CJN

An Open Letter to Mentors about Untamed Romance with Young Girls – Michael Edem-Duke

CJN — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 08:30:35 +0000

Most young girls have their first sexual encounters or romantic relationships or rape incidences with their choir masters, leaders, mentors, instructors, guardians or some authority figure in their lives.

Today’s musing is to challenge Role Models, Mentors, Coaches, Directors, Teachers and so on, who young girls look up to for great counsel and leadership.

Contrary to popular opinion, most young girls are not wrecked nor raped by strangers. 7 out of 10 girls are raped by people they felt secured around and not total strangers. 9 out of 10 girls have had their lives wrecked and influenced by people they trusted for superior counsel.

In all honesty, most male mentors or leaders who have had to groom young girls and teenagers and even full grown female adults, will agree that every now and then, while mentoring the opposite gender, there is usually a simulation borne out of the mentee’s respect and love and admiration for you as a figure in their lives, that sometimes get confounded as a romantic affection or sensual inclination.

Biologically, the female is attracted to a man who guides, provides, protects and looks out for their highest good.

Incidentally, all these are part of the duties of a mentor. This means that the female mentee is bound to naturally bask in the security provided by her mentor, especially if she is love starved from the home, either by absent parents or abusive guardians.

It starts by wanting to be around you to learn more from you to be able to do all the things you are able to do and know all that you know.

In their desire to be more like you, they confuse it to be wanting more from you and wanting to be more with you.

They are eager to figure out their lives, and now they are entrapped in trying to figure you out. Including making you a part of their curiousity, desires, passions and obsessions.

They really just want you to be part of their lives.

At this point, they really want to demonstrate that they appreciate you in their lives and wish to keep you for longer, but their mind cannot seem to find them worthy, after all, you are the more accomplished one, so they are tempted to offer and give you the only thing, they think they can afford.

Their tenderness, teenage love, affection, loyalty and sometimes even sex.

They don’t have money or status to give.

They think that having more of you, is getting access to more of what you have.

They want to strengthen the bond with you, so they have commissioned their emotions as the binding glue.

Dear Leaders, you need emotional intelligence at this point. Please make sure you acquire it. And make sure you use it. Optimally.

These young minds are still formative. Please be the bigger person.

They may not yet know the difference at this point. The line is too thin for them to see.

Dearest Mentors, this set of mentees are fighting a particular kind of demon they cannot even see nor understand, please and please, help these young chaps win and protect them from their own wandering emotions and emerging desires.

And most importantly, protect them (their human weakness) from yourself.

This is not love nor romance nor affection. It is a sheer admiration for your role and impact in their lives. It is in their earnest desire to be more. To become more than average. It is a good thing. They just don’t know how to go about it. And you are the only ladder they see.

THEY DO NOT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!

It is Honour. Admiration. Trust. And Not Romance.

And you know it.

Do not take advantage and do not also condemn; be the mentor – help them manage that phase of their lives, understand their emotions and redirect their focus.

You must not judge or shut them up, because now, a beast is already awake in them that must be tamed, else, you risk allowing the world show them what to do with that new found urge and perhaps run wild.

You must not also take advantage for personal gratification by feigning mutual affection.

Abuse is Abuse. Manipulation is manipulation. Even if it wears the cloak of mutual desires or hopeless romantic.

You will do them much more good to be their cheer leader, than their sensual stimulant.

Against all odds, cheer them on.
Root for our Young Girls.

Happy International Day of the Girl Child.

Citizen Journalists Network, Michael Edem-Duke, Dame Judith Amaechi, Chief Mike Ozekhome, others bag Awards at the Stakeholders Summit on Social Justice 2022.

