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WHISTLEBLOWING: MACARTHUR FOUNDATION REVEALS PROTECTION FUND AS AFRICMIL TRAINS JOURNALISTS
The MacArthur Foundation has developed ‘Civic Defense Fund’ to provide protection for journalists who face persecution arising from their whistleblowing role.
The Deputy Director, MacArthur Foundation, Africa Office, Dayo Olaide revealed this on Tuesday in Abuja in a goodwill message he delivered during a training programme for journalists on Whistleblowing and whistleblowers protection.
The training was organized by the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), a non-governmental organization that focuses on media literacy, information, research, and advocacy, in partnership with the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development (PRIMORG) and the International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) Tuesday in Abuja.
The MacArthur Foundation’s Deputy Director said the workshop was very important given the constitutional role of journalists’ in the fight against corruption.
Olaide highlighted the dangers of investigative reporting and whistleblowing saying, “fighting corruption is not an easy task, that’s why we support investigative reporting and we always warn our partners to be careful and cautious with threats and risks involved”
“Recently, we came together and developed what we called Civic Defense Fund to be able to provide protection for journalists.”
He added that the MacArthur Foundation wishes to see an improvement in investigative reports and active journalism going forward.
Speaking during the workshop, Chido Onumah, AFRICMIL’s Coordinator, said that the use of whistleblowing to fight corruption cannot be overemphasized and remains a strong tool for tackling corruption and other forms of wrongdoing in Nigeria.
Onumah who was represented by Godwin Onyeacholem underscored that journalists are whistleblowers and should entrench the culture of speaking up against wrongdoing as well as standing up for whistleblowers who face victimization and attacks. He also decried the culture of silence amongst citizens and revealed AFRICMIL’s plan to organize a team of lawyers to defend whistleblowers who come under reprisal attack.
The Executive Director of PRIMORG, Okhiria Agbonsuremi commended AFRICMIL and MacArthur Foundation for the initiative to train journalists on whistleblowing and safety of whistleblowers.
Agbonsuremi who was represented by PRIMORG’s Program Manager, Adaobi Obiabunmuo urged journalists not to be deterred about fighting corruption using whistleblowing and investigative journalism, stressing that the alternative of keeping mute about corruption is more deadly and not an option.
The facilitators at the workshop were Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Deputy Editor – Daily Trust Newspapers; Chizoba Ogbeche, Deputy Editor at Blueprint Newspapers and Adaobi Obiabunmuo, Program Manager at Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development (PRIMORG)
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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