Bloggers, Online Publishers are not shielded from the law of libel, defamation - Ibanga Isine

...calls for self-regulation, responsible reportage

Priscilla Akpanettot

Veteran Journalist and  Managing Editor of  Guardpost Nigeria, Ibanga Isine has warned that those who own and manage blogs as well as those who publish news items online are not in anyway shielded from the law of libel and defamation.

He said this when he addressed the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) at their 2023 Convention which held over the weekend in Eket, Akwa Ibom State.

The Keynote Speaker who spoke via a zoom session on the theme "The Future of Social Media: Exploring Emerging Platforms, Technologies, and the Landscape"; described a blog as a digital platform which allows individuals or organisations to express and share their thoughts, ideas and experiences on a wide range of topics.

Members of COOPA at the Conference

"Can a blog be considered a medium of mass communication? The answer is yes and that is because technology has removed the barrier that once restricted mass communication practice to journalists, editors, and filmmakers", he explained. 

"Today, laypeople can use digital platforms to share their feelings, thoughts, information and ideas with a large and broadly dispersed group of people for a little or no cost. Now...if blogging is a kind of mass communication, are bloggers who create and share information, ideas, and content subject to the same values, laws, and rules as other forms of mass communication? The answer is still yes", he said.

"If communications and media law encompasses all legal issues affecting the media and telecommunications industries, such as free speech, defamation, copyright, and censorship, stalking, bullying, privacy, and national security, are bloggers immune from liability if they violate the law?

The answer this time around is no. Here lies the reason many bloggers and online publishers have continued to be caught on the other side of the law", he pointed. 

Describing the theme of the Conference as timely and incisive, the renowned Journalist said it was a call to COOPA members and journalists in the state "to upskill, cross-skill, and receive hands-on learning required to remain relevant, deliver value, and make profit in a highly disruptive global media ecosystem".

He dismissed the notion held by some bloggers that they live in a world of their own and are largely disconnected from the broader framework, values and practices of the media or mass communication, stressing that such perception is "extremely dangerous and could harm not only the blogger or online publisher, but also lead to the breakdown of law and order". 

He therefore called on members of the organization to be more responsible content creators and become more valuable by acquiring requisite skills that would enhance their  relevance in the highly competitive media space.

"Young and upcoming bloggers and content creators like you have reason to be worried, as major media corporations now deploy top-tier services of professionals and leverage their wide connections in corporate and political circles to pursue the huge amount of advertising revenue flooding into the blogging industry. While it is true that you cannot compete with them on equal footing, there are still steps you can take to ensure your own success, continued relevance, and financial gain. You must innovate, create, and serve".

"When deciding what to post next, it's important to think about the people who will be exposed to the content, how the content will affect them, and how to minimise the negative impacts while amplifying any positive ones".

Furthermore, Mr. Ibanga Isine charged his audience to refrain from being used as political tools of public office holders, adding that a lot of bloggers' arrest and detainment can be traced to their unholy matrimony with politicians.

"You must stop being mouth organs of politicians and do not deploy your platforms to fight their dirty wars. You will agree with me that a lot of the problems you have encountered as a blogger can be traced back to the materials you obtained from politically exposed persons or the posts you made about politically exposed persons. I will not fail to call out media aides to government officials and other individuals who breed crises for a living by giving false scoops and inflammatory stories to both bloggers and journalists. When these narratives are published and they spark a crisis, they go to their bosses and extort them under the pretense of handling the situation they created", he maintained. 

"Some of these maggots in the political murky pond have never had a significant career or trade other than functioning as errand boys and purveyors of propaganda. You must avoid these people for they do not mean well for you and the society".

Consequently, he called on Government Officials to cease from rewarding such persons as their aides, saying they operate the dark media and put Journalists and bloggers into trouble.

"It is past time for the government of Akwa Ibom State, and indeed governments at all levels across the country, to stop rewarding misconduct by appointing people who insult, lampoon, and malignr citizens who criticise the government with the genuine intention of wanting them to deliver on the promise of good governance. When appointed, these individuals operate the dark media within the government's air-conditioned offices, fabricating reports against perceived enemies of the government. Such stories put journalists and bloggers in trouble".

Subsequently, Isine advised COOPA to shield itself from the influence of such people in the corridors of power, by establishing a set of ethical guidelines, a code of conduct, or a set of principles to govern their activities and promote ethical standards within their community. 

