Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has denounced isolated reports in the social media, announcing the death of the electoral chief.
In a statement Saturday in Abuja, Oyekanmi said the Commission’s “attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated by a section of the social media claiming the purported death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at a London hospital”.
“Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated by a section of the social media claiming the purported death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at a London hospital. The story first appeared on Monday, 9th December 2024”.
“We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the rumour. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty. In fact, he has not travelled to London in the last two years. He was present at an interactive meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, 11th December 2024. He also chaired the Commission’s meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, 12th December 2024. Both events were widely covered on television and reported on the front pages of most newspapers yesterday, Friday 13th December 2024”, he said.
“The public may recall that mischief-makers on the social media carried a similar fake story in 2021. Three years later, they are spreading the same rumour again”.
*Those who indulge in this practice, as well as those who spread it, should be mindful of its effect not only on the individual but also the wider society”.
“The Commission will continue to work with genuine media professionals to combat the scourge of fake news and the danger it poses to society”, Oyekanmi added
FG calls for protection of persons with disabilities’ rights
The Federal Government has called for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in the country.
Director of Social Security and Cooperative Development at the Federal Ministry of Labour, Mrs Franca Adiekweh, made the call during a road show to mark the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Saturday in Abuja.
The theme of this year’s Day is “Amplifying Leadership of Persons With Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Day is organised to promote awareness and understanding of disability issues and to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
Adiekweh explained that the ministry organised the event to create awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities in the country.
According to her, the aim is to raise awareness of the plight of disabled people in society and advocate for the protection of their rights.
“Persons living with disabilities have rights, and these rights should be protected.
“The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a yearly event that takes place on Dec. 3. It is an event that was instituted by the United Nations.
“The road show today marks the day and gives people living with disabilities an opportunity for their voices to be heard, and their needs to be brought to society’s attention so that the right actions are taken.”
Also speaking, Mr Ayuba Gufwa, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, expressed happiness that the Ministry of Labour and Employment was celebrating the Day.
Gufwa described the event as a day for stocktaking, remembering people living with disabilities around the world, and highlighting their issues.
“It is a day for reflection on how far we have come in this journey. As the disability community, we are not where we were yesterday.
“While we are not yet at our destination, we are making significant progress, and I am happy that the Ministry of Labour and Employment is celebrating this day,” Gufwa stated.
He urged other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government to join in raising awareness about the day for people with disabilities, so they could collectively review the progress made.
“How are we treating people with disabilities in our MDAs?
“This is the message we are sending to the world and the need to make our country adaptable for all.”
Gufwa further emphasised that there were 35 million people living with disabilities in Nigeria alone, a number larger than the population of many African countries, European countries, and the Arab region.
He noted that this figure was not declining but was increasing annually due to factors like accidents, age, and health conditions.
“We must make Nigeria adaptable for everyone,” he said.
He advised that all available means should be utilised to make the country inclusive, comfortable, and accessible for everyone, regardless of their challenges.(NAN)