Wednesday, 19 June 2013
Governor Dickson Proposes Draconian Law Against Rumor Mongering
Gov. Seriake Dickson
By SaharaReporters, New York
Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has added to his notoriety by asking the state legislature to pass a bill that seeks to punish so-called malicious rumor mongering and public misinformation.
Our correspondent reports that Mr. Dickson has concluded plans to forward a bill to the state legislature stipulating stiff punishment for those who peddle rumors.
The governor himself made the disclosure about the proposed law at a ceremony in Government House, Yenogoa where he inaugurated a committee to tackle “rumor mongering.” Mr. Dickson stated that the move became imperative because of what he alleged to be an ever-increasing rate of rumor mongering and the consequences of rumors on individuals and the state in general.
Governor Dickson claimed that the passage of anti-rumor such legislation was necessary to check the unwholesome practice. He accused propagandists in the state of promoting a recent spate of rumor mongering in the state. He insisted that the propagandists did not mean well for the state and warned that anyone found to have breached the proposed legislation would be punished in order to deter others.
“Going forward, we hope to sponsor a legislation that will provide punishment for false dissemination of information and propaganda, either against the reputation of private individuals or about government or its officials,” said the governor. He added, “Of course, we are all aware that the existing laws provide for offences such as criminal defamation of character and so on. But we are going to come up with a legislation to punish ‘dem say, dem say’ people.”
Governor Dickson blamed an alleged rise in rumor mongering on lack of education, underdevelopment and a decline in public ethics. He charged the rumor-mongering committee to spearhead the promotion of value re-orientation and good governance in the state.
The governor also mandated the committee to work closely with other relevant government agencies to embark on effective enlightenment campaigns on the policies and programs of his administration.
Mr. Dickson stated that the committee “has a very serious responsibility. I expect you to embark on far-reaching enlightenment programs not just on government activities but also about the development of positive and right values and attitudes. They need to depart from this pervading feeling of negativity in this state because the people are more interested in negative stories. That is not right and therefore must be checked.”
According to the governor, the committee also has the responsibility of serving as a clearing house for members of the public to clear their doubts on issues concerning the government and the state. He called on people to cooperate with the committee by calling designated hotlines that would be provided to enable the public to receive clarification about questionable issues in order to avoid unnecessary speculation.
Responding to the governor’s charge, the chairman of the committee, Boma Spero-Jack, wondered why people would still indulge in rumor mongering in the state in spite of the reported transparent manner of the Dickson administration. Mr. Spero-Jack is a retired director at the State Security Services (SSS).
The committee chairman contended that rumor mongers “have the opportunity to hear from the horse’s mouth but choose to make insinuations that contradict government’s good intentions and policies.”
He thanked the governor for the appointment and pledged that the committee would work as a team to achieve set goals for government.
The committee, which received no definite time frame for the completion of its assignment, has Ms. Gesiere Dorgu and John Idumange as vice chairman and secretary respectively. Other members include Tarinyo Akono, Kola Oredipe, Union Oyadongha, Ekio Benson and Wisdom Amba Ambaiowei, a retired captain. In addition, the governor also appointed Ms. Vienna Imoukhuede, Zipamo Akanyo as well as a representative each of the clergy, traditional rulers, market women, SSS and the Nigeria Police to serve on the committee.
In an angry reaction to the creation of the committee and the proposed law, a Yenogoa-based critic described the proposed law as “laughable” adding that “it was a looming clampdown on free speech in Bayelsa State.” He accused the governor of chasing shadows instead of tackling the serious issues of development facing the people of Bayelsa.
“The people of this state deserve better than this laughable attempt to intimidate the press as well as citizens,” said the critic.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of SaharaReporters
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My belle O! My head O!
Submitted by Jemibaby (not verified) on March 24, 2013 - 02:30.
