₦airaland Forum

adconline:
You are the emotional one here without facts on your side. Defamation or slander is a civil offense and a tort claim can be brought against the alleged offender. The case in court is going to read: Musa Vs Barcanista.. Compensatory damage is awarded and no JAIL time , if Musa wins the case. He needs to prove by preponderance of evidence (51% threshold ) that Barcanista indeed willfully committed slander.
State secret is a felony and the case is brought up by state ( Barcanista Vs state) . Jail time/fine/restitution could await you if the state proves its case - Beyond reasonable doubt ( 90% threshold) in some jurisdictions, a grand jury is convened to examine the case brought by the state, an indictment is handed out before the state can even charge the case to court for trial.
So publishing something against a public official doesn't fall under state secret. There is Espionage Act in the law books of Naija.

Abuse of Power: Mbu Arrested AIT Reporter, Anakwe for Calling Him Patience Dog
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 7, Abuja, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu, has arrested the presenter of Matters Arising on Africa Independent Television (AIT), Mr. Amaechi Anakwue, for describing him as controversial. Anakwue was said to have described the former Rivers State Commissioner of Police (CP) as controversial in one […]...

ferari90:
Sunday October 10, 2010
Dokpesi: I Am Being Punished For Not Supporting Jonathan
Photo: Sun News Publishing
More Stories on This Section

Chairman of Daar Communications and Director-General, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Campaign Organisation, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, yesterday, opened up on his experience with security operatives over penultimate Friday bomb blasts in Abuja.

Dokpesi had been guest of the State Security Service (SS) as his
name had allegedly been mentioned in connection with the incident. One of the suspects being held over the tragic incident, Edmund Ebiware, had allegedly exchanged text messages with the Director-General of the IBB campaign organization.

But addressing journalists yesterday at his residence in Abuja, Dokpesi denied complicity in the incident, which he described as a national tragedy. He denied having any contact with the purported leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), Henry Okah, or Edmund Ebiware, who had been fingered as one of the perpetrators of the attack.

Shedding light on the N4 million, which he allegedly gave to Ebiware and was traced to a text message, Dokpesi told newsmen that he disclosed to the security operatives that the money was meant for the IBB campaign office in Bayelsa and was disbursed to the campaign coordinator, Hon Alaowei Opukeme.
“I am still at a loss on why I was invited because I have nothing to do with the bomb blasts. I was never present at the bomb blast site. I never funded any groups or persons that were involved in the bomb blast. I have never associated with MEND leader, Mr. Henry Okah. I have never corresponded with him or communicated with him either directly or through any third party. Nor has my principal, General Ibrahim Babangida, in any way associated or collaborated with anybody.

“Let me simply state the fact that on Monday, October 4, I received a telephone call on my way from Jigawa asking me to report at the SSS headquarters at 10am. And I asked for the name of the person that was calling and he gave me his name that he is an official of the SSS and that I should come at 10am.
“I was at the SSS headquarters diligently at that 10am on Monday, October 4. And when I came in, I was shown an handset where somebody was asking whether they had collected N4million from Dokpesi and whether I know anything about this text message.

“I said to start with, I am not owner of the handset. The message was not sent to me and I don’t even know who and who exchanged this text message. “I was told that it is one Ebiware from Bayelsa State and I said I haven’t been in any financial contact or any financial arrangement with anybody that is called Ebiware from Bayelsa State. However, I have appointed in Bayelsa Honourable Alaowei Opukeme as IBB 2011 State Coordinator.
“With Opukeme I have a relationship and I released N4million to him to be able to secure an office in Bayelsa and that is to the extent to which I have had a contact with him,” Dokpesi said.

Speaking further, the media mogul said: “I am not a terrorist. I never ever funded or supported anybody to blow up Eagle Square. The picture that is being painted internationally that I am a sponsor or a terrorist or that I partook in this thing is absolutely false and it is just in the imagination of those that are in government who just want to link me to that blast.” Advancing the allegation of political persecution, Dokpesi disclosed that he was being maligned because he refused to support President Goodlook Jonathan 2011 presidential ambition and had turned down the overtures to be part of the campaign team of the incumbent President.

The IBB campaign organization DG submitted that his position was informed by the agreement he had with certain individuals, who he earlier collaborated with to ensure that Goodluck Jonathan emerged as acting President.
“Let me say that officials and persons very close to President Jonathan discussed it with me, and President Jonathan himself during one of our discussions mentioned that he was happy that his officials reported to him. I didn’t turn it down. It was the party, the approach and the project on ground.

