NEWS
Boko Haram: Centre accuses Red Cross of peddling falsehood to discredit Nigerian authorities, local CSOs
The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has accused the International Committee on Red Cross (ICRC) of a deliberately peddling falsehood to undermine the efforts of the Nigerian military in the North-East.
The Centre believes the international humanitarian organisation is misrepresenting facts in a bid to mislead unsuspecting members of the general public.
This trails a recent report where the Red Cross alleged that nearly 22,000 Nigerians are missing in the North-East.
This figure, according to the ICRC, represented the highest number of missing persons registered in any country.
At a world press conference on Monday in Abuja, CESJET revealed that there is a campaign of calumny by the ICRC against the Military’s counter-insurgency operations in North-East Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of CESJET, Executive Director, Isaac Ikpa, said that there’s no element of truth in the piece, describing it as a propaganda to dampen the morale of the troops, especially at a time the military recorded massive gains in the fight against terrorism.
The Centre, therefore, advised Red Cross to desist from commenting on issues outside their operational purview and concentrate on providing humanitarian services that it is known for.
While urging Nigerians to always verify such reports, the Centre, however, called on the ICRC to tender an unreserved apology to the military authorities, as well as withdraw the statement credited to it.
Read full statement below:
I most warmly welcome you all to the World Press Conference put together by the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) in the light of the recently misrepresentation of facts by the International Committee on Red Cross on the counter-insurgency operations of the Nigerian Military in North-East Nigeria where either by omission or commission erroneously stated that over 22,000 Nigerians have been declared missing in North-East Nigeria.
The Centre for Social Justice, Equity, and Transparency, having been conversant with the counter-insurgency operations in North-East Nigeria, is alarmed by the fact the International Committee on Red Cross would condescend to the unenviable height of misrepresenting facts and attempting to mislead unsuspecting members of the general public.
The disposition of the ICRC is an affront to the efforts of various civil society organizations that have devoted time and resources in monitoring the counter-insurgency operations of the Nigerian Military in North-East Nigeria. It is as well an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians for such a false statement to be made public by the ICRC.
This is also cognisant of the fact that the parameters used in arriving at such postulation might either be defective or outdated, as there is no element of truth in the ICRC report on the number of missing persons in North-East Nigeria.
The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency see the recent move by the ICRC as covert terrorist propaganda aimed at damping the morale of the Nigerian troops in operation in North-East Nigeria.
It is also somewhat curious that this is coming on the heels when the Nigerian Military has made considerable gains in the fight against terrorism in North-East Nigeria that has seen the remnants of Boko Haram flee to the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin region.
It is also curious that the ICRC would feign ignorance to the fact that the Nigerian Military in operation in North-East Nigeria has been conducting search and rescue operations that have resulted in the rescue of thousands of women and children and reunited them with their families.
The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency wishes to highlight the fact that on November 17, 2019, Nigerian troops deployed in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State rescued women and children, as well as an older woman in her 80s from Boko Haram captivity.
On May 19, 2019, The Nigerian army rescued 54 women and children held captive by the extremist group Boko Haram. On June 24, 2019, over 120 women and children were rescued by the Nigerian military from Boko Haram captivity. On March 7, 2018, over 1000 women and children were rescued by the Nigerian military from Boko Haram captivity. On June 5, 2018, the Nigerian Military rescued 54 women been used as sex slaves by the Boko Haram terrorist. And the list goes on and is verifiable.
The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, believes that the report by the ICRC is intended for mischief purposes as there is no iota of truth in the claims made therein. It consequently behoves on all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard whatever postulations the ICRC has canvassed with regards to missing persons in North-East Nigeria, as well as a probe of military operations in North East.
The Centre for Social Justice, Equity, and Transparency are worried about this trend that is capable of misleading unsuspecting members of the general public on the actual state of affairs in North-East Nigeria, as well as the efforts of the Nigerian Military in Search and Rescue operations.
The ICRC has, by their action, demonstrated that they are either not conversant with the happenings in North-East Nigeria, or they have so chosen to take the dishonourable path like others that do not want the war on terrorism in Nigeria to come to an end.
The Centre for Social Justice, Equity, and Transparency, therefore, states that the report by the ICRC is highly condemnable and must be retracted for lack of objectivity and an outright attempt at smearing the image of the Nigerian Military in operations in North-East Nigeria.
The ICRC must, as a matter of urgency, desist from commenting on issues outside their operational purview and concentrate on providing humanitarian services that it is recognized for. The ICRC must not allow itself to be used by agents of Boko Haram terrorist groups to spread propaganda that would mislead unsuspecting members of the general public.
