Tag: Lai Mohammed

14Oct By MosesianNo Comments

News

FG orders TV stations to feature sign language interpreters

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has said that his ministry will be directing the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to compel public and private television stations to feature sign language interpreters during their major news presentations. Mohammed said this on Thursday October 14, in Abuja at the 2021 Annual Lecture of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). The Minister made the promise after a participant at the event, Monsurat Abdulwasiu noted that the deaf had been excluded by the media. She said; “Only the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) has a sign language interpreter during one of its news hours. “In the other media platforms, there are no sign language interpreters even in the healthcare sector, no sign language in Nigerian hospi...

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8Oct By BobbyNo Comments

News

Media allows people castigate Buhari, preach disunity – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has accused some broadcast media outfits of allowing Nigerians to use their platform to castigate President Muhammadu Buhari. Mohammed disclosed this at the 75th General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria, BON, in Kano on Thursday. He also lamented that broadcast media houses allowed some Nigerians to use their platforms to carry out divisive messages. Mohammed urged broadcast stations to ensure that their platforms are used to serve both public and national interests, rather than the interest of a few naysayers and agents of destabilization. According to Mohammed: “Today in Nigeria, some broadcast stations revel in lending their platforms to those whose stock-in-trade is to spew hate as well as angry and ...

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8Oct By MosesianNo Comments

News

Lai Mohammed backs Malami on declaration of ‘state of emergency’ in Anambra

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has backed Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami on threats of declaring a state of emergency in Anambra state over recent attacks. Malami had told journalists on Wednesday October 6 that declaring a state of emergency would ensure that the November 6 governorship election in the state takes place. Lai Mohammed has now backed Malami, saying it will help to avert a “constitutional crisis” in the state. Mohammed told newsmen “In the last couple of weeks, IPOB had imposed sit-at-home on the citizens. They did not allow people to go to schools, markets and there are also high profile killings. “The AGF said yesterday that the government will do whatever it takes to restore law and order in Anambra and the entire sou...

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5Oct By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

FG not treating bandits with kid-gloves – Lai Mohammed

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has countered claims of the federal government treating bandits with kid gloves. In an interview on Nigeria Television Authority, the Minister stressed that a criminal is a criminal and the claim is a divisive rhetoric being promoted by some naysayers. Mohammed said; “I think we have been dancing around nomenclature, a criminal is a criminal whether it is a bandit or terrorist and the same measure is being meted out to them. “That is why we find it ridiculous, the accusation that the federal government is softer on bandits than the separatists and other criminals. This is a fallacy, fake news and misinformation all into one, and this is the kind of divisive rhetoric being promoted by some naysayers." Maintaining that it wil...

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27Sep By MosesianNo Comments

News

It is imperative for rich countries to retrace their steps – Lai Mohammed laments inequity in global vaccine distribution system

Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, has said the financial capacity of some countries makes it easy for them to access Covid-19 vaccines to the detriment of poor countries. He disclosed this during his speech to mark the World Tourism Day held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, on Monday, September 27. He lamented what he called "vaccine rationalism" which has caused inequity in the global vaccine distribution system. He said: "Today, rich countries are able to procure vaccines for their own citizens through direct agreements with pharmaceutical companies; while low and middle-income countries are lagging, unable to act as speedily as rich countries in securing the quantity of vaccines they need or unable to afford to pay for any at all. Whereas s...

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21Aug By MosesianNo Comments

News

US intel expert Matthew Page blasts America after meeting Nigeria’s Lai Mohammed

Matthew Page, the immediate past US intelligence expert on Nigeria has condemned the meeting between American officials and Information Minister, Lai Mohammed. Page blew hot on Saturday after a U.S. Mission in Nigeria post on Twitter. A photo of senior cabinet members with the President Muhammadu Buhari appointee accompanied it. “We’re pleased that Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed met with @ECA_AS Matthew Lussenhop & @ECAatState colleagues to discuss potential bilateral cultural heritage property collaboration and ongoing education and exchange programs”, the tweet reads. In his reaction, Page, an associate fellow at Chatham House, expressed disgust that the officials met Mohammed. He reminded America that the parley took place despite the Al...