“You see, it has to be based on justice and fairness. It is not a matter of saying this is what is good for my people and the other people should swallow shit or they can go to hell; it is not a matter of saying that, after all we are the incumbent and we can use the power of incumbency. That is not what was intended and this is part of the thing, and the style that I disagreed with and I explained to them very politely. I believe in the unity of the country. I strongly believe that it is right and appropriate that what is due to John should be given to John.”

Making a startling revelation on how the late President Umaru Yar’Adua emerged as the PDP presidential candidate for the 2007 election, Dokpesi disclosed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo prevailed on former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili, to step down in total regard to the PDP zoning formula, as the latter’s ambition was a threat to the stability of the party and the entire nation. “My point of departure with Goodluck Jonathan as it were is the fact there is a zoning policy in the party and that zoning policy envisages that we will have eight years of presidency for the North, eight years of presidency for the South. The South has spent its own eight years.

“In 2006, I was the Director-General of Dr Peter Odili’s campaign and it was very succinctly stated by the then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, by the chairman of the party at that time, the chairman of Board of Trustees, the secretary of the party at that time, and by the leadership of the party that in 2006 it was not possible for Odili to go ahead into the convention of the party at the Eagle Square and win it simply because it would disrupt and cause instability in the country. And that there was an agreement in 2002, which had already made it necessary that after eight years of the Obasanjo administration, the presidency will go back to the North and therefore the best that Odili could be offered was vice-president.

“The acceptance speech of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua on the 16th of December 2006 was supposed to carry the name of Peter Odili as his running mate. It was only on the floor of the Eagle Square that Odili was said to be too strong to be Yar’Adua’s running mate.”


http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2010/oct/10/national-10-10-2010-006.htm

APContherun:
For those still in doubt about the real Muhammadu Buhari, here he's. Banning the press because they embarrass a public official in a democracy as is crazy a thought as the man who contemplates it.

barcanista:
We have to be sincere with ourselves. You don't expect a public official to sue journalists and media houses and demand damages. What kind of message does that send to the public? Whatever is written of a public officer maliciously is beyond defamation because it is capable of not just tarnishing the image of the subject but could disrupt the smooth running of the government and create an environment of anarchy, which in itself is a crime. I gave you example of the thread on minimah, that article could cause unrest, distrust in the Army and also could make people lose faith in the electoral process. A public officer is not just a private citizen. Where have you seen a public officer sue for damages? It doesn't happen that way! If the journalist and the medium decide to retract the earlier misinformation, it is welcomed. They just need to be ethical, that's all!!!!!

ausdy:
Don't worry my friend. We re real people who visits nairaland either to read news or to post/contribute to important issues. So... relax those paid to give 744likes for any pro APC tread/post re on their way.
We love GEJ and we don't make noise about it. So... just wait for your likes. Thanx.

barcanista:
.....we should be sincere and not emotional.

luvmijeje:
In defense of Buhari, the crack down on the press happened during the military era. so all what he said was in defense of his past action. But I will love to know his presence policy, thought or action towards press freedom. I also want to know how he's going to adapt his thinking towards the democratic process .

fresh360:
Are u trying to modify his word n motive of d media being banned or u are jst confused abt wat he actually said or u r trying hard nt to believe he. ActuaLly said does words

Amya:
Defamation either through slander or libel is a tort, not a crime. When you have some strong proof that someone wrote a libelous publication about you, you can sue for damages. You can not arrest, detain or lock someone up for defamation or Ban a media outfit. It's a completely civil matter that ends in retraction or damages.

Now for people in the public eye, it harder to sue successfully for defamation unless that they have ironclad proof that the publication was written maliciously, then the case might end in their favour. Public figures voluntarily place themselves in a position that invites close scrutiny, whereas private citizens who have not entered public life do not relinquish their interest in protecting their reputation. So it's easier for a private citizen to win a lawsuit on defamation.

Again, so you know, you can not arrest someone for defamation, rather you bring a lawsuit which can only end in damages and retraction, not ban or jail. That's one of the beauties of democracy. Buhari goofed on that one.

The rule of law deeply entrenched in our constitution is what holds supreme in this day and age. Thank you.