CJN — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 13:48:38 +0000

Citizen Journalists Network (CJN), its Founder, Michael Edem-Duke, human rights lawyer and legal practitioner, Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN, Wife of the Minister for Transportation and former First Lady of Rivers State, Dame Judith Chibuike Amaechi, Vice Chancellor, Taraba State University, Prof. Tenebe and other distinguished Nigerians have been awarded for excellence at the just concluded Stakeholders Summit on Social Justice in Abuja. The event organized by Drum Majors for Peace in collaboration with Earthspring International which held on February 17, 2022 at the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre, Abuja in commemoration of the World Day of Social Justice, saw thought leaders, Civil Society Organizations, Government, Non-Profit Organizations, the Media, Law enforcement agencies, Traditional Rulers, Youth Representatives and other well-meaning participants discuss the issues of Social Justice with an Intentional Approach towards Nation Building. Citizen Journalists Network (CJN) received the Social Justice Prize for Impacts in Media for Community Development as her President and Founder, Michael Edem-Duke also bagged the National Prize for Leadership in Media for Social Change at the event. Speaking during his opening remarks, the Executive Director, Drum Majors for Peace, Mr. Nsikan Paul highlighted that the Summit was directly in line with the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with emphasis on Goal 16 targeting Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. Presenting the Award of National Prize for Leadership in Media for Social Change and Certificate of Excellent Leadership to Michael Edem-Duke, Dame Judith Chibuike Amaechi commended the recipient and charged all awardees present for more grassroots impact. Speaking extensively as a Panelist, the CJN Founder said “One of the greatest threats to Social Justice will be any form of sentimentalism in the advocacy for Social Justice itself. When you find people define social justice within the confines of their region, gender or ethnicity you find that while they may yet be advocating for legitimate demands, any unchecked approach that seeks to uphold one form of bias for a particular group above and beyond the right and privileges of other groups, can entirely damage the concept of Social Justice and in fact become a huge injustice to the entire cause especially as it concerns Nation Building. The CJN founder argued that for this reason, the call for Social Justice must be wholistic. Other Panelists include, Amb. Austin Peacemaker, ECOWAS Peace Ambassador, Comrade Solomon Adodo, President, National Youth Council of Nigeria, High Chief Peter Ameh, National Secretary, Coalition of United Political Parties, Ini Ememobong, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Akwa Ibom State, Amina Danjuma of Foundation for Resilient Empowerment and Development, David Agu Esq. Partner, Ojoge, Omileye and Partners, and Dr. Henry Debem, President/Founder, the G-Role Africa. Presenting the Social Justice Prize for Impacts in Media for Community Development and Certificate of Excellence to Citizen Journalists Network, High Chief Peter Ameh encouraged the young organization to take advantage of its youthfulness in driving deep-rooted, innovative and sustainable impacts. The Summit was attended by dignitaries from varied sectors including, The High Commissioner/Ambassador of Nigeria to Jamaica, Belize, Dominica Republic and Haiti, Her Excellency, Dr. Maureen P. Tamuno, The Honorable Commissioner, Federal Character Commission, representing Akwa Ibom State, Obongawan Dorah Ebong, The President, Global Peace Foundation, Rev. Joseph Hayab and others.

JOSEPH EGBARA: HOW RESPONSIVE WILL BUHARI’S GOVERNMENT BE TOWARDS THE MASSACRE REPORT BY THE LAGOS STATE JUDICIAL PANEL OF ENQUIRY?

CJN — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 05:02:13 +0000

The Lagos state judicial panel of enquiry have presented their report to the Lagos state government on their probe on cases of police brutality and alleged shooting of peaceful protesters by officers of the Nigerian Army at the Lekki toll gate on the 20-10-2020.

After investigations, the unfortunate incident has been described by the Lagos Panel as a MASSACRE.

The Lagos Panel went further to submit that officers of the Nigeria Army brought live ammunition to the protest ground, shot and injured unarmed protesters while the protesters sang the Nigerian national anthem and waved the Nigerian flag. Quarters from the Nigerian Police Force on the other hand have argued that none of such a shooting took place.

It is regrettably lugubrious that this dastardly show of shame and infamy was carried out by those who swore to protect the citizens of this country. This is unacceptable in any civilized society. Nigeria is not a Jungle and there are laws that govern. The Nigerian Army had no jurisdiction whatsoever at the time to be at the protest grounds, not to mention going in there with live ammunitions and actually shooting at unarmed citizens.

As a matter of urgency, the Lagos state government and indeed the President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government have a moral and constitutional obligation to bring to justice everyone directly or indirectly involved in the injury and massacre of unarmed, helpless and defenseless civilians. This is a crime against humanity. It is in fact repugnant to natural Justice, equity and good conscience; a gross abuse of human rights; an abuse of office and the trust of the Nigeria people. The whole world is watching to see what will be done with the recommendations of this report.

Those involved in the massacre must be held accountable, brought to justice and made to face the full extent of the law. A good opportunity has been presented to the President Buhari led Federal government to show the world that they are a government with respect for human rights, as the primary purpose of government is the protection of the lives and livelihoods of her citizens.