"Rumour Mongering monitoring committee of Bayelsa state". Has Governanace turned to a comedy sketch in Nigeria? I was rolling on the floor with laughter while reading this article. What came to mind was the 80's comedy sketch "Jagua" Shegey Dickson! Shame on you. Are there no important issues to address in Bayelsa state? LMAOOO... My belle o! My head o! Shame.
Gov Seriake Dickson - unfit for purpose!
Submitted by Kole Dafe (not verified) on March 23, 2013 - 15:15.
Based on his performance to-date, the Bayelsa Governor is a "yesterday-man"
unfit for the position he occupies. Rumour-mongering strives in the absence of openness. That's what characterises his governance. Just like the man who hand-picked him, Seriake Dickson lacks vision. No doubt he will rut in the wilderness of ignorance chasing to commit to prison everyone rumour-mongering
Gov Seriake Dickson - unfit for purpose!
Submitted by Kole Dafe (not verified) on March 23, 2013 - 14:44.
Based on his performance to-date, the Bayelsa Governor is a "yesterday-man"
unfit for the position he occupies. Rumour-mongering strives in the absence of openness. That's what characterises his governance. Just like the man who hand-picked him, Seriake Dickson lacks vision. No doubt he will rut in the wilderness of ignorance chasing rumour-mongering
open the space up
Submitted by Deri (not verified) on March 23, 2013 - 11:44.
SR dont be selective in the type of comments you allow here-Its a shame that a news media would want to tailor the thoughts and feelings of readers to suit the boko haramic ideas of buhari-and tinubu-why should it take 48 hrs for postings to appear on SR-while those that are not palatable to them are deleted-yet they are the journalist who claim the president is not competent to handle the affairs of 9ja-as if they can if given the chance--when they can hardly manage a news outfit-is it national interest dat they will defend? Dickson blame yourself--u sold bayelsa state to ibos and yorubas-that is your trouble--are the people abusing you ijaws-while their resources are being stolen by the parasites U sell the state to settlers-wake up and protect the interest of your people-that was what u were elected for-learn from the slogan Akw Ibomite 1st before others!
Let us have a focus on
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on March 23, 2013 - 10:35.
Let us have a focus on beautifying the life of the people and the state, not on rumor mongering, this is definitely a distraction.
There should be a draconian law for corruption first.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on March 23, 2013 - 08:27.
Dear Gov. Dickson,
Let's address the issues in order of importance.
We agree that there should be a draconian law on the issue you raised but that should be right after passing the same law on at least 100 corrupt officials.
We hope to still see you speaking at the end.
Cheers.
@wahala, it serves Dickson
Submitted by Deri (not verified) on March 22, 2013 - 19:49.
@wahala, it serves Dickson right and thanks for insulting him-what do you expect from such a man when most of the contracts in that state, are often given to your Ibos brothers-it was started by Alams-who today is being vilified by the very Ibos and Yorubas he favoured to the detriment of the indigenes of the state! The job for the erection of the Bayelsa Radio station was first awarded to Arthur Eze at the cost of over 500m-he abandoned the project-the next contract worth over a Billion Naira-went to Alams former boss a Yoruba man-Air Vice Marshal Ernest Olawunmi Adelaye-he took off with the money!-Amaechi is not left out-in d deal! Dickson is also towing the same line-the hotel and hospital projects which Alams started is isa in the hands of Ibo contractors-these project which were awarded over 5 yrs ago-are being recycled to siphone money from the state-hence the new boko haramic law to scare and silence bayelsans-animals
Jonathan Boy
Submitted by agbelero on March 22, 2013 - 18:44.
What do you expect from Jonathan BOY other than mediocrity. He has not disappointed me or anyone. He is a FOOL!
DICKSON, LEAVE BAYSELA PEOPLE ALONE
Submitted by TJohnson (not verified) on March 22, 2013 - 16:08.
