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Edo Deputy Governor To Media Practitioners: You Benefit Most If Democracy Is Sustained

Published

4 years ago

December 20, 2021

Joseph Kanjo, Benin

… ‘We Are Breeding New Journalism’ – NUJ Chairman

Edo State deputy governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has disclosed that the media would benefit most if demorcacy is sustained in the country, adding that if the military comes back to power everyone including the media would feel the heat.

Comrade Shaibu who disclosed this in Benin on Monday while hosting journalists at his annual breakfast with media practitioners at his residence, said the media, being a catalyst for democracy, has a very critical role to play in governance.

While urging journalists to abide by the rules of engagement by balancing every story written, Shaibu admitted that him, being the Deputy Governor of the state was as a result of an investigative journalism carried out by an NUJ member when he was detained during the military junta.

According to him, “I have also use myself as an example on what a professional journalism is and what a true whistle blower is.

“I am deputy governor today courtesy of a member of Nigeria Union of Journalists that had to go out to declare that ‘some persons have been detained for over a month, while the military claim no one was left in detention. so if you say nobody is left in detention, that is no true, some persons are still detained in the prison,’ he listed the names.

“Your pen can help to repair; your pen can help destroy. It will benefit you most when democracy is sustained. This is because if those military come back, you and I would be in trouble.

“Your role is very critical; your role is very vital. And just like we all know, if you don’t play that role well, a lot of things would be damaged; a lot of things will spoil. Government will not be put on its toe to know that things are going wrong,” he said.

While commenting on the new Edo NUJ executive, the Deputy Governor expressed optimism that the Alenkhe-led executive would take the council to an enviable heights.

Earlier in his remarks, chairman, Edo NUJ, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, declared a new breed in the council.

He urged Edo State Government to partner with the NUJ with a view to building a synergy that would benefit both parties.

“We want to build a new NUJ. The idea of giving us fish is over, we want us to be taught how to fish.

“Come to the press centre and see the expanse of land their and see how you can develop a portion for a choice project.

On the need for a stable power supply at the NUJ premises, Alenkhe made this demand, ” Your Excellency, Osoma power plant should be extended to the NUJ as it to NBA and other places.”

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Headline

Russia, China Afraid Of US Under My Administration — Trump

Published

14 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Editor

United States President, Donald Trump, has said Russia and China fear the United States because of the strength of his administration, arguing that American global influence is driven primarily by its military power and leadership.

Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday stated that rival powers would not take NATO seriously without the United States, claiming the alliance lacks deterrent force in the absence of American involvement.

He expressed doubts about whether NATO members would come to the aid of the US in a real crisis, despite Washington’s continued commitment to the alliance.

The president credited his leadership with rebuilding the US military during his first term and sustaining its strength, describing this as the key reason adversaries show respect and caution toward the country.

He maintained that America’s military dominance has played a central role in preserving global stability and saving lives.

Trump also argued that his administration forced NATO members to increase defence spending, saying many allies had previously failed to meet financial commitments while relying heavily on the US.

He added that his actions helped prevent further escalation in Eastern Europe and contributed to the resolution of multiple conflicts.

According to Trump, the United States remains the only nation that commands genuine fear and respect from both Russia and China, a position he attributed to his administration’s approach to defence, diplomacy, and global leadership.

“He wrote partly, “The only Nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT REBUILT U.S.A. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!! President DJT.”

Headline

Trump To Withdraw US From 66 UN, International Organisations

Published

14 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Editor

United States President, Donald Trump, has announced plans to withdraw the US from 66 United Nations and international organisations, including key global bodies focused on climate change, peace and democracy.

The decision was disclosed in a presidential memorandum released by the White House on Wednesday evening, following a review of which “organizations, conventions, and treaties are contrary to the interests of the United States.”

According to Trump, the move will see the US end its participation in the affected organisations and cut all related funding.

A list shared by the White House showed that 35 of the organisations are non-UN bodies, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Although listed as a non-UN body by the White House, the IPCC is a United Nations organisation that brings together leading scientists to assess climate change evidence and provide periodic reports to guide political leaders.

The memorandum also announced the US withdrawal from 31 UN entities, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UN Democracy Fund, and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which focuses on maternal and child health.

Several of the targeted UN bodies are involved in protecting vulnerable groups during armed conflicts, including the UN Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict.

Reacting to the announcement, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a note to correspondents on Wednesday evening that the organisation expected to issue a response by Thursday morning.

Despite repeatedly stating his desire to limit US involvement in UN forums, Trump has continued to exert influence on international decision-making.

In October last year, he threatened to impose sanctions on diplomats who formally adopted a levy on polluting shipping fuels that had already been agreed to at an earlier meeting, a move that stalled the deal for 12 months.

The Trump administration also sanctioned UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese after she released a report detailing the role of international and US companies in Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.

During his first term in 2017, Trump similarly threatened to cut aid to countries that supported a draft UN resolution condemning the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, the US wields significant influence at the United Nations, including veto power, which it has repeatedly used to block efforts to end Israel’s war on Gaza before later mediating a ceasefire.

(Aljazeera)

Headline

UK Supported US Mission To Seize Russian-flagged Oil Tanker – Defense Ministry

Published

1 day ago

January 7, 2026

Editor

The British Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday that it provided support to the United States in its operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic.

US seized the tanker, which was being shadowed by a Russian submarine on Wednesday, after pursuing it for more than two weeks across the Atlantic as part of Washington’s efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports.

According to Britain, its armed forces gave pre-planned operational support, including basing following a US request for assistance.

The UK also said a military vessel provided support for the US forces pursuing the tanker, and the Royal Air Force provided surveillance support from the air.

Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the operation targeted a vessel with a nefarious history linked to Russian and Iranian sanctions evasion networks.

“This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting,” he said in a statement.

According to him, the US was Britain’s closest defence and security partner.

“The depth of our defence relationship with the US is an essential part of our security, and today’s seamlessly executed operation shows just how well this works in practice,” he added.

The British government said that the Bella-1 tanker, now renamed Marinera, is sanctioned by the US under its counter-Iran sanctions,

The MoD statement said the support was provided in full compliance with international law.