9jatriot:
Eg.

barcanista:
Bro, I will always stand for what is right despite intimidation

barcanista:
the General never meant "ban" literarily, he actually mean the law will take it cause. It is not about stiffling, its about bringing offenders of the law to book. If they publish malicious article, they should be able to defend their publication or face the law. This to me is how societies are run. We have existing laws. Even the FOI is restrictive, some information can't be divulged to the Press or any citizen.

barcanista:
I don't know why people are misrepresenting and twisting the words of Gen Muhammadu Buhari. As a citizen I am 100% in support of Press freedom, so is the General. However, freedom of the Press shouldn't be absolute otherwise they will be used to cause anarchy. If the press have anything against any public officer and they are really sure about it, they should publish it and allow for Government prosecution. They have to be sure and not gossip or be used to persecute officers on the pages of newspapers. However, false reportage using "our source" that will neither give a lead nor help a cause, and also fabricating news and ascribing to public officers should not only be discouraged but should be criminalised. The Whistle Blower act should be passed/strenghtened to protect those with valuable information. The Press needs to carry their jobs with ethics and checks like other professions. All arms of government have forms of checks and balance. We need to protect government officers too from false and malicious embarrassment.

barcanista:
I don't know why people are misrepresenting and twisting the words of Gen Muhammadu Buhari. As a citizen I am 100% in support of Press freedom, so is the General. However, freedom of the Press shouldn't be absolute otherwise they will be used to cause anarchy. If the press have anything against any public officer and they are really sure about it, they should publish it and allow for Government prosecution. They have to be sure and not gossip or be used to persecute officers on the pages of newspapers. However, false reportage using "our source" that will neither give a lead nor help a cause, and also fabricating news and ascribing to public officers should not only be discouraged but should be criminalised. The Whistle Blower act should be passed/strenghtened to protect those with valuable information. The Press needs to carry their jobs with ethics and checks like other professions. All arms of government have forms of checks and balance. We need to protect government officers too from false and malicious embarrassment.

babyosisi:
Good write up
But I am Sorry,the people you are trying to educate are like the waterproof on Aba -Porrt harcourt express road ,following any tipper or gwongworo or okada that bears a Buhari poster behind it.
They don't read
And even when they attempt to, they have no understanding

Kenai:
With your miserably pathetic defence, as well your failed attempt at putting words into your super clueless general's mouth (as a way of whitewashing his image and making him look good), there's no doubt on my mind anymore that you're nothing but a paid internet lapdog.

What a disgrace.
SHAME!

luvmijeje:
I will agree to a smaller extent that he's arrogant but I totally disagree that he's a dictator and a tyrant.

This is a man no one has accused of being corrupt..... I won't call that dictatorial, I will called it discipline. This is a man that's loved by millions of his people.... I won't call that tyranny, I will call him a self assured man . This is a man that has been in a position to enriched himself but he never did....... I won't call that arrogant, I will say he's a man of conviction.

Amya:
Please don't speak from both sides of your mouth. One of the core tenets of democracy is freedom of speech extended to the media. If a leader cannot handle criticism from the media, then he's not yet ready for democracy.

The truth about life, democracy, good governance etc is you'll never know what you have until you lose it.

londoner:
For me, tyrant and dictator aptly descirbes Buhari to an extent.....whether he is loved or not. Hitler was also loved by many, FW Declerk was loved by many.

Definitions of tyrant and dictator describe Buhari to me, even if he may have had a few positives in the eyes of some.

ty·rant
(tī′rənt)
n.
1. An extremely oppressive, unjust, or cruel ruler.
2. An absolute ruler who governs without restrictions, especially one who seized power illegally.
3. An oppressive, harsh, arbitrary person: My boss is a tyrant.

tyrant
(ˈtaɪrənt)
n
1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) a person who governs oppressively, unjustly, and arbitrarily; despot
2. any person who exercises authority in a tyrannical manner
3. anything that exercises tyrannical influence
4. (Historical Terms) (esp in ancient Greece) a ruler whose authority lacked the sanction of law or custom; usurper



dictator
(dɪkˈteɪtə)
n
1. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy)
a. a ruler who is not effectively restricted by a constitution, laws, recognized opposition, etc
b. an absolute, esp tyrannical, ruler
2. (Historical Terms) (in ancient Rome) a person appointed during a crisis to exercise supreme authority
3. (Government, Politics & Diplomacy) (in ancient Rome) a person appointed during a crisis to exercise supreme authority
4. a person who makes pronouncements, as on conduct, fashion, etc, which are regarded as authoritative
5. a person who behaves in an authoritarian or tyrannical manner
dictatress dictatrix fem n


2. dictator - a ruler who is unconstrained by law






If the shoes fits..............................