"The establishment of such a framework would not only enhance the reputation of practitioners, but also serve as an indication of their professionalism. If your members are not immune from punishment for contravening the rules and regulations that govern the operations of the media and telecommunications sectors, then no one should advise you to create a framework to protect yourselves", he stated. 

Meanwhile, the veteran gave the organization a thumbs up for being upbeat in the discharge of their functions and towing the part of professionalism. 

"Let me remark that between 2015 and now, the Akwa Ibom State blogging community, under the aegis of COOPA, has done an excellent job of cleaning up the practice. I am glad to note that some of our criticisms sparked a sort of revival in the Conference, with many completing programmes in journalism and related media disciplines". 

"For this, I would like to acknowledge my brother, Chancellor Nsewo, and his team for providing the quality leadership that has helped COOPA become what it is today. They have done an excellent job of reorienting and 

rebranding what was once a motley crew of online warriors into a body of responsible and respected bloggers and online publishers". 

He wished the organization well and urged them to keep up on capacity development, reminding that every investment one makes to improve his/herself and the society offers returns in more than one currency. 

"But as you work on that investment, never leave your door open for someone to turn off your light", Ibanga Isine maintained.

At the Conference, a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court, Ekemini Udim also presented a Paper on "The Legal Burden of Online Publishing and the increasing Scourge of Harassment faced by Bloggers and Social Media Influencers. 

Other Papers presented were on "Product Development and Prototyping" by Hanson Johnson; "Empowering Women in Tech: Bridging the Gender Gap" by EnoAbasi Emah and another by Idongesit Essien

Goodwill messages were received from COOPA's Patron, Mr. Akan Okon; Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Brand Management and Marketing, Sir. Ralph Edem; General Manager, Villa Marina Hotel, Mr. Carnice Ezirim and Ace broadcaster, Mr. Mr. Eshiet Rockefeller Nsudo.

Utitofon Morgan Promises Improved Welfare, Capacity Devt for COOPA

 

The newly sworn-in Chancellor of the Conference of Online Publishers of Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), Utitofon Morgan has promised to improve the welfare and develop the capacity of members of the professional body.

He gave the assurances while giving an acceptance speech after he was declared winner of the election, conducted by the Darlington Udobong led Electoral Committee of COOPA

Morgan pulled a total number of 28 votes against his co-contender, Nelson NseAbasi who gathered 11 votes in a keenly contested election, held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Eden Hotel, Eket.

Utitofon Morgan and publisher of Sitippe ke Akwa Ibom blog takes over from Ifreke Nseowo, COOPA's foremost Chancellor who presided over the affairs of the organization for 8 years. Under the Nseowo-led administration, Morgan served as Chairman of the standing committee, a Committee responsible for human capacity development in the organization.

In his speech, Morgan said the focus of his administration will be on Human Capital Development. He explained that members will be provided with the tools and resources they need to succeed in their careers and make positive impact in their communities.

"By investing in our members' development, we are investing in the future of our organization and our state".

"I will work with everyone in this room for the betterment of COOPA. We will operate an open-door policy where every COOPA member is carried along in the scheme of things and given a sense of belonging. Ours shall be a consultative and listening administration", he promised.

While expressing eagerness to work, he called on members of the organization to support his passion, and solicited their cooperation at all times. 

Earlier, the outgoing Chancellor, Ifreke Nseowo had charged Morgan to maintain and sustain COOPA's tempo of exceptionalism. He stressed that the organization has come a long way and has stood out as a brand to be identified with.

He also advised his successor to strengthen the bond of brotherhood among members and ensure to fulfill his campaign promises.

Utitofon Morgan's tenure now has Prince Simeon Akpan as Vice Chancellor, Ifiok Itiaba as Assistant Secretary, Enwono-Abasi Elisha as Treasurer, Saviour Nathaniel as Financial Secretary, Uwakmfon Dan as PRO 1 and Itoro Bassey as PRO 2.

The election marked the end of the 2023 COOPA Convention themed "The Future of Social Media: Exploring Emerging Platforms, Technologies, and the Landscape".

Joining COOPA comes with a lot of responsibility" - Ifreke Nseowo

 "Joining COOPA comes with a lot of responsibility" - Ifreke Nseowo

... Inducts 10 new members

... Awards outstanding members

Priscilla Akpanettot

Ifreke Nseowo, Chancellor of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) has foretold newly inducted members of the organization, of the responsibilities ahead of them as they come onboard the group.