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21Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

Jonathan, Buhari under scrutiny in tough debate over insecurity

Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, has been criticized for saying Nigeria is winning the war against terrorism. Mohammed is accused of being economical with the truth by stating that the current government is winning the war against terrorism. The minister had said the issue of insecurity regarding insurgency under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government is better if compared to President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Speaking with BBC, the minister maintained that the situation was worst under the Jonathan-led government. He pointed out that the “entire Northeast was a no go area” as schools, markets and hospitals were closed down due to insurgency activities.

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20Aug By MosesianNo Comments

News

We’re getting nearer to an agreement with Twitter – Lai Mohammed

Minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed has announced that Twitter has agreed to seven out of the 10 demands it made to lift the suspension on the social media platform in Nigeria. The Minister said this in Washington DC during his on-going engagement with global media outlets, think-tanks and influencers. Mohammed said; “We believe that even the other three outstanding demands, are not really about whether they agreed or not but about timing and scheduling. “That is what gave me the confidence that we are getting nearer to an agreement. “As recently as last week, we exchanged correspondence with Twitter, and when I left home a few days ago; we are expecting a reply from them. “It is left with Twitter to respond to grey areas that we asked them to look into. ...

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19Aug By MosesianNo Comments

News

Battling insecurity in one corner of the country doesn’t make Nigeria failed state – Lai Mohammed

Minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed has said that Nigeria cannot be called a failed state because it is battling insecurity “in one corner of the country”. The Minister said this during an interview on ‘Focus on Africa’, a programme on BBC. Mohammed who maintained that  the current administration has "pinned” Boko Haram to a “very small area”, added that Nigerians should appreciate their effort given that Taliban fighters took over power in Afghanistan in a few weeks. He said;   “In the north-east, we are facing the challenge of the Boko Haram, which is purely an ideologically driven terrorist group. What is happening in Afghanistan presently is a good pointer. It shows that a movement driven by ideology is very difficult to overcome. The US, having spent 20 ...

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18Aug By MosesianNo Comments

News

We won’t rest until social media is regulated – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has said the Federal government will not rest until social media platforms are regulated. The minister said this in an interview with NAN in Washington while reacting to media reports that claimed he sneaked out of Nigeria to the US to meet with Twitter operators to resolve the ban on the micro-blogging site in Nigeria. Lai said fake news such as this reaffirms the need for social media to be regulated. Speaking during the interview, Mohammed said'; “Can a minister sneak out of Nigeria without people knowing? When you say I sneaked out of Nigeria, are you saying I went to board at a terminal where nobody is or I travelled to the Republic of Benin to fly out of the country?” I was at an international airport, where I present...

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11Aug By MosesianNo Comments

News

Twitter ban to be lifted soon – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says the ban on microblogging site, Twitter, will be lifted soon. Mohammed disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the virtual Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the First Lady’s Conference room, Presidential Villa, Abuja. According to Lai Mohammed, the engagements with the team from Twitter have been productive, and that they have agreed to open an office in Nigeria. “The end for amicable resolution is very much in sight. We appreciate the patience of Nigerians. I want to assure you that we have made very tremendous progress. We have met with Twitter both physically and in writing. We are actually almost there. The engagement has been ex...

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18Jul By MosesianNo Comments

News

FG Denies asking Obi Cubana for loan

The Federal government has denied reports claiming it was considering borrowing money from businessman, Obi Cubana. Cubana hosted a talk of the nation funeral for his mum last Thursday and Friday. From the affluence displayed at the funeral, an online media posted an article suggesting that Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information,  had said that Cubana has such money and Nigeria is still going to China for loan. The Ministry of Information via its Facebook page today July 18, denied the report and described it as "fake news".

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17Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

FG’ll Take Possession Of Looted Benin Artefacts When Returned —Lai Mohammed

FG’ll take possession of looted Benin artefacts when returned —Lai Mohammed… The Federal Government will take possession of 1,130 looted Benin Bronzes when returned by Germany, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has said. The minister stated this on Saturday at a press conference in Lagos State. Mohammed; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki; and some government officials had visited Germany recently to further talks on the repatriation of the artefacts allegedly looted during the invasion of the Benin Kingdom in 1897 by the British led by Captain Philip. The Benin Palace and the Edo State Government have been at loggerheads over where the artefacts will be housed. While the palace wants the artefacts kept in the Benin Royal Museum, which will be built within the ...