Governor develop your damn state, and you will have positive rumors. These Governors spend so much times and money on useless commitees, paid for by limited state fund, instead of focusing on development of their miserable states. Is this the pressing issue for this Governor while his people wallow in poverty? Issues like this is the reason why I have complete comptempt for most states Governors and Assemblies. Nigeria as a country is one big joke, and the president, Governors, and Legislators are our clowns. Leave poor Bayelsa people alone with their rumors, the only item they could afford.
Look at his nose ...for sniffing out rumours I guess
Submitted by Wähala (not verified) on March 22, 2013 - 15:51.
Ugly piece of sh*t. Doesn't he look like he was cross-bred with a chimp? Animal. The Goodluck Jonathan Bridge, the only link road to riverine communites fell into the river under his watch and all he can think of are stupid laws. A biiger fool his mentor Dumbo. Let the aborigines pass the law let's see how they will enforce it. I guess he will create his own kinda of moral police (AboPol: Aborigine Police) to monitore his near-naked clowns for any breaches. Drunkards!
Kindred spirit with Buhari
Submitted by Dele Awogbeoba (not verified) on March 22, 2013 - 13:49.
This your equivalent of Decree number 4. Are you sure you don't want to join the APC?
Dickson is a big Fool
Submitted by John (not verified) on March 22, 2013 - 10:31.
Dis called Dickson or whatever is a big fool these are Jona ass lickers stupid man idiot!
GRADUAL RE-EMERGENCE OF DESPOTIC RULERS !
Submitted by Sanusi A. Yaradua (not verified) on March 22, 2013 - 10:20.
Whether it is believed or not the greatest corruption practised in Nigeria with the bitter consequences has been the imposition of a ruler either through farce elections or use of force. Right from the top to the bottom of our leadership in Nigeria today almost all of the positions occupiers have either been imposed or Brought through gullible means. The reasons for which Nigeria is in serious leadership crisis. A situation whereby the rulers are more of gangsters and rascals than patriots. Most of these rulers have no proper parental linkages. Virtually most of them are either bastards or raised up in a broken or indecent families where morality is economical or worthless. They don't listen to anyone or respect anyone because they grew up before cohibited fathers who were not their legitimate fathers that could straight them whenever they bend.
Wonder wonder
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on March 22, 2013 - 10:00.
Where did they dig this stone age dictator from? Of all the very serious issues begging for attention in his state, this legislation is what he thinks best serves the interest of his people. I hope Jonathan his kinsman and mentor will not end up borrowing a leaf from him considering the pace at which he is going. God save Nigeria
na wahala!
Submitted by sultanofsokoto on March 22, 2013 - 08:43.
If you see a small, helpless child fall into a lake, you will naturally, i guess, dive in and rescue it even though there is a notice on that spot saying ‘’Bathing Strictly Prohibited’’
What if there is a man with a gun standing by to enforce the prohibition?
Would you still dive in?
Would you take a calculated risk and try to get round his gun, or hope it is not loaded, or that, if it is, he won’t shoot?
Or will that be the time and only then the time to think again? Over to you, the people of Bayelsa.
Governor Dickson Proposes Draconian Law Against Rumor Mongering
Submitted by Olowogbowo (not verified) on March 22, 2013 - 08:18.
Somebody should tell Dickson that there is a law already in place for that it's called defamation or malicious intent.
This is the same vacuous person that made an Abuja resident a perm sec in Bayelsa State.......Lmao
Law Can't Stop Rumour Mongering, it is part of Humanity
Submitted by Emmanuel (not verified) on March 22, 2013 - 08:13.
No known Human law can stop rumour Mongering,Access to credible information, Openness and Transperancy of Government can help reduce it. Rumour Mongering is part of Humanity, a show that people are starve of information! and are willing to help themselves to understand situations and events.
What a misplaced priority!
Submitted by Awosanya Olatunji (not verified) on March 22, 2013 - 07:41.
What a misplaced priority! How i wish the governor can propose a bill that will curb corruption and looting.
Is this for real or a fat
Submitted by Babs (not verified) on March 22, 2013 - 06:49.
Is this for real or a fat joke.