BrokenTV:
Honesty indeed, they way you twist fact to sute your propangada is really alarming. Must you defend him on everyday. Why can't you call a spade a spade.

Kenai:
With your miserably pathetic defence, as well your failed attempt at putting words into your super clueless general's mouth (as a way of whitewashing his image and making him look good), there's no doubt on my mind anymore that you're nothing but a paid internet lapdog.
What a disgrace.
SHAME!

Ahmeduana:
chai! IS RIGHT TIME FOR apc TO CHANGE THEIR CHIEF MINISTER OF PROPAGANDA ON NAIRA! HE HAS STOPPED BEEN PROLIFIC!

Obinoscopy:
I sincerely hope freedom of the press and the social media will not be removed if Buhari wins.

adconline:
Arrest and ban are different.. Arrest means assumption of wrongdoing while the court determines if any wrong has occurred. Ban is handed out after wrong doing is established. No Naija law allows for banning of journalist!! GMB doesn't get it!!

Four journalists with LEADERSHIP Newspapers have been detained at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on the orders of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Two out of the four LEADERSHIP staff being held at the Police headquarters have been moved to an undisclosed destination.

The two, Tony Amoekedo (Group News Editor) and Chibuzo Ukaibe (Correspondent) were taken away a few minutes ago.

The journalists, Mrs. Chinyere Fred-Adebulugbe; Mr. Tony Amokeodo; Mr. Chibuzor Ukaibe; and Mr. Chuks Ohuegbe, had reported at the Force Headquarters on Monday morning to honour an invitation by the police.

The Director, Human Capital and former LEADERSHIP Sunday Editor, Mrs. Fred-Adegbulugbe, who led the journalists said, “After the journalists finished writing statements, DIG Peter Gana suddenly excused himself on a call from IGP Mohammed Abubakar.

“We were later told that we would not be allowed to leave except if we produced the source of the story. It was clear that this was not the call of the police. It is from President Goodluck Jonathan.

“We told them that it would be unethical to disclose our source and asked them to charge us to court, if they wanted. They said they wanted to have the document. We said the bromide had been published and wondered why they were making such a fuss, since they said the document was a work of fiction.

“They have made it clear that we would not be released except we give them the document. We can’t get out. I was escorted to use the toilet after begging.”

A statement by the Group managing Director of LEADERSHIP, Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene described the act as “a calculated and brazen affront on press freedom; we are bereft that a supposedly elected government will come this low.

“We demand the unconditional and immediate release of our journalists – Mrs. Chinyere Fred-Adebulugbe (Director, Human Capital); Chuks Ohuegbe (Managing Editor); Tony Amokeodo (Group News Editor); and Chibuzor Ukaibe (Political Reporter).

“President Jonathan and his handlers need to tell Nigerians and the civilised world why they have suddenly moved from describing the document as “fiction,” to a do-or-die obsession with knowing the source; they need to tell Nigerians most of who now live in mortal fear of their personal safety and security, if clamping down on the press has now become a priority sport.”

The statement added: “On our part, we wish to restate our resolve to continue to hold the government to account as enshrined in Chapter 22 of the constitution and to remain resolute in championing the course of press freedom and the right of the people to know.

“We stand by our story and will neither be cowed nor intimidated by the strong-arm tactics of President Jonathan nor by the puerile attempts by his spokesmen – Doyin Okupe and Dr. Reuben Abati – to tarnish our report.”

Akpan107:
You just wasted ur time!

Buhari is not fit to rule Nigeria.

babyosisi:
So that he doesn't earn his salary today?
Na you go pay am?

barcanista:
Who's the intimidator?

Dewze:
Wow! Did a Buhari supporter really say this? I Can't believe it.

maclatunji:
Tell this to Tompolo. #Hehehehe

Our inland waterways security contractor under an "educated" President Jonathan.

#ChangeIsComing #GetUsedToIt

luvmijeje:
You are entitled to your opinion but haba! I still don't understand on what basis you are comparing him to Hitler. The definition you gave reinforced my point that he was in a position to enriched himself, a position where there was no check and balance but he still refused to take the bite. I still believe his positivity outweigh his negativity, he may not be the best but he's far far better than Jonathan.