Enugu State is safe and will remain so, as the government is unalterably committed to the protection of lives and property

Killing of 25 Persons in Enugu by Herdsmen Is Fake News – Advocacy Group

The Concerned Professionals for Good Governance, a leadership advocacy group, has refuted reports alleging that 25 persons were killed by herdsmen in Enugu State. In a statement titled “Debunking the Politricks of Insecurity: Enugu State on Our Minds,” the group described the report as false, malicious, and aimed at discrediting the state government’s efforts on security. The coordinator of the group, Mr. Okechukwu Nwafor, stated that after investigating the viral claim, they found no evidence of such an attack in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area. He said the report, which claimed dozens were killed and injured, was “a devious fabrication” intended to create panic and undermine the growing reputation of Enugu as a peaceful and secure state. According to the group, Enugu State maintains a digitized security control center and works in close collaboration with the police, military, and other security agencies to ensure the safety of its citizens. It also noted that Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s administration has significantly invested in security infrastructure and public-private partnerships to enhance safety across communities. The group added that attempts to politicize insecurity through the spread of fake news were tactics used by political actors seeking to tarnish the state’s progress in sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education. They urged the media and public to verify sensitive reports before accepting or sharing them, especially those related to security and public safety. Reaffirming confidence in the government, the group declared Enugu State safe and on track to becoming a leading destination for tourism, investment, and national events. It called on citizens and media professionals alike to resist the “politricks of insecurity” and to promote unity and truth for the continued progress of the state. Enugu State is safe and will remain so, as the government is unalterably committed to the protection of lives and property

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Nigeria partners US to enhance Press Freedom, fight fake news

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that his ministry is collaborating closely with the United States government to promote and strengthen press freedom in Nigeria. Idris stated this in an interview with newsmen shortly after he met with the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Richard Mills in his office on Wednesday. “The ambassador talked about some issues that he thinks we need to address, to improve in the area of press freedom and we have also given him assurance on what we are doing and he recognises the fact that we are doing a great job in ensuring that Nigerian press is not just free but also one of the freest around the world. I know there are some challenges here and there and we are working on those areas to ensure that all of us enjoy what is called press freedom, which is an important part of any viable democracy,” he said. The Minister emphasized the Tinubu administration’s high priority on press freedom and assured the government’s commitment to further enhancing media freedom in the country. He said they also discussed how to forge a common front in the fight against misinformation and disinformation in the country. “He talked about misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and all that stuff, and we discussed that. We all believe collectively that there’s no way you can build a virile society when you promote fake news and don’t take the issue of misinformation and disinformation seriously,” he said. In his remarks, Ambassador Mills said his meeting with the Minister is to discuss ways of strengthening the existing relationship between the US government and the Ministry, especially regarding press freedom and journalists’ rights. He recognized the effort of the Minister in championing the cause of press freedom and journalists’ rights in Nigeria. The US Envoy, who acknowledged the huge challenge posed by disinformation, especially in democracies around the world, said they have also shared thoughts and ideas with the minister on how to tackle the challenge.

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