa Card, Supreme Noodles and individuals

    You and Olamide were an item at some point?

    First of all, Olamide is one of the few brothers I have in the industry; he’s so much of a brother that he knows my parents and every member of my immediate family. So if that qualifies as being an item, then yes.

    I am one of the firm believers of Olamide’s works and so it was easy to take up his music and propagate it. It didn’t even feel like work, it still doesn’t feel like work.

     

    How have you been able to gather and maintain your social media followership?

    Hmnn, it took me years to build, and it takes strategy to maintain. When I got my first blackberry, Twitter was one of the inbuilt apps and so I started exploring. I was in Port Harcourt then and I believed it was a Lagos thing so I reached out to a friend who had about 40 followers then to put me through and give me shout outs, follow back Fridays, follow trains and all. I started growing bit by bit, returned to Lagos and every time I was on radio I enjoined listeners to follow me, I sent BCs on BBM, invited my Facebook friends and boom, it started growing more rapidly and that’s one of my strength, I grew from offline to online.

    Which of the social media platforms are your favourites as a Social Media Strategist?

    All of these platforms are first of all work tools for me, so it’s not about me anymore, and as a social media influencer, you need to have your own strengths, you definitely can’t conquer all of the social media platforms so it’s best to own at least 3, and own them well, that’s why when we run influencer engagements for brands we use various influencers per platforms because we realize an influencer might have active 100k followers on Instagram and a little over 5k active followers on twitter. Some are Snapchat lords while some have owned LinkedIn or even their blogs.

    You will always catch me on Twitter and Instagram before Snapchat and Facebook or even LinkedIn, but at the time I figured I needed to also have a platform where I daily inform people beyond social media, I started my website

     

    Based on your experience who would you call a social media influencer?

    A social media influencer is an online brand advocate who talks favourably about a brand or product and then passes on positive messages about the brand to other people, spreading the word through their personal social media pages.

     He is a user on social media who has established credibility in a specific field. Has access to a large audience and can persuade others by virtue of their authenticity and reach. He takes part in relevant conversations across a variety of networks.

    Do you make it a point of duty to post online every day?

    Yes, posts go up on at least 3 of my social media pages every day. In fact, as a social media influencer, you should have at least 2 posts on your Instagram daily, be active on Twitter between 6:00am and 12:00am and be active between 8:00am and 6:00pm on LinkedIn.

    I have account managers who also manage my account especially when I am on a trip or when we have events to live feed from, just as I also manage accounts for brands and individuals, meaning you cannot be off social media for any reason during the work period. It’s so serious that at least one of my account managers travel with me just to ensure we don’t go offline.

  • Trump victim of social media ridicule after gibberish tweet

    Trump victim of social media ridicule after gibberish tweet

    Social media was trying to make sense of Donald Trump early Wednesday, after a nonsensical late-night tweet set off a storm of jokes about the U.S. president.

    The Twitter post, sent shortly before midnight local time, reads “inspite the negative press covfefe,” in an apparent reference to the press coverage that Trump has often derided as “fake news.”

    The post was still available more than three hours after it appeared on his feed and no clarification has been given.

    Using the hashtag “covfefe,” Twitter users speculated over the reasons behind the tweet. Was the president tired? Or drunk? Or had he perhaps just given away a secret nuclear code?

    Taking aim at Trump’s controversial relations with Russia, one woman on Twitter quipped that she had translated #covfefe into Russian, attaching a doctored image that showed the gibberish word to be a translation of “I resign.”

    Before long, the word had its own Urban Dictionary definition: “When you want to say ‘coverage’ but your hands are too small to hit all the letters on your keyboard.”

  • Cleric cautions youths against dating on social media

    Cleric cautions youths against dating on social media

    A cleric, Sheik Mustapha Abdusalam, has cautioned youths on the dangers of dating on social media platforms.

    Abdusalam gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran on Thursday.

    According to the cleric, some youths go into relationships on social media just to look for people to marry.

    The cleric said that it could be very risky and condemnable to be dating someone whose family, religious, and behavioural background was surrounded in secrecy and mystery.

    “The kind of friendship and courting toward a good marital life as prescribed by the Allah in the Holy Quran transcends beyond the ones being practiced on different social media platforms.

