#OccupyNigeria protesters take on news media coverage

Protesters in Nigeria are not only angry at their government's New Year's Day decision toeliminate a fuel subsidy -- they are also upset about news media coverage of the citizens' movement, dubbed "Occupy Nigeria," and have taken their protests to local media outlets.

According to news reports, on Thursday, protesters descended on the studios of at least two prominent broadcasters, the state-run national public broadcaster Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the private Africa Independent Television (AIT), to demand more balanced coverage. Protesters managed to enter NTA studios in the commercial capital of Lagos and persuade the journalists to record and broadcast live images of the protests, the reports said. Historically, the government has maintained close relationships to even the private broadcasters in Nigeria, leaving the print media with the most independent voice.

The actions followed expressions of anger over the press coverage on social media, particularly Twitter, where the hash tag #OccupyNigeria has become a global trend since January 3, according to Trendistic.

"NTA fools showing us how to swim when thr are better things to know!" read a tweetby @I_Am_Shattay. "Massive media campaign to promote subsidy removal, misleading, and further waste of money #occupynigeria #shameonGEJ" tweeted Louis Monye, blasting President Goodluck Jonathan. Jonathan opened a public Facebook page in 2010, and the transcript of a January 7 national address about the fuel subsidy posted there drew more than 15,000 comments of support and mostly opposition to the policy change.

Some suggested the media should take the side of the protesters. "It's only the truth that will set us free in dis country! The media sud cooperate wiv the masses and stop being biased!!!!" tweeted @topinpin.

Eventually, there were calls to action on twitter. "Its Time We #OccupyNTA ... they Aint carrying the News..." said @Full_depth on January 5. Aliyu Bappa went further:"#OccupyNTA till they broadcast #occupynaija live to the #world." Aminu Tama called on protesters to "Occupy NTA anywhere in Nigeria, they must show the protest."

Opinions were mixed about coverage on independent Channels TV. Paid agent. [...] Channels is working with govt to use media propaganda to confuse..." tweeted@ogbagogo. "Gd analysis 4rm sum of d contributors on #channelstv #OccupyNigeria,"tweeted Louis Monye on January 11. "Amongst the many broadcast stations TVC stood out. Showin Live uninteruptd broadcast encouragd people who came out to support,"tweeted @iykecedamaestro on January 9.

For @nature_gurl, "If you support subsidy removal, watch NTA; If you are against it, watch Channels TV; If you are confused, watch AIT," she tweeted on January 12.  

International media also came under fire for what was perceived as too little coverage. "Know it's not a famine, but could we have some coverage please from the Western media," tweeted writer and author Aminata Forna on Thursday. "I think the lack of news on the whole #occupyNigeria movement is because western media thinks it's just about gas prices/oil subsidy," tweeted @mmmchocolatey.

For some, new media was the order of the day. "NTA is old media. SHUT THEM DOWN,"tweeted @boycottPDP. "If traditional local media won't work for #OccupyNigeria, invade socialmedia without limits until the whole world hears," said Collins Olua. "Take pictures. Record videos. Share via twitter, facebook, youtube, etc. They'll encourage others to join us, and tell the world our story!" tweeted Gbenga Sesan.

In the race for relevancy, big players in the print media used Twitter to invite citizen reporters to contribute reporting. "As Labour strike begins... report protest in your area!"tweeted Vanguard newspaper on January 10.

"The beauty of social media is that I control d information I want people to hear. I won't let people listen to lies from govt," said @ekekeee. One professional journalist, however, tried to temper this romantic vision of citizen reporting with a word of advice. "Please use Social Media responsibly and only broadcast what you have confirmed," tweetedbroadcast presenter Aderonke Adebanjo.

GEJ Approves N135 As Dollar Exchange Rate For 2011 Hajj


President Goodluck Jonathan has approved N135 as the dollar exchange rate for the 2011 Hajj which had reduced the Hajj fare and increased the number of participation by the Muslim community.

Nassarawa State governor, Alhaji Umar Tanko Almakura, disclosed this during his address shortly after Vice-President Namadi Sambo, flagged-off the inaugural flight of the 2011 Hajj operations yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja. The governor expressed appreciation to President Jonathan for approving the exchange rate for the Hajj operations, which is expected to involve 99, 000 pilgrims.

Earlier, the vice-president commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for raising the standard of Hajj operations since coming on board in 2007. His words: “We note with delight, the modest transformations that have been recorded generally in Hajj operations, the impact of which have gone a long way in facilitating smoother Hajj experience for the average Nigerian pilgrim.”