He said this while addressing them on Friday, 6th of October; eve of the 2023 Conference of the organization at Eden Hotel in Eket.

Nseowo who described COOPA as a well-structured body of Online Publishers said it was pertinent that the newcomers respect the already established precepts of the organization and adhere to the rules and regulations binding members.

The Chancellor who has overseen the affairs of the organization for eight years recalled COOPA's long walk to starlight and called for their collective hard work and intellectual contribution in sustaining the brand.

He said the body of Professionals would not hesitate to discipline any member who attempts to undermine and smear the image of COOPA and that indolence would not be condoned.

"We've come a long way and it only behooves of you all to sustain the tempo", he said. 

He therefore appealed that they refrain from actions that would ground the group's hard-earned reputation in the minds of it publics, and their subsequent dismissal from the body.

Consequently, he inducted ten newcomers, the very first set of COOPA inductees and decorated them as bonafide members to COOPA. They included: Mary Ekere, Mfon Bassey, Henshaw Nyong, Imaobong Umoekah,

Hero Akpata, Mercy Ani, Nyakno Edet, Tony Esin and Bassey Samuel (Ibom Plaza).

Responding on behalf of the inductees, Hero Akpata, commended the Chancellor and executive members of COOPA for accepting them. He assured him of their preparedness to work in support of the body and pledged their loyalty to COOPA.

Meanwhile, the Chancellor in his valedictory remarks strongly acknowledged, commended and awarded members of his Exco for their commitment to the success of his administration.

The awardees were: 

Aniekan Ekah, Nelson NseAbasi, Utitofon Morgan Ukpong, Samuel Ayara, Darlington Udobong, Prince Simeon and Priscilla Akpanettot.

The event was coloured by the presentation of Manifesto by aspirants seeking election in various offices for the next tenure.

Gov. Umo Eno's Commitment to Rural Devt. will pay-off - Essien Ndueso

 

Priscilla Akpanettot

Governor Umo Eno's commitment to developing the rural areas of the State will yield in leaps and bounds, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor, Essien Ndueso has said.

Ndueso said this when he featured on the 2023 online media chat of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), recently.

Essien Ndueso who described the Governor as focussed and purpose-driven said the State's Chief Executive has already made large imprints indicative of his readiness to fulfil his campaign promises.

"Since May 29, 2023, we can see that Pastor Umo Eno has continued to endear himself to the people of Akwa Ibom State by virtue of his disposition to governance. He has demystified governance. He has made people to know that you can see the Governor, touch the Governor or even wake up to find the Governor worshipping in your church without prior notice".

"I have not seen where a Governor goes round from one rural community to the other to look for what to do for the people. By going round these rural communities, he's able to see the expectations and yearnings of the rural communities", he said. 

Speaking on the Governor's priorities, the SSA on Research and Documentation told the Online Publishers that Umo Eno is poised at changing the narrative in rural development.

"Rural development is the second leg of his agenda. He wants to prevent rural-urban drift in the state by developing rural communities", he expressed.

"He is trying to put in place investments in agricultural development...the Governor has mandated all the Local Government Chairmen to present 50 to 100 hectares of land for his government to set up model farms in all the Local Government Areas, so that all Akwa Ibomites can get involved in productive agricultural ventures", he stated.

Beyond agriculture, Ndueso informed that other aspects of rural development the Governor is keen about include: education, health and road infrastructure.

"I have not seen where Primary Healthcare is given the type of attention that Pastor Umo Eno is giving it in Akwa Ibom State or where Model Primary Schools are being developed around the ten Federal Constituencies, except in Akwa Ibom State."

"In Ibesikpo Asutan, he flagged-off a Model Health Centre. In Ukanafun, he decided to put life back to the Ukanafun Cottage Hospital which was abandoned since 2011. He has promised that this will be replicated across the entire State. For him, Primary Health Care is to be taken very seriously". 

"Right now, Akwa Ibom is the only State in the Federation where a road project initiated by a Governor has been commissioned within 100 days. It has not happened anywhere. I have seen where Governors commission road projects that were started by their predecessors, but we are talking about where the Governor initiated projects and commissioned them under 100 days", he maintained. 

