HURIWA cautions media against aiding illegality over former presidential aides

President mourns energy expert, Fagbenle
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has cautioned the media to stop addressing presidential aides who have not been reappointed with their former titles. It argued that the media ought to perform the constitutional role of agenda setting and act as the nation’s conscience rather than continue to aid and abet what it described as ‘illegality’.

“The media should act as a guide in line with section 22 of the constitution and professional media laws of adherence to sanctity of facts, objectivity and fairness in their reportage.“But it is worrisome that the fourth estate of the realm has deviated by aiding and abetting the illegality of certain Nigerians whose appointments as aides to President Muhammadu Buhari from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2019 have expired, but who still parade their titles without re-appointment,” it stated.

In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, lamented that some of the offenders still parade their yet to be renewed official status.

Specifically, the group listed Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the President, Garba Shehu, Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Ita Enang and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, as culprits.

Meanwhile, President Buhari has commiserated with the family, friends, and loved ones of Professor Richard Olayiwola Fagbenle, who died this week at the age of 76.

The President said Fagbenle, a professor of Mechanical Engineering and energy expert, exemplified some of the very best Nigeria can offer, and wished his soul eternal rest, noting that his footprints would remain indelible in the sands of time. A statement from the presidency urged academics to strive to approximate Fagbenle’s giant strides and use their God-given intellect for the benefit of the country and humanity at large.