As a responsible and responsive government, anything or anyone that dares to assault her citizens must be brought to justice and made to answer for their crimes. Would President Buhari’s administration do right by the findings and recommendations of the Lagos Judicial Panel of Enquiry? Only time will tell.

Joseph Egbara

Political Analysts.

Abuja.

20-10-20 by Joseph Egbara

CJN — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 17:24:08 +0000

Today marks the one year memorial of the alleged Lekki toll gate massacre of 20-10-2020, in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Many social commentators and political analysts have opined that is vital for the Judiciary Panel of Enquiry in each state to ensure that justice is served at all cost, and that even more importantly, those that had allegedly lost their lives at the Lekki toll gate #Endsars protest# be identified, given a face and their families adequately compensated where applicable. And indeed justices to all those that have suffered police brutality in one way or another.

It is important that such victims be given proper identities, because as a nation we must as a matter of national duty and honor deviate from identifying human life statistically, because this is what we see almost every other day.

We see galant soldiers combating insurgency in the North east region sometimes suffer major attack and their lives are lost in the line of duty, yet they are not recorded based on their names or heroic deeds rather they are referred to as mere numbers in the statistics.

We must as a nation appreciate those that have duly paid the ultimate price in service to our nation. We must give credit to those who have lost their lives fighting for the betterment of our nation, fighting for the stability and survival of our democracy, too.

These are the people that are truly the heroes of democracy, the heroes of our Country, these are the true Statesmen, and not those in authority that are complicit in heinous crime against this Nation, yet parading themselves as Statesmen.

It is therefore important that we honor true patriots by recognizing their sacrifices, give commendations, national awards and if possible immortalize them. So that when the history of our nation is written for generations to come, and the history is is taught, there be should be a special place for our heroes of democracy and nation building.

This will go a long way to serve as a clarion call for other citizens to follow.

Joseph Egbara

CJN Political Correspondent

Abuja

FULL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM by the ULTIMATE BROTHER’S KEEPER

CJN — Sat, 08 May 2021 16:26:08 +0000

UFOMBA GRACE kicks off in NTEZI COMMUNITY, EBONYI STATE, in collaboration with NTEZI PEOPLE’S FORUM.

The FULL SCHOLARSHIP Program is not just in tuition levies but packages for the beneficiaries also include:

– School Bags
– Books
– Maths sets
– Writing materials
– School uniforms
– School Sandals

The only thing required of the beneficiaries is to stay in school.

This would never have been possible without CJN Ambassador, ONWE ZACK-ELVIS. And major thanks also goes to NTEZI PEOPLE’S FORUM for putting together a wonderful event.

End SARS Campaign: The Government Has To Act Now by Joseph Egbara

CJN — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 13:48:44 +0000

It is no longer news that a vast majority of young people across the nation are calling for the total scrapping and collapsing of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police force, using the hashtags #ENDSARS and #SARSMUSTENDNOW.

There is a pattern that has been consistent throughout history – oppressed people turning against their oppressors: the slaves against their owners, peasantry against the feudal lords, colonies against their empires an it goes on on. This has been a consistent pattern in human history and no wonder the youths of Nigeria have decided to take their destiny in their own hands and to push for a more prosperous, equitable and egalitarian society. A Nigerian, that the rule of law is respected and the lives and livelihood of the people protected.

In any case, the core essence of Government is to provide security for its citizens. A situation where the Government has failed in its responsibility, it is only normal for the citizens to call her to order. Let me borrow from Plato: ” At every point in any democracy, the people, and only the people alone should remain the philosopher kings”. This is because a nation can not be said to be democratic where there is no rule of law, where the constitution is not the ultimate guideline for operating in the country without recourse to social status, political affiliations or religious background.

Consequently, it is important that the Government listens to the yearning and aspiration of the people as regards ending SARS operation in Nigeria.

The truth of the matter is that the public has lost faith completely in the police unit called SARS. It is therefore a matter of urgency that the federal government should scrap the unit completely. Reassign the officers, evaluate at what point did the unit got it wrong, where it shifted from chasing armed robbers to doing stop and search, arresting of young Nigerians because they are perceived as internet fraudstars popularly called YAHOO BOYS. Even to the effect of invading the privacy of their homes, personal mobile devices, laptops etc. This is grossly an aberration of the ethics and ethos of democracy, the United Nations chapter on human rights and the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria that guaranties the privacy of the citizens.