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15Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

APC Suspends 11 Lai Mohammed’s Loyalists

Eleven members of All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed have been suspended following the decision of the caretaker committee The 11 members had dragged the party and the state chairman Abdullahi Abubakar to court. The approval of the suspension was contained in a letter by the National Secretary, Caretaker/Extra-ordinary National Convention Planning Committee, Senator James Akpanudoedehe, to Abubakar. The letter read in part: “the Caretaker/Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee ratifies the decision of the Kwara State Caretaker Committee and upholds suspension of the following Party members: “Joseph Tsado, Bamidele Ogunbayo, Issa Fulani, Imam Abdulkadir, Morufu Olaniyi Yusuf, Saludeen Lukman, Kerebu Fatai, Bola Ajani, Nur...

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10Jul By MosesianNo Comments

News

”They are not the property of the state government”- Oba of Benin kicks against Edo state govt’s decision to take custody of 1,130 stolen artefacts to be returned from Germany

The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has kicked against the decision of the Edo state government to take custody of the 1,130 stolen Benin artefacts that are in the process of being repatriated from Germany. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki and the other top government officials are currently in Germany to facilitate the return of the stolen artefacts that were allegedly looted during the invasion of the Benin Kingdom in 1897 by the British led by Captain Philip. While the palace wants the artefacts kept in the Benin Royal Museum which will be built within the palace, the state government wants the items preserved in the proposed Edo Museum of West African Arts which would be funded and executed by a private company...

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3Jul By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

Why APC congresses may not hold in Kwara, three other states – Lai Mohammed

Congresses of the All Progressives Congress may not hold in Kwara and three other states unless members of the party are revalidated and registered. Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, declared in Ilorin on Saturday. Mohammed said he has absolute assurance of the Chairman, National Caretaker Commiitte of the party, Malam Mai Mala Buni. “We are assured without equivocation by the party chairman, that there will be no congress in Kwara because our state is a special case. “There will be no state congresses in Kwara without registration of our members and revalidation of others who were wrongly disenfranchised by the machinations of Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq,” the minister claimed. He said the national chairman of the caretaker committe, assured him two weeks ago that the national...

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1Jul By MosesianNo Comments

News

FG Speaks on how Nnamdi Kanu was Rearrested

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has given an insight into how the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested last Sunday, June 27. Kanu was on Tuesday, June 29 paraded before newsmen. There have been speculations as to where he was extradited from. While his brother claimed he was arrested in Kenya, unconfirmed sources allege he was picked up from the UK. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja today July 1, the Minister said some countries and intelligence agencies, with which it has obligations, assisted to arrest Kanu. He however was silent on the country that offered assistance. “Finally, there have been speculations on how this re-arrest was pulled off and in which country the hitherto fugitive leader of the...

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23Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

Any social media platform used to bring down Nigeria will be suspended – Lai Mohammed warns

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has warned that any social media platform used to bring down Nigeria will be suspended.   The Minister who appeared before house committees on communication, justice, information and culture, and national security and intelligence on Tuesday June 22, added that the ban of Twitter operations in the country is a good opportunity for "resourceful Nigerians to also look at how they can have an app that can replace Twitter".   He said;   “On Twitter not being the only social media in Nigeria but banning Twitter alone, honestly, we suspended Twitter because Twitter became a platform of choice for those that want to bring down this country. “If any other platform does it, we will suspend their operations too. It...

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15Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

Twitter’s founder, Dorsey is liable for #EndSARS losses – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has said that the founder of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, is vicariously liable for the losses Nigeria incurred during the EndSARS protest.   Mohammed said this when he appeared on a Radio Nigeria call-in programme in Abuja today June 14.   Mohammed alleged that Dorsey raised funds through Bitcoins to sponsor the EndSARS protest while his platform, Twitter, was used to fuel the crisis. He said Dorsey also retweeted the tweets of some foreign and local supporters of EndSARS. “If you ask people to donate money via bitcoins for EndS ARS protesters then you are vicariously liable for whatever is the outcome of the protest. We have forgotten that EndSARS led to the loss of lives, including 37 policemen, six soldiers, 57 c...

