The Conference of Civil Societies has voiced strong concerns over the rise in blackmail and fake news targeting officials.
At a recent press conference, Chairperson Adams Otakwu stated, “The Conference of Civil Societies has noted with grave concern the resurgence of Fake News and Blackmail targeting some government and non-governmental officials.”
He outlined that these malicious activities include “massive corruption, money laundering, gross abuse of office, running of private companies, failure to declare assets contrary to Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and alleged violation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) for Officers 2017.”
The National Fake Tracker, launched earlier this year on January 31st, has seen notable success in combating these threats. “Earlier this year (precisely on January 31st), we held a crucial National Round Table with government ministries, departments and agencies, armed forces, security and intelligence agencies, civil societies, and the media at the National Human Rights Commission Abuja, during which we launched the National Fake Tracker to address this grave concern, and the success has had far-reaching impact,” Otakwu mentioned.
However, recent attacks on senior officials and private citizens have highlighted ongoing issues.
“However, there is a resurgence of the trend on targeted at Heads of MDAs of Government, Military Chiefs, Heads of Security, and Intelligence Agencies, and Renowned Private Citizens. The blackmailers often collude with internal elements who volunteer official secrets in a bid to unseat their principals,” Otakwu explained.
This situation poses a major threat to national security and development.
The Conference calls on the National Assembly to be aware of these misleading petitions and to take appropriate action.
“This heinous and dangerous trend poses a significant threat to national security and development,” Otakwu emphasized.
A second National Round Table on July 30, 2024, will further address the issue and protect national interests.
“We will also be holding the 2nd National Round Table on Fake News and Blackmail of Government and Non-Governmental Office Holders on 30th July, 2024 in Abuja to rid our country of this menace and safeguard our national security and development.”