I therefore call on the federal government, and the Buhari led administration as a matter of urgency listen to what the people are saying before it gets to a far reaching consequence. I also call on the international community to prevail on the Nigerian Government through which ever legitimate means possible to do the right thing and let the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) to be completely go and not just in nomenclature. Nigeria belongs to us all.

God bless Nigeria.

Joseph Egbara

Political Correspondent, CJN.

A graduate of Political Science, Social Commentator and Political Analyst.

CJN launches Brother’s Keeper, unveils Yul Edochie as Ambassador.

CJN — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 16:04:39 +0000

Citizen Journalists Network (CJN), a humanitarian community of regular citizens given to the investigation of sustainable solutions to solve social-welfare challenges for real people especially local communities in Nigeria by giving ordinary citizens a platform to tell their own stories and advocate for their own kinds of solutions has officially initiated a first of its kind humanitarian initiative tagged “Brother’s Keeper”.

Brother’s Keeper is the first ever National Humanitarian Competition where participants embark on a task to impart lives and develop their local communities for the chance to win a personal grand prize of N5, 000,000 and also secure resources to establish a major community project.

Winners are rewarded with personal cash prizes and also get provisions to champion a community project to meet the needs of their localities.

Participants in the competition are provided resources to lead a community outreach of choice and thereafter scored by their ability to initiate campaigns that improve the lives of people. It doesn’t have to be a big or genius idea; as long as it can impart a life.

This is the first ever competition where participants are rewarded for their contribution in giving back to the society and judged squarely by their passion for humanity.

Popular Nigerian Actor, Yul Edochie officially signed on the project as Ambassador after a two-day meeting with the President/Founder, CJN, Michael Edem-Duke on July 7, 2019 in Enugu. This move will see both parties work on the project for the next 1 year.

In coming weeks, CJN is set to unveil other Ambassadors also given to the vision.

Official Unveiling and Media Briefing coming soon!

P.S:
You can register to participate in the competition on https://citizenjournalistsnetwork.org/more-brothers-keeper/ Or call 09059488233
CJN is ready to welcome volunteers, new team members, partners and other stakeholders on Brother’s Keepers. You can send an e-mail to mails@cjnetwork.org stating your interest or call 09059488233

cjn amabssador

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One Night. Two Awards. One Goal.

CJN — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 23:00:04 +0000

We celebrate as infant CJN – Citizen Journalists’ Network bags National Humanitarian Award for ‘Humanitarian Innovation Of the Year’. We didn’t see this coming. Not so soon.

Also, Michael Edem Duke, the convener of the project was also honoured as the ‘Humanitarian Innovative Person of The Year’.

More than ever, our drive in CJN remains dogged to provide a platform where citizens can tell their own stories through their own lenses with their own voices without any form of commercial bias or prejudice. The resolve to use the power of Community Reporting in revealing the challenges of local communities and attract interventions for social good is an absolute code for us too. We must begin to see how media can provide practical solutions for society especially the local communities.

If just one thing, CJN is fired up to do more; it’s time to make this baby walk already.

This award is dedicated to every Nigerian Citizen who has done something for someone other than themselves. Nature will always be kind to you.

CJN is for all of us. You too can join others in solving practical problems

Kaduna Clashes: Eyewitness Laments Savage Attacks, Killings

CJN — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 04:27:13 +0000

KADUNA CLASHES: EYEWITNESS LAMENTS SAVAGE ATTACKS, KILLINGS

I am saddened and miffed at what I witnessed firsthand today in Kaduna.

In a twinkle of an eye hundreds of ‘Muslims’, young unemployed, highly drugged, fiercely looking, wielding assorted crudely fashioned weapons were swarming all over the streets looking for innocent Christians to slay, decapitate and murder.

This is the ‘Muslim’ part of Kaduna.
On the other divide of River Kaduna, several innocent Muslims passing through Kaduna were mercilessly hacked to death by angry bloodthirsty ‘Christian’ youths.

As my driver weaved his way through side streets and shanty alleys to avoid these hoodlums who May attack us at the slightest opportunity, not minding my being a fellow ‘Muslim’, I was fortunate to pick up Mr Martins, a Christian, who happens to be a pharmacist operating his pharmacy a street away from my house.