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12Jun By MosesianNo Comments

News

It’s Unfair to say Twitter ban was Because Buhari’s tweet was Deleted – Lai Mohammed

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has said that it is unfair to say that the decision to ban Twitter's operation in the country was because President Muhammadu Buhari's tweet was deleted. The Minister who appeared on an NTA programme on Friday June 11, said the decision was taken over the promotion of views that could cause division in the country by the social media platform. Mohammed also insisted that other social media platforms operating in Nigeria will have to first register with the Corporate Affairs Commission and then apply for licensing with the NBC. He said;   “People have tried to say Twitter was suspended because they deleted the president’s message. I think that is very unfair. We were very clear in what we said. We were very unambiguous ...

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10Jun By MosesianNo Comments

Politics

PDP asks members of international community to impose travel ban on Buhari, Lai Mohammed, Malami and their family members over Twitter ban

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have asked the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and other members of the International Communities to impose a travel ban on President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and members of their family. The opposition party which predicates its demand on the “violation of UN international Charter on Human Rights by President Muhammadu Buhari by banning the use of Twitter in Nigeria", accused the Buhari-led administration of ‘stifling free speech in Nigeria.’ In a statement signed by the party’s spokesperson Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP averred that President Buhari, Lai Mohammed, and Abubakar Malami and their agents cannot continue to en...

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9Jun By MosesianNo Comments

News

Twitter has Reached Out to us for Negotiation- Lai Mohammed

The Federal government today June 9, said the management of micro-blogging site, Twitter, has reached out to the Federal government to negotiate following the suspension of its operations in Nigeria. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, made the allegation while speaking to state house correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC), held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He alleged that Twitter and other social media service providers, also known as over-the-top (OTT) media service providers, have been cheating Nigeria by way of not paying their due taxes. According to Lai Mohammed, the federal government has come to the resolution that all OTT service providers that wish to continue operating in Nigeria must be registered as Nigerian companies. He al...

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8Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

House of Reps probe legality of FG’s Twitter ban, summon Lai Mohammed

The House of Representatives has said it will, within 10 days, investigate the factors responsible for the Federal Government’s decision to ban Twitter in Nigeria and the laws upon which the action was based. The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, in his opening address at the plenary on Tuesday, noted that the micro-blogging platform had become a huge communication tool and platform for enterprise especially for the teeming youth in the country.Gbajabiamila also noted that the lawmakers had been inundated with protests and demands for intervention by the parliament. The Speaker, however, noted that the House also needs to hear from the government, especially the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who issued the directive suspending the social media app in the country. Gb...

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8Jun By MosesianNo Comments

News

Attacks on Infrastructure is an act of Terror – Lai Mohammed

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has said that the destruction of public infrastructure and facilities is also an act of terrorism. Speaking during a town hall meeting on the protection of public infrastructure organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture in Abuja on Monday June 7, Mohammed said unpatriotic citizens are preventing Nigerians from benefitting from the Buhari-led administration's investment in certain projects and services through wanton destruction of critical infrastructure. Read his full speech below...... SPEECH BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND CULTURE,  LAI MOHAMMED, AT THE TOWN HALL MEETING ON PROTECTION OF PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IN ABUJA ON MONDAY, 7 JUNE 2021 PROTOCOL I welcome all our distinguished invitees to thi...

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5Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

Twitter Ban: Bishop Oyedepo Tells Nigerians What To Do

Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church has ignored the Twitter ban, taking to the microblogging platform to admonish Nigerians on the current situation in the country. Naija News earlier reported that the Buhari-led government directed telecom operators in Nigeria to deactivate Twitter by midnight on Friday. This comes after the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Friday, in a statement released by his media aide, Segun Adeyemi, announced the suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria indefinitely. Mohammed also directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to immediately commence licensing all OTT and social media operations in the country. Despite the ban, the bishop, in a tweet a few hours ago, told Nigerians, that their knowledge is inadequ...