    “Quite a lot of distrust and falsehood are being perpetrated with impunity by these social media partakers in form of age falsification, character ingenuity, and facial transformation to deceive their followers.

    “This is not a good foundation toward achieving a reliable, trusted and solid marital engagement as commanded by Allah and championed by holy Prophet Mohammed and his companions during their lifetimes,” he said.

    He said there was the need for the youth, especially Muslims to be vigilant and prayerful in choosing their life partners, saying marital engagement was an issue which goes beyond social networking.

    Abdusalam, also the missioner Nasirullahi-Li-Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Omu-Aran chapter said intending couples needed ample time to study their characters, goals and aspiration to remain compatible.

    He attributed the flagrant disregard for laid down rules and regulations on marriage by couples as responsible for the high rate of social unrest and incessant marriage break-ups across the country.

    Abdusalam urged the youths to explore and consult widely before choosing their life partners, adding that having full understanding of marital implications was a major and important criteria in choosing a life partner.

    He described marriage as a strong Sunnah (deeds) of Prophet Muhammed which required certain procedures, urging youth to always conduct their affairs in accordance with Islamic injunctions.

  • No monitoring of calls, social media, says Fed Govt

    No monitoring of calls, social media, says Fed Govt

    The Federal Government has described as false information on the social media that under a Ministry of Interior Regulation, phone calls and social media post by the citizens are to be monitored and recorded.
    In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, described the development as another example of disinformation permeating the media space, especially the social media.
    The minister said the intention of those behind the false news is to give the impression that the Federal Government was stifling freedom of speech, which is not the case.
    “There is no regulation, old or new, from the Ministry of Interior or any Federal Government agency requiring the recording of all calls or the monitoring of social media platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter or Facebook. We are, therefore, using this medium to inform all Nigerians that what is being circulated in this regard is totally false and should be disregarded.
    ‘’We thank all Nigerians, who have reached out to us in an effort to confirm the authenticity or otherwise of this information, which is now being widely circulated on the social media. This is the best way to ensure that the purveyors of false news do not dominate our media space,’’ he said.

  • Five ways you let social media weaken your self esteem

    Five ways you let social media weaken your self esteem

    Studies show that two-thirds of people find it hard to relax or even sleep after spending time on social media. Why do you let yourself feel stressed, anxious or have negative thoughts after using social media? Why let social media affect your self-worth? Perhaps, it’s time for a self-evaluation and possibly a social media break? Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares 5 ways you let social media weaken your self-esteem.

    Your Real World Thoughts and Interactions are influenced by Social Media

    Thinking about social media first thing in the morning and last thing before you go to bed is not healthy. You’re allowing yourself develop a dependence for it that can work against you in the not-too-distant future. If you can’t find a clear distinction or draw a fine line between your real world life and social media life, you are letting social media gradually erode your self-esteem.

    Your Thoughts and Feeling about Yourself are influenced by Social Media

    The moment you become aware of the fact that your feelings, thoughts and perceptions of yourself are being affected by social media, it is time for a break – whether a brief break or an indefinite break. Social media is not real life, you must never forget that. Getting likes should not be a means of self-validation, also never forget this. On social media you see only what people want you to see; you hardly see a completely true picture of their lives. It is unwise to base anything, especially something as serious as thoughts and perceptions about yourself, on a phenomenon as fleeting and facetious as social media.

    You Can’t Spend Time Alone Without Social Media

    Surely you should be able to spend time by yourself or engage in one or two activities without a visit to a social media platform. If you find face-to-face communications difficult, social media isn’t helping matters. You need to be strong and come out of your shell to have actual, tangible and real world relationships you can be proud of. Besides, most social media relationships are typically shallow and not as emotionally gratifying as real world relationships.

    The Need to Share Everything on Social Media

    If this is you, please stop. A better alternative is to develop real world relationships with people you can share your issues with, rather than airing your dirty laundry before the world. Speaking to an understanding person or even to a psychologist or church counselor will serve you better than social media. Don’t open yourself up to trolls and bullies that will derive pleasure in mocking your pain.