The Centre of Social Justice, Equity and Transparency as a result of this calls on the ICRC to tender an unreserved apology to the military authorities, as well as withdraw the statement credited to it.
The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency wishes to advise the ICRC to always verify the information before going to press, else it might lose its credibility before the relevant authorities in Nigeria, as well as the Nigerian people.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, returned to the state on Friday, landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at about 11:55 a.m. to the cheers of his supporters who trooped out to welcome him.
His return comes hours after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule imposed on the state on March 18, following a political crisis that saw Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, suspended from office.
Despite his arrival, the governor had yet to resume at the Government House office as of Friday afternoon. On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened, but hundreds of Fubara’s supporters who had gathered at the Government House in anticipation of his return waited in vain.
During the emergency rule, Tinubu appointed retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator to oversee the state. In a farewell broadcast on Wednesday, Ibas handed over power and urged political actors in Rivers to embrace dialogue and mutual respect.
The crisis in the state began after Fubara fell out with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, over control of Rivers’ political structure. The feud split the state assembly and escalated into violent confrontations.
In June, Tinubu convened a reconciliation meeting with Fubara, Wike, Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and other key stakeholders.
By July, Ibas inaugurated the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), led by Michael Odey, which conducted council elections across the state on August 30.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 local government areas, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured three.
NEWS
Nigerian Born Int’l Journalist, Livinus Chibuike Victor, attempts to attain Interviewing Marathon of 72hours 30 Seconds
Journalists plays an essential role in promoting transparency, challenging power, and giving a voice to the voiceless. Despite increasing threats to press freedom across the world.
As the world reflects on the vital role journalists play in upholding democratic values, Livinus Chibuike Victor, Imo State born globally acclaimed journalist, proudly announce a historic Guinness World Record attempt for the longest interviewing marathon, with the Theme (NIGERIA OUR STRENGTH) scheduled to take place from 28th September to October 1st 2025, at Tangier Hotel, 34, Ekukinam street, Besides ABC Transport, Utako, Abuja.
The record attempt according to Victory, aims to highlight the enduring impact of journalism in a democratic society, a profession that continues to educate, empower, and hold those in power accountable. In an age where truth is often under siege, this initiative seeks to draw attention to the essential need for a free, ethical, and fearless press.
“Democracy is impossible without an informed public, and journalists are the ones who make that possible, “This attempt is not just about setting a new world record; it’s about celebrating truth, integrity, and the powerful role journalism plays in building and sustaining open societies.
The Guinness World Record attempt will feature a series of activities designed to engage the public, celebrate press freedom, and honor the sacrifices made by journalists around the world.
Members of the public, media professionals, and civic leaders are invited to witness and support the event as it unfolds over three inspiring days at the Tangier Hotel, Ekukinam Street, Utako,.Abuja, Nigeria.
About Livinus Chibuike Victor
Livinus Chibuike Victor is a Nigerian journalist known for his fearless reporting and advocacy for Press Freedom. He has worked tirelessly to promote transparency and accountability in society through his work.
The immediate past National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Dr. Chris Isiguzo (MFR), has been celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award by journalists from the South East Zone C during a special homecoming held in his honour at the NUJ Enugu Council Press Centre.
Speaking at the event, NUJ Vice President (South East), Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku, said the recognition was in appreciation of Isiguzo’s remarkable leadership and contributions during his tenure as National President. He described him as “a pathfinder, a trailblazer, a mentor, and a leader,” noting that he positioned the South East as a strong voice within the Union.
Chairman of the occasion and SSA to the Enugu State Governor on External Media Relations, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, stressed the importance of quality leadership recruitment in a democracy, urging citizens to reject vote buying and selling. He charged the media to intensify civic education to ensure credible leadership choices.
The current NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, praised the South East leadership for honouring Isiguzo, adding that it was the first time a sitting national president would honour his predecessor. He expressed confidence in the new Enugu Council leadership under Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, urging members to give full support.
In his response, Isiguzo expressed gratitude to the Union, recounting his administration’s achievements such as member registration, creation of the NUJ website, restoration of peace in councils, improved relations with state governments, and enhanced staff welfare.
Delivering a keynote address on “Leadership Recruitment Amid Challenges of Poverty: The Role of the Media”, UNN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, represented by Prof. Olaiwola Usman, linked Nigeria’s poverty crisis to poor leadership choices, stressing the media’s role in promoting credible recruitment of leaders.
The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of the NUJ South East Zonal Lifetime Achievement Award portrait to Isiguzo by Comrade Yahya, alongside tributes from NUJ and NAWOJ leaders.
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