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5Jun By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

News

Atiku Reacts To Twitter Ban In Nigeria

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the decision of the federal government to ban the operations of Twitter in Nigeria. Naija News reports that the Federal Government on Friday suspended indefinitely, the operations of the microblogging and social networking service in Nigeria. Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, announced the suspension in a statement signed by his media aide Segun Adeyemi. The minister cited the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence. He also directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to immediately commence the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations in Nigeria. This platform understands that this development is coming afte...

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4Jun By MosesianNo Comments

News

Breaking: FG Suspends Twitter’s Operations in Nigeria

The Federal government has announced the indefinite suspension of Twitter's operations in Nigeria. Below is a statement released from the office of the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, announcing the suspension; ''The Federal Government has suspended, indefinitely, the operations of the microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, in Nigeria. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced the suspension in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, citing the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria's corporate existence. The Minister said the Federal Government has also directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to immediately commence the process of licensing all OTT and ...

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3Jun By MosesianNo Comments

News

”Many are mad, few are roaming”- Apostle Suleman tackles Lai Mohammed for holding press conference after Twitter deleted President Buhari’s tweet

Apostle Suleman took to his Twitter handle this afternoon to tackle the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who at a press conference on Wednesday, June 2, tackled Twitter for deleting President Buhari's tweet in which he made a reference to the civil war. Reacting via his Twitter handle, Apostle Suleman wrote; ''School children were kidnapped,no federal press conference addressed it. People are killed daily,no word of stern threat to the bandits. A tweet was deleted and you had a press conference?. Define joblessness!! Many are mad,few are roaming.''

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12May By MosesianNo Comments

News

We know Where Kidnappers are. We are Only being Careful- Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has said the Federal government is not clueless as to finding a lasting solution to handle the alarming rate of insecurity in many parts of the country. In a statement released, Lai Mohammed who had a press conference in Lagos on Friday, May 11, said the Federal government knows where different kidnappers with their victims but they are only being careful on how to attack them so as not to put the victims in harm's way. “It is no longer news that our dear nation is facing security challenges. However, I have read comments saying the Federal Government is overwhelmed and doesn’t have a clue as to how to tackle the challenges. Some have even gone as far as suggesting a truncation of the democratic order, a clearly treasonable sta...

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28Apr By dthataNo Comments

News

SSS Arrests Usman Bugaje For Criticising Buhari’s Handling Of Insecurity

The State Security Service has held Usman Bugaje for criticising the Buhari administration’s handling of insecurity across the country. Mr Bugaje, a politician and scholar, was held by state agents after appearing on AIT, Peoples Gazette learnt. He has been at the secret police’s custody since 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, sources said. Mr Bugaje added his voice to growing concerns amongst Nigerians about insecurity. The politician had previously condemned Mr Buhari’s failure to tackle the economy, as well as his sectional appointments. It was not immediately clear whether the SSS would release Mr Bugaje today. A spokesman for the service did not immediately return a request seeking comments from The Gazette. Mr Bugaje’s arrest came barely a few weeks after the SSS invited then ...

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23Apr By dthataNo Comments

Politics

I Would Have Resigned If I Was In Pantami’s Situation – Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has faulted the continued stay of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, as a member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). He believes it is unreasonable for the government to allow anyone in a situation such as that of the embattled minister to remain in office. The governor made the remarks on Wednesday via his Twitter handle while reacting to the comments said to have been made by Pantami in the past in support of extremist groups. Although the minister has renounced the comments, saying he was a changed person, Governor Wike insisted that it was wrong to allow Pantami to continue with his duties as a minister. According to him, the minister ought to have relinquished his duties but the situation has worsen...

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22Apr By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Professors May Work In Togo Bakeries If Nigeria Breaks – Lai Mohammed To Elites

Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, says it is in the best interest of Nigerian elites for the country to remain united. Mohammed stated this on Wednesday when he featured on a NAN flagship interview programme, NAN Forum. The minister accused elites of fanning the embers of disintegration in the country, and warned that they will bear the greater consequences if Nigeria breaks up. According to him, some elites who have attained professorial status may be left with no option than to work in bakeries in neighbouring Togo just to survive. “Our challenge is more with the elites, not with the common people. Go to the remotest part of Nigeria today, you will see Nigerians from different tribes, culture and religion living together peacefully,” he said. “Elites o...