Speaking on the general acceptance of the Governor's agenda by the people, the aide averred that the ARISE Agenda is both apt and relevant, and is a call for Akwa Ibomites to take action.

"The ARISE AGENDA comes both as a clarion call and an acronym for the Governor's blueprint in Akwa Ibom State. It is an acronym and a wake-up call for the people to embrace opportunities and join hands in developing Akwa Ibom State."

"To make the ARISE Agenda implementable, the Governor decided to institute a dialogue programme where critical stakeholders within and outside the State were brought in, to examine the manifesto, make inputs, take ownership of the manifesto and become part and parcel of the execution of the ARISE Agenda."

He therefore charged the people of the State to heed the call and remain steadfast in allegiance to the State and the present administration.

Tough times do not Last!

Tough times do not last, but tough people do.

There are reasons for all of the tough times we go through. One of them is to help us rediscover ourselves, another is to enable us purge ourselves of the negative energies (people) around us and the most important is for us to build experience. 

While there could be other reasons, these three have always been on my scale of documentation when I encounter tough times.

Basically, the primary mission of a tough time is to stretch you. You'll be so expanded and expended mentally, psychologically, emotionally and perhaps, financially to your breaking point; so much that everything around you will seem wrong. You'll lost pleasure in everything you once relished and you'll be naturally drawn to being alone. 

One of the reasons you'll feel this way will be the people (energy) around you. For some perplexing reason, some friends and acquaintances will often take delight in failing during tough times or being the singular reason for a raging storm. From excuses to non-chalance, refusing to show-up, betrayal, denial and the likes; they make the burden heavier and the pain deeper. You'll be stunned at how someone will nudge you on, blow your trumpet and assure you of their unflinching support yet, leave you out on the high sea without a life-jacket. In the end, you'll be so shock-struck to know it was envy all the while - the thought of you standing out was behind the entire imbroglio.

While the Nollywood-like script plays out, you'll be unlearning and relearning. You'll wake up from the slumber of "I know her" and "He is trustworthy". You'll trash your previous perceptions and build new ones. You'll gather fresh blocks of experience which you'll use in building new relationships, and you'll expand your resilience.

This is the reason they say experience is the best teacher. 

But note that you won't grow if you've not been baptized in experience.

There'll be no experience if you've not submitted to learning; 

and you can't learn if you've not given yourself to opportunities.

This is my story.

I've been on this table time and again, and I've come out fantastically remoulded.

If you've been here as well, don't let that experience break you! Don't let it deter you, and don't let it stop you!

Relax a bit if you want to, then spring back!

Relaunch and Refire!

Winners do not quit!

The Risks we take daily

    

One of the biggest risks we take everyday is using public means of transportation. You totally submit yourself to the reckless care of one indifferent driver and he drives you straight to the grave.

Truly, if the Lord had not been on our side, many of us would have been lost and forgotten on highways and roadsides, by errant drivers.

Drivers whose sole aim is to arrive their destination and return for another trip within the shortest possible time should be most dreaded.

They're blind to gallops, road-bumps, portholes or sharp bends, and their kind of speed is the one that kills.

They can overtake, swerve and bend in a way that makes you think they have a spare life. Try to talk some caution into them and you'll have it hot. "I've been driving since 1900 and I've never had an accident", one of them boasted yesterday. "It's our road, so no shaking", he added.

As you go out and return each day, remember to thank God for always taking the wheels off the hands of these killers.

As your loved one returns from any trip, thank God for bringing them back safely.

You're no way better than those who were called to go identify a family member's body thrown on the roadside by a random driver.

God help us!

Ukanafun Youth Get N5m Business Support

…Bursaries to be paid in two weeks’ time

Priscilla Akpanettot

The youth population across the 13 Wards of Ukanafun Local Government Area were awash with excitement on Thursday, September 14, 2023, as 65 of them were empowered with cash business support worth over Five Million Naira by the Chairman of the Local Government Area, Pst. Godwin Inyieng.

Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) each was given to five members of each Ward, while 260 others received Five Thousand Naira, respectively.

The youth who were gathered in their numbers at the Council Secretariat at Ikot Akpa Nkuk were led by leaders of their respective Units, Wards and Clans in solidarity to the State Governor, Pst. Umo Eno, Council Chairman and his cabinet members.

In his address, Hon. Godwin Inyieng described the youth as the building blocks of society. He commended them for staying faithful and true to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the government of the day and his administration, and for staying on the path of peace.