Sambo, while urging the commission to consolidate on the gains recorded, tasked other stakeholders in the Hajj operations to ensure that optimal success is achieved in such programmes as “the Tradudiyya transportation system, the harmonised feeding arrangement in Munah and Arafat, the new concept of accommodation in Madinah as well as luggage management strategies being deployed.” He enjoined the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country in their conduct and be steadfast in their prayers while also appealing to them to offer special prayers for the peace, progress and prosperity of the nation.”

The vice-president while assuring that government would continue to render all possible assistance to the success of Hajj operations advised them to take good care of themselves by feeding well; avoid exposure to diseases and also to utilise their travel allowances in the most judicious manner. Sambo used the occasion to express the gratitude of the Federal Government to Saudi authorities for “the services they have always rendered to our pilgrims, including the timely issuance of Hajj visas.”

More news from http://naija-online.com/2011/10/jonathan-approves-n135-as-dollar-exchange-rate/

Original ABSU Video here: Members Only - vid.mpg.flv

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Video: Five Boys Gang Rape Female Student of Abia State University ABSU

My whole weekend messed up. I saw a video that has messed with my head. A rape video. One hour of five boys taking turns on a girl. So heartbreaking to watch! One woman I showed it to today cried for three hours straight…it’s one of the worst things I’ve ever seen in my life
A female student was gang raped by five boys in Abia State University. This incident happened Tuesday August 16th , 2011. These boys raped this girl, recorded it, passed it round their friends, who then passed it round ABSU campus.
And do you know what her offense was, why this girl was raped? She supposedly insulted one of the boys…that was all.
In the rape video, which lasts for over an hour, the girl cried her eyes out and tried to fight them off in the first few minutes, after a while they subdued her; by slapping her, rough handling her, threatening to kill her and having rough sex with her. After a while she gave in and instead of fighting, she started pleading, and after her pleas fell on deaf ears, she begged them to kill her that she couldn’t take the pain anymore. These boys laughed at her, made fun of her and told her that if she didn’t co-operate, they would keep her in the room and continue raping her for two days.
Then she starts mentioning names, saying ‘What did I ever do to you’, (they spoke in English and Igbo language) she mentioned at least two names.
And in between, you will hear her scream out in pain as one guy stands up and another penetrates her…and all the while, these boys are laughing.
In the video, you can clearly see the girl’s face; the boys faces you really can’t see clearly… but they talk a lot and one of them said he’s a 4th year law student, another one said he’s an IT student…names were mentioned…these boys can be fished out.
This girl is someone’s daughter, someone’s sister, someone’s friend, and God’s creation. You cannot do this to another human being and get away with it.
I have the video…one hour of it on my laptop, and 10 minutes of it on my phone…but the rape was more than an hour, she went through this ordeal for several hours. Uploading this video online is not an option, but I want people who can do something about this to see it.
These boys can’t get away with this. Please if there’s any Women Rights Group, police, lawyers, journalists, who can take this up, please contact me; I will bring the video to you, wherever you are or send via email.
Meanwhile, a friend and I contacted one of the aides of the Governor of Abia State today, and he told us categorically that the Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, has seen the video and plans to take it up on Monday Sept 19th. I’m in touch with them – let’s see what they do about this.
And whoever you rapists are; you don’t mess with God’s creation. The God I serve will never let you get away with this. HE is coming after you! Just watch! You fucking bastard animals!

The Bro Code

 

MECHANICAL ENGR COME FROM BEHIND TO BEAT PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

PETROLEUM ENGINEERING 1 VS MECHANICAL ENGR 2

  

    

    

  

  

    

    

  

TOP OF THE MATCH	FLOP OF THE MATCH
JUDE 8.0	ARUS 4.0

PETROLEUM ENGINEERING RATINGS

1.SANTI: 6.0

Solid handling to keep out the penalty but was to be blamed for the second goal.

2. BERNARD: 6.0

Decent display from the right-back but forced to defend rather than attack for most of the game and left taiwo for the second goal

3. JINADU: 5.0

Strong and committed in one-on-one situations but some ruthless challenges and was responsible for the penalty conceeded by his team

4. BOYE: 5.5

Generally alert to danger but started playing outta position and making rash tackles

5. I.D: 6.5

Tenacious display from the young man. Improved from his last performance and his overhead clearance was a highlight in the match

6. ANTAI: 6.0

Had a display that lacked any thrust. Obviously not fit

7. S.K: 7.0

Started the match 70% fit. Did well to provide the first goal and his killer passes caused alot of problem for the mechanical defense

8.NOAH: 6.5

Always a considered and refined option in the centre of the pitch, helping to keep possession and keep the momentum of attacks going. Regularly got into the final third

9. AREGBESOLA ARUS: 4.0

At times looked dazed and confused. He could not cope with the pace of the game. Was removed later in the second half

10. ALAGBA: 6.5

Offered suitable cover for his team when needed
        

11. EMMA: 7.5

He was in the mood, dropping deep to collect the ball and create rather than score on his own. Wonderful run and passes. Finished his goal properly

SUBSTITUTE

1. ANSLEM: 5.5

 

PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

PET ENGR 500L 0 VS PET ENGR 200L 2

  

    

    

  

  

    

    

  

TOP OF THE MATCH	FLOP OF THE MATCH
BERNARD 6.0	SANMI 3.0

1.SANTI: 5.0

JUST PICKING THE BALL OUT OF HIS OWN NET

2. BERNARD: 6.0

HIS CONFIDENCE IS GROWING BUT STILL HAS A LOT OF WORK TO DO.