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21Apr By dthataNo Comments

Politics

We Did Not Discuss Pantami’s Issue At FEC – Lai Mohammed

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has kept mute over the scandal rocking the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami. The minister has been under pressure to step down over allegations that he endorsed Taliban and Al-Qaeda extremist sects in the past. The angry reactions to the utterances made the minister to own up, blaming immaturity and limited knowledge for his views back then. The debate over the issue and the calls for Dr Pantami’s resignation have already taken regional and religious slants. Pantami attended Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the council meeting, said t...

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18Apr By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Secessionists Will Be First To Run Away When Problem Starts – Lai Mohammed

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, on Sunday said that secessionists will be the first to run away when any problem starts. The minister assured the Federal Government was working hard to improve national security and prevent all secession tendencies. Mohammed, who spoke on Sunday in Lagos when he appeared on Bond FM radio programme, “Ibi Abasede”, urged Nigerians not to listen to promoters of secession. “Those who support separation and secession will be the first to run away when any problem starts. “We should not listen to them as many of them have about four passports of other countries,” Mohammed said. Speaking specifically on issues around security, Mohammed said that Federal Government’s efforts in that respect necessitated the Town Hall...

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18Apr By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Over 1 Million Jobs Will Be Provided From Digital Switch-Over – FG

The Federal Government announced, on Saturday, that it will commence the Digital Switch-Over (DSO) in Lagos, on April 29, as the country gradually transitions from analogue to digital broadcasting. It also said over one million jobs are expected to be provided from the scheme. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, disclosed this when he led the Ministerial Taskforce of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture on Digital Switch Over (DSO) on a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina. Mr Mohammed said that the decision to transit to digital television followed an agreement signed at the Regional Radio Communication Conference (RRC-06) in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 16, 2006, to usher in ‘all-digital’ terrestr...

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15Apr By dthataNo Comments

Politics

“We Lost Twitter Headquarters To Ghana Due To EndSARS Protest” – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alh Lai Mohammed has reacted to the choice of Ghana as the location for Twitter new African office over Nigeria and other countries. The Minister, while responding to question from Vanguard, said the decision by the US-based social media company to locate its African headquarters in Accra, Ghana was not a commercial and business one. But he was quick to condemn the unpatriotic attitude of some Nigerians, especially the media who he said have always struggle to outdo one another in painting Nigeria as a hail where no one can live. Mohammed argued that the natural expectation is that Nigeria should have been the hub of Twitter business in this part of Africa, given that fact that it has about 25m twitter users against 8m in Ghana. “The...

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30Mar By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Brands Running Adverts On CNN, Others To Pay ₦100,000 Fine – Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, says Nigerian brands like Guinness which run adverts during foreign matches must compulsorily advertise during Nigerian Premier Football League games. The minister further stated that brands that create their adverts abroad but broadcast them on CNN and other international stations broadcasting in Nigeria will pay a fine of N100,000 each time such adverts are run. Mohammed said this was one of the rules included in the Broadcasting Code which has been rejected by many in the industry. The minister said on NTA’s ‘Good Morning Nigeria’ programme on Monday that this was the only way to help the local league thrive. He said, “Let’s assume you have brought in La Liga, and during the matches, Guinness is advertised, we will c...

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15Mar By dthataNo Comments

Politics

You’re A Joker Seeking Attention – Lai Mohammed Tackles Asari Dokubo Over Biafra

The Federal Government has dismissed the purported formation of another version of the Biafra agitation by an ex-militant leader, Mujahid Asari Dokubo, describing the move as a “theatre of the absurd by a joker seeking attention’’. Recall that at the weekend, Mr Dokubo had birthed Biafra defacto Customary Government, BCG, announcing himself as the leader of the new version of the Biafra agitation. In a statement by the spokesperson of the customary government Uche Mefor, Mr Dokubo had attributed the injustice and marginalisation on the Igbos found in various zones of the country as the reason for aspiring for a “better life for his people”. Reacting, the minister, while speaking with News Agency of Nigeria on the development in Lagos on Monday, said the President Muhammadu Bu...