Acknowledging their steadfastness, the Council Chairman recalled that a lot of them had been enticed by other political parties over the years but remained committed in their stand with the PDP. This, he said, was one of the reasons for calling them together.

Again, he joined them in appreciating the State Governor for his impact in the Local Government within 100 days of his administration.

“We have come to thank His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno for making us feel his impact within 100 days of his administration. The secondary health facility that was supposed to be, had been in a state of limbo for fifteen years but the Governor went there and in a few weeks, work will recommence there that will lead to the construction of the cottage hospital in Ukanafun”.

“Alongside, he has made a pronouncement to intervene in road construction within the medical facility of about 5KM. That is why we’ve come to make this commendation to energize him to do more. Do not forget that two illustrious sons of Ukanafun – Dr. Frank Ekpenyong and Ndiana-Abasi Nana Udom – were among the first set of Senior Special Assistants to be appointed by the Governor. And I can assure you on good authority that more are coming. We came to tell him thank you for what he has done so far”, he said.

“Luckily for us, he is bringing an agricultural program that will employ 2,000 of our youth. It is a program of the state government, being one of the critical components of the ARISE agenda, so we’re at the final stage of donating the land to the state government. And Ukanafun is coming under the first phase of that program. We are thankful to His Excellency.

The Council Chairman who also attributed some of his administration’s success to Pst. Umo Eno’s support seized the opportunity to present his scorecard.  

“We have graded roads in 10 out of 13 Wards. We’ve massively intervened in the Primary Health facility at Ikot Akpa Nkuk which was in a sorry state when we came; we’ve brought a skill acquisition centre to Adat Ifang and a big community water scheme. At the other side of the River, we have a Police station that will soon be commissioned and a school block at Afaha Ikot Akpan”.

"Importantly, 50 indigent students of Ukanafun have been awarded scholarships for two years, worth 10 million naira in various tertiary institutions. Recently, we awarded constituency projects to each of the 13 Councilors in Ukanafun and we have paid 50% of the sum for the projects. We’ve constructed two markets; one in Afaha and one in Ukanafun. These projects will be commissioned in a few weeks from now”, he informed.

Meanwhile, the Council Chairman announced the payment of bursaries to students in the area in less than two weeks from the time of the meeting with the youth. He noted that the payment would be done within the same period his wife would be meeting to appreciate women of the area, in fulfilment of what they had promised to the people.

As he presented the packages, Pst. Inyieng charged the recipients to make judicious use of it in expanding their businesses and ventures. He also advised them to refrain from vices and actions that would put the law against them, spark conflict and jeopardise the peace currently enjoyed in the area.

On receiving the package, some of the recipients shared their excitement with this Reporter. One of them was Owoidighe Isonguyo Udom, a petty trader and indigene of Ward 3 who described the financial support as just what her business needs to keep thriving. She thanked the giver and prayed for divine increase upon him.

Another recipient, Ediong Sunday Inwang of Ward 13 is a commercial driver. He lamented the impact of the fuel subsidy removal and narrated his woes with the vehicle he drives on hire purchase terms. He therefore thanked Hon. Godwin Inyieng for coming through for him at a time of desperate need.

Consequently, the youth conglomerate passed a vote of confidence on the Chairman, his cabinet members and Governor Umo Eno, respectively. The motion for the Vote Confidence were moved by Hon. Emmanuel Eventus Koka, Hon. Umakiso Victor Umoh and Iboro Ubom.

Earlier, the chairman on the occasion and Commissioner One, Local Government Service Commission in the area, Obong Saturday Akpan lauded the youth for coming together and passing a vote of confidence on the Governor, the State Party Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan, the entire political leadership in Ukanafun and above all, the Local Government Chairman.

Akpan said the political leadership of the area has taken special notice of the youth's resolve to be together and shun tendencies that would impact negatively on their wellbeing.

He then commended the Council Chaiman for warming himself into the hearts of the youth and for empowering them.

In his remarks, the PDP Chapter Chairman, Elder Godwin Ekpe said the Party was happy to identify with the Council Chairman on the empowerment scheme, and urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money.

The youth gathering was attended by the Council’s Vice Chairman, Mrs. Inemesit Akpan; Party Youth Leader, Akanimo Etim; present and former council staff, Councilors and Supervisors; former House members, youth and women groups in Ukanafun.