3. JINADU: 4.5

NO COMMENT.

4. BOYE: 4.0

WRESTLER OR WHAT?

5. I.D: 4.5

WAS DOING WELL UNTIL HE REMEMBERED HE USED TO BE A STRIKER AND PLACED HIS OWN KEEPER. BESIDES THE OWN-GOAL, HE MANAGED TO WIN SOME TACKLES AND CLEARED THE BALL OFF THE LINE

6. ANTAI: 6.0

ANOTHER DECENT PERFORMANCE. MANAGED TO GET A SHOT ON TARGET

7. OKAFOR ANSLEM: 5.0

LOL...... MAYBE HE SHOULD SWITCH TO GOLF

8. AKISANMI: 3.0

OFFICIALLY HEATH LEDGER.......JOKER!!!. WORE THE INVISIBLE CLOTH TODAY. HAD NOTHING TO OFFER. WAS NEVER IN THE MATCH. NO MORE GENJUSTU FOLKS, THIS GUY IS NOT A FOOTBALLER #GBAM

9. AREGBESOLA ARUS: 4.0

A WINGER WITHOUT PACE. SMH!!!!

10. ALAGBA: 5.0

GOOD WORK-RATE BUT STILL NEEDS ALOT OF MATCH PRACTICE.
        

11. EMMA: 4.0

YET THE GOAL DROUGHT CONTINUES...

SUBSTITUTE
1. SCORO: 6.0

WAS AGGRESIVE, HAD GOOD POSITIONING BUT WAS NEVER FOUND BY HIS FELLOW PLAYERS.

WE NEED YOUR PRAYERS

MECHANICAL ENGR PLAYER RATINGS

 

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SENDS OUT WARNING

    

    

  

TOP OF THE MATCH	FLOP OF THE MATCH
TAIWO 8.5

1.EVIANO: 7.0

SHOWED AWARENESS AND BRAVERY

2. MADU: 7.0

QUALITY FORWARD RUNS AND GOOD POSITIONING.

3. AKAN: 7.5

DONT KNOW WHERE HE HAS BEEN ALL THIS TIME. QUALITY DEBUT ON THE BIG STAGE. DID NOT ALLOW THE BALL PASS HIM.

4. MAURICE: 7.0

GOOD UNDERSTANDING WITH ACAN. WON ALL THE AERIAL BALLS THAT CAME HIS WAY. HIS PARTNERSHIP WITH ACAN IS SOMETHING OPPONENTS SHOULD BE WARY OF

5. AGBA: 6.5

DID WAHAT HE HAD TO DO WITH MINIMAL FUSS.

6. BONEY: 7.5

HE WAS A DOG-FIGHTER THROUGHOUT THE MATCH. HE WAS ALL OVER THE PLACE. WON TACKLES AND QUICKLY RELEASED THE BALL TO THE ATTACKERS. HE WAS A TRUE INSPIRATION

7. DIALO: 6.5

UNREAL TOURNAMENT NIGGA. STILL SHOWED SOME QUALITY DEFT TOUCHES AND ALSO DELIVERED SOME PRECISE PASSES

8. BAGGY: 7.0

FOR A BASKETBALLER, VERY IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE. WON ALOT OF TACKLES AND DID WELL CLOSING DOWN.

9. EDDY: 7.0

HE WAS DICTATING TEMPO IN THE MIDFIELD THROUGHOUT THE MATCH.

10. TAIWO: 8.5

OBVIOUSLY THE MAN OF THE MATCH. HIS OPPONENTS COULD NOT COPE WITH HIS PACE. HE WAS A THREAT THROUGHOUT THE MATCH. HIS NOW A BETTER FINISHER. AN OBVIOUS CANDIDATE FOR THE GOLDEN BOOT

        

11. JUDE: 7.0

DID WELL TO CREATE THE FIRST GOAL. SHOWED GOOD UNDERSTANDING WITH TAIWO. UNFORTUNATE NOT TO BE ON THE SCORE SHEET. YET, THE GOAL DROUGHT CONTINUES

SUBSTITUTES

1. NOSA: 4.0

JUST A BIG JOKER. SMH!!!!!!