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1Mar By dthataNo Comments

News

28 Police Officer Killed In Three Months, Police Plan Measures To Curb Attacks

No fewer than 28 cops have been killed in three months, The Nation’s checks have revealed. They were either shot by gunmen, hacked to death or set ablaze by hoodlums who attacked police stations. These are different from those lost to the ENDSARS violence. According to Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed, six soldiers, 37 policemen and 57 civilians were murdered during the ENDSARS violence. The minister added that 269 private and public properties were razed. The police said they would do everything legally permissible to curb the attacks on its men and facilities. Police spokesman Frank Mba, a Commissioner (CP), said this would include the use of force. On February 23, AK47 and machetes carrying hoodlums numbering about 200 invaded Abayi Police Station at Osisiom...

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25Feb By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Insecurity: Buhari Rules Out Amnesty For Bandits, Insurgents

A meeting of the Governors of the 19 Northern States, the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Chief of Staff to the President, Prof . Ibrahim Gambari, the Inspector -General of Police , Mohammed Adamu , Director General of the Department of State Service , Yusuf Bichi , as well as the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, held in Kaduna on Thursday . The Sultan of Sokoto , Alhaji Saad Abubakar III led traditional rulers from all parts of the north to the meeting which held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House . Other attendees at the high powered meeting were northern lawmakers from both chambers of the National Assembly represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ahmad Idris Wase , who stood in for the Senate President , Ahmad Lawan , ...

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22Feb By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Nothing Wrong In Dialoguing With Bandits – FG

The federal government has maintained that there is nothing wrong in dialoguing with bandits. Last Wednesday, gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed the Government Science College (GSC) Kagara, Rafi LGA of Niger state, and kidnapped several students, members of staff, and some members of their families. Abubakar Bello, governor of Niger, had noted that his government is doing everything to rescue the victims, including facilitating negotiations with the bandits. While speaking during a radio programme monitored by NAN on Sunday, Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, responded to Nigerians who had spoken against the strategy of dialoguing with criminals. Lai stated that nothing is wrong in dialoguing with bandits, as long as the ultimate objective is to make pea...

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20Feb By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Kagara Abduction: Lai Mohammed Denies The Payment Of N800m To Bandits

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, on Saturday, said the Federal Government won’t pay ransom to secure the release of the abducted students and members of staff of Government Science College, Kagara. He stated this today while featuring on Channels Television’s ‘Sunrise Daily’ monitored by The PUNCH. There have been unconfirmed reports circulating on social media that the government had paid a huge amount of money to secure the release of the Kagara abductees. But when asked on Saturday whether the government had paid ransom or was considering the payment of ransom, the minister said, “No.” Mohammed added, “We employ kinetic and non-kinetic (measures), you don’t throwaway invitation to engage but the overall strategy you keep to your chest.” The minister ...

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18Feb By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Lai Mohammed Will Be Exposed, Whatever He Says Is Considered A Lie – APC Spokesman, Nabena

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Yekini Nabena, has said the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, is the biggest problem of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. Mohammed had also said he would not dignify Nabena with a response over his comment on the APC registration and revalidation in Kwara State. The minister, who hails from Kwara, had demanded the immediate cancellation of the ongoing membership registration and validation in Kwara for non-compliance with the guidelines and regulations laid down by the party. The APC deputy spokesman had, however, berated the minister over the demand and advised him to submit to the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to allow peace to reign in the state APC. In ...

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17Feb By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Kagara Students’ Abduction: FG Delegation, IGP Adamu, Others In Niger State

A Federal Government delegation including National Security Adviser (NSA) Mohammed Babagana Monguno and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu are currently in Minna, Niger State capital. Also part of the delegation is the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; and the Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi. The delegation is in Niger State as efforts to rescue the abducted students of the Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State, intensify. President Muhammadu Buhari has also dispatched to Minna, Niger State a delegation team of security chiefs to coordinate the rescue operation and meet with state officials, community leaders, as well as parents and staff of the College. Some gunmen had...