    You Begin To Measure Your Success by Others

    If all of a sudden, after joining one or two social media platforms measuring your success and accomplishments by others is all you seem to do, that’s a warning sign. Social media success doesn’t mean real life success. Even if it does mean real life success it’s wrong for you to make it a standard you have to live up to when you know nothing about the said person’s success backstory. You don’t know details of the person’s dealings and undertakings to achieve that success, so why on earth should you try to copy it or measure your success by it? Focus on your journey and be the best you can be, take a break from social media if you need to.

     

     

     

  • Press freedom in the age of social media

    Nigeria is a signatory to the Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948 and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).  The two bodies’ declaration states that: “Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference; ii. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.”

    However, as noble and commendable as this provision is, it is important that social media must be used within the ambit of the law. No doubt, some have used the online media to the extreme by violating people’s rights in one way or the other. This is the reason why professional media organizations and other relevant groups must rise to the occasion by ensuring that the sanctity of the media profession and information sharing process is maintained and honoured by all and sundry.

    It is possible to use the social media platforms to create social disorder with false and insensitive posts. It is necessary that these tools are ethically and rightly used. It is unfortunate that some of online, citizen journalists and out rightly mischievous persons have assumed the levity to disseminate information with impunity without giving consideration to the authenticity of the information or the consequences of their actions. While Article II of the French Declaration states categorically that:”The free communication of ideas and opinions is one of the most precious of the rights of man. Every citizen may, accordingly, speak, write, and print with freedom” it goes on to warn that citizens “shall be responsible for such abuses of the freedom as shall be defined by law.”

    Alfred Denning, L J, an English lawyer and judge, puts it this way: “Freedom of expression is not freedom of the press or users of the social media to destroy other fundamental rights of individuals like the right to family life and privacy or the national interest of the nation at large. Whilst the press and the users of the social media go about expressing themselves freely, they must be cautious and exercise great restraint not to abuse or violate the rights of other citizens or the laws of the land.”

    Some of the tremendous positive impacts of social media in recent times are that of the #OccupyNigeria in late 2011 and 2012 over the fuel subsidy scandal and the recent #BringBackourGirls (#BBOG) campaign, even the former First Lady of the U.S, Mitchell Obama, played a tremendous support in the campaign. Likewise, the platform was used for raising funds for expensive medical bills via the #SaveCitizen initiatives in 2013. So, various social media platforms were used to educate enlighten and galvanise support in the immediate past 2015 General Election. So, it is undisputable that the online media has somehow impacted positively on the social life and democratised access to information.

    As much as no undue steps should be taken to limit the use of the social media and other media outlets, users should be aware that they will be made to face requisite laws when they misuse the platforms.

    Some of our domestic laws and clauses in the Constitution that put certain restraints on the press freedom should be reviewed with a view to harmonising all the provisions that relate to freedom of expression and a free-press society. Concern bodies and agencies should organise periodical workshop, seminars and symposiums that would enhance the efficiency and transparency of the social media platforms.

    Excerpts from a paper presented on Online Press Freedom in the age of Social Media at a summit on Enhancing Press Freedom organised by Centre for Constitutional Governance.

  • Man jailed for insulting, defaming Katsina governor on social media

    Man jailed for insulting, defaming Katsina governor on social media

    A Katsina Chief Magistrate’s Court has sentenced one Gambo Saeed to nine months imprisonment for insulting and defaming the character of Governor  Aminu Masari of Katsina State on social media.

    Saeed resides in Muduru village in Mani Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Isa Liti, earlier told the court that Saeed was arraigned following complaints received from Mr Mansur Ali Mashi, Senior Special Assistant (SSA), to the Governor on Radio Monitoring.

    “Mashi said the accused person abused Masari and called him names on social media.

    “He said the accused person posted on the media that it was Gov. Masari who influenced the impeachment of Speaker of Katsina State House of Assembly, Aliyu Muduru.’’

    Liti said police arrested the accused person and arraigned him for intentional insult, defamation of the governor’s character and inciting disturbance.

    The charges were in accordance with sections 399, 392 and 114 of the Penal Code.

    He also explained that the accused person confessed to have committed the offences.

    Delivering the judgment on Monday in Katsina, Chief Magistrate Abdu Ladan, said the court has found the accused person guilty of the said offences; each charge attracts three years imprisonment.

    Ladan then sentenced the accused to nine months imprisonment without option of fine. (NAN)