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Niger authorities crack down on critical journalists
NEW YORK – The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by recent detentions in Niger of journalists critical of the government. In the past week, four journalists have been held for days without charge, two of whom remain in custody, and the justice minister has warned of a crackdown.
Judicial police in the capital Niamey have since Monday detained Ousmane Dambadji, editor of L’Union, and TV presenter Zakari Abdou of independent broadcaster Canal 3 over commentary aired during a January program on Canal 3, according to local journalists and news reports. Details of commentary were not immediately available.
On January 23, judicial police detained Soumana Idrissa Maïga, editor of the independent daily l’Enquêteur, on accusations of threatening national security over a January 17 column in his newspaper in which a writer speculated that the ruling party’s days in power were numbered, according to local news reports.
On January 25, Abdoulaye Mamane, presenter of a Hausa-language talk show on Radio Télévision Bonferey, was detained after a guest on his January 16 program accused the president of corruption, according to local news reports. The guest was also detained.
A magistrate on Monday ordered the release without charge of Maïga and Mamane, according to the reports and local journalists.
“Since the democratic transition of 2009, Niger’s leadership has often been cited as an example for its respect of press freedom, but the government’s crackdown on critical journalists threatens to roll back the country’s democratic progress,” said CPJ Africa Advocacy Coordinator Mohamed Keita. “We call on Nigerien authorities to release the journalists still in custody and respect its own laws pertaining to the media.”
Niger’s 2010 press law bans pretrial detentions of journalists for offenses related to their work, according to CPJ research. In November 2011, Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou became the first African head of state to endorse the Declaration of Table Mountain, which calls for the repeal of criminal defamation and insult laws throughout Africa.
In an interview with The Associated Press today, Justice Minister Marou Amadou accused the four journalists of issuing false accusations and “appeals to hatred and violence.” Last week, in a press conference, Amadou had warned that the government would crack down on critical coverage. “Calls to ethnic hatred, insurrection or a coup, we have heard [them] in media outlets,” Radio France Internationale quoted him as saying. He mentioned “youth threatening to go dislodge turn by turn the prime minister and the president of the republic, in an insurrectional style,” and likened this to the Arab Spring. Amadou acknowledged the president’s signing of the Table Mountain Declaration and the decriminalization of press offenses, but said that challenging the democratic framework or calling for destabilization of the country are offenses punishable by the criminal code.
Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa has been signed up by Jaiz Bank as a brand ambassador.
An elated Musa made the disclosure in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Thursday.
The Kano Pillars striker urged his fans to troop to Jaiz Bank to do business for trusting him with the new role.
He exclaimed, “And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! ”
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He wrote, “✨Alhamdulillah✨ I am SO excited to announce that I’ve officially joined Jaiz Bank as their newest ambassador! 🎉💼
“A huge thank you to @JaizBankNG for trusting me and allowing me to be a part of this amazing journey! 🙏🏼💚 It’s an honor to represent a brand that believes in growth, security, and financial empowerment.
“I can’t wait to share all the incredible things we’ll be doing together! 🚀💡
And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! Let’s grow together! 💪🏼🔑
“@JaizBankNG is a non interest Financial institution poised with a mission to make life better through ethical Finance. 👌👌”
#NewBeginnings #BankWithJaizBank #PartneredUp #TeamJaizBank”
On November 20, 2024, Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, celebrated her 56th birthday and her husband President William Ruto publicly expressed his love and appreciation for his wife on this special day, wishing her well.
The birthday celebrations were marked by an outpouring of goodwill from political figures, media, and citizens across Kenya, who praised her for her grace, leadership, and significant contributions to society, particularly through initiatives like the Joyful Women Organisation, which aims to empower rural women.
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The day was characterized by a collective acknowledgment of her role as a national figure dedicated to community upliftment.
In a heartfelt message, President William Ruto took to social media, writing, “Happy birthday my love, @MamaRachelRuto. Continue being a blessing to me and our children. Mungu akubariki sana,” which translates to “God bless you abundantly.”
Other prominent leaders also extended their wishes to the First Lady, with Anne Waiguru, EGH, OGW, Governor of Kirinyaga County, tweeting, “Happy Birthday First Lady,” further showing the respect and admiration for Rachel Ruto’s leadership and impact.
A gas cylinder explosion at a filling station in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State has resulted in significant damage to six vehicles, according to a statement from the Katsina State Police Command.
The command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Friday, November 15, 2024.
He explained that a loud explosion alerted police operatives from the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters. Responding promptly, the Divisional Police Officer led a team to the site, supported by military personnel.
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“Upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at Tamal filling station, along Kagadama-Magamar Jibia Road,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated. The joint team acted swiftly, deploying measures to protect lives and limit property damage. Their efforts successfully extinguished the fire.
The spokesperson added, “Six motor vehicles were significantly affected by the fire incident, but fortunately, no life was lost.”
State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Updates on the findings will be provided as investigations progress.
This incident highlights the need for heightened safety measures at gas filling stations to prevent such occurrences.
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