Looking like a fish out of water, suddenly Martins is on ‘Enemy’ Territory, with a 50-50 chance of either being killed or maimed. Arriving home safely may be an exercise in futility.

Fortunately, with the help of a police friend we took martins home in one piece. However, coming out of where is now our ‘Enemy’ territory’, the Christian part of Kaduna, we witnessed a replica of the same scenario. Killer youths armed to the teeth looking for Muslims to slay.

Back home, my three-year-old daughter Hanifa, is grueling me with questions asking me why she can’t go to school on Monday. I told her there is a curfew and she asked me what does a curfew means? I said it’s a kind of holiday, she asked why should there be a holiday suddenly? I told her it’s from The Governor and she asked why should the Governor give holiday on Monday. I reluctantly said there is a fight in town, and she looked me in the eyes and said ‘Baba why should people fight? Don’t they know it’s wrong? Don’t they know I will be going to school tomorrow?’ And she started crying!

I hugged her, with tears in my eyes lost of all reasonable explanations.

This is the country we found ourselves in. This is our sad reality. This isn’t the first crisis I witnessed. I have lost count. I have lost friends and acquaintances.

We should consciously elect Capable, Sincere, competent, reasonable and HUMANE Leaders in the coming elections who will address this monstrous country in a just and equitable way and manner.

I am seriously lost for words. We simply don’t deserve this savagery.

We have become beasts, heartless, barbaric and cruel. People who profess religion but are faithless.

This country called Nigeria Needs a total overhaul. Pistons, Rings, bearings, and a Fresh Lubricant to ease our current self-inflicted Friction.

God where did we go wrong? Sad

Bashir. I. Bashir
Kaduna, Nigeria
21st Oct 2018.

Nnamdi Kalu Speaks from Israel

CJN — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 12:58:03 +0000

Nnamdi Kalu Speaks from Isreal

“I promised that I would be coming to Biafra and I came, I do not recognise the court of the zoo, I want the people of the Middle Belt to rise and join IPOB.

“IPOB military intelligence evacuated me from my compound when the army of the zoo called Nigeria attacked me, I am in Israel and the efficiency of MOSAD will be replicated in Biafra, we shall hunt everyone down to avenge the deaths of IPOB members.

“The Governor of Abia State directed the assault on my Father who is a Monarch, I thank DonaldTrump and the government of Israel who stood by IPOB in our time of need, I thank Prof Ben Nwabueze who stood by me.

“I want to send my solidarity to Gov. Ayo Fayose and assure him that Biafra will stand by him in his hour of need, we will have a special place for him in Biafra, I thank all my sureties that stood by me, my unavailability was forced on me.

“The Army of the zoo called Nigeria killed my dog Jack and few other people in my compound, I am sorry for what my sureties are passing trough but I want to assure them that they will have a special place in Biafra. I shall not be honouring the court.

“The notion that I jumped bail is a fallacy in law, I did not jump bail. On the 14th of September 2017 the terrorists of the zoo came to kill me, they knew if I go to court, Nigeria will burn and I was forced to leave, I did not jump bail.

“The zoo called Nigeria can not jail me. I will fight till the last day. Binta Nyanko court failed to ask Headquarter of the Nigerian army why they invaded my home. Nigerian court is a kangaroo court. I did not jump bail, I left because the court fail to protect me.

“I am not a Nigerian. I already renounced Nigeria in 2015. I am a Biafran with British Nationality. I can not be tried by a court I do not recognise. I do not recognise Nigeria. I can only come to the court with UN supervision.

“IPOB will liberate Biafra and we will not take part in any election until we get a referendum and this is not negotiable, we will achieve this by every necessary means. We thank Isreal for all the contributions they made to IPOB.

“I owe my survival to the State of Israel.

“I decree that there is no longer South East or South South Nigeria, it shall be known as Biafra, without referendum nothing will happen in Nigeria. IPOB will not participate in any charade called election and that position will never change.

“IPOB is the largest mass movement in the whole world, we will not stop until Biafra is fully restored.

“Chukwu Okike Abiama has assured me that Biafra shall come, all collaborators will feel the full weight of the anger of the Biafran people.

“I am fully back! I am coming back to Biafra land soon and when I come I shall bring hell with me, the way it has never been before. ” Namdi Kanu —