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17Feb By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Lai Mohammed Used FG’s Handle To Tweet On APC Crisis, Got Blasted

Some Nigerians on social media have berated the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, for using the verified Twitter handle of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture to discuss the controversies surrounding the ongoing membership registration of the All Progressives Congress. The minister had used the official Twitter handle of the federal ministry to state his position on the party’s registration on Monday. In a thread, the minister demanded that the party’s registration should be cancelled in Kwara State, where he hails from. The PUNCH had reported that there is a leadership crisis in Kwara APC, with Lai Mohammad leading one of the factions against the governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq. Reacting to the tweet, some Nigerians accused Lai Mohammed of ridiculing the ...

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16Feb By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Lai Mohammed Wants To Turn Kwara Governor To His Personal Assistant – Nabena

Yekini Nabena, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday said Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture has added no value to President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet since his appointment as Minister almost six years ago. Nabena, who was reacting to the statement in which he (Lai Mohammed ) labelled him an impostor, challenged the Minister to list his achievements in office since he was appointed in 2015. According to him, the Minister was angry because attempts by him to turn Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, to his Personal Assistant failed. “If being the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC is his problem, then I will respond to him as Yekini Nabena. Let him respond to the questions I raised fi...

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16Feb By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Submit To Your Governor, It Is Not Business As Usual – APC To Lai Mohammed

The deputy national publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yekini Nabena, has berated the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, over his demand for the cancellation of the ongoing membership registration and validation exercise in Kwara State. Mr Nabena advised the minister to put himself in the position of the governor and submit to his leadership of the party in Kwara. Mr Mohammed had at a press conference on Monday in his hometown, Oro, said the committee supervising the exercise in the state should also be disbanded. He accused the committee led by a senator, John Danboi, of condoning irregularities, saying it has taken the side of Governor AbdulRazaq in the crisis that has broken the party into four factions in the state. The factions,...

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4Feb By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Again, Lai Mohammed Berates CNN Over Lekki Toll Gate Shootings

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has condemned the Cable News Network (CNN) over its coverage of the riot at Capitol Hill on the United States and the Lekki Toll Gate shooting in Lagos. Mohammed told THISDAY in an interview that CNN created division and concocted lies against Nigeria when the federal government insisted on regulating social media. He said when a scenario similar to the Lekki incident occurred in the US on January 6, CNN categorised the US Congress attackers as “insurrectionists” while describing the EndSARS crowd at Lekki on October 22, last year as “peaceful” and “harmless” protesters. The minister said CNN’s objection to the federal government’s attempt to regulate the social media ran against logic given that Twitter and Instagr...

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2Feb By MosesianNo Comments

News

Those Calling for the Prosecution of the Service Chiefs are Unpatriotic- Lai Mohammed

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has described Nigerians calling for the probe of the immediate past service chiefs as unpatriotic. Mohammed express his displeasure about the calls by the Nigerians when he spoke during a Radio Nigeria programme, Politics Nationwide, on Tuesday morning February 2. Last week, President Buhari had appointed four new service chiefs and relieved his former Service chiefs, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin (Chief of Defence Staff); Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (Chief of Army Staff); Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (Chief of Naval Staff); and Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (Chief of Air Staff). Shortly after the military officers were relieved of their jobs, the Peoples Democratic Party and some other Nigerians called for their probe. Reacting t...

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1Feb By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Corruption: Garba Shehu Blames Nigerians For Transparency’s Poor Ranking

The Presidency has blamed Nigerians for the country’s poor ranking on Transparency International’s 2020 Corruption Perception Index in which Nigeria scored 25 out of 100 and was named the second most corrupt nation in West Africa and ranked 149 out of 180 countries. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said this on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday, barely two days after the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, discredited Transparency’s report. Responding to a question, Shehu said the report is a reflection of corruption by Nigerians and not by the Buhari administration. He said, “I’ll tell you that this one by TI is not a judgment on Buhari or his administration or its war against corruption, I will tell y...

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