The Minister of Works, Chief David Nweze Umahi, has urged Nigerian journalists to promote democracy and maintain impartiality by avoiding bias towards political parties or candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Umahi, a former Governor of Ebonyi State, gave the charge on Thursday evening while delivering a lecture at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu Correspondents’ Chapel Press Week.

The event was themed, “Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism: 2027 Polls in Focus.”

Represented by his media aide, Emmanuel Uzor, the minister said journalists should not take sides in the political process or determine which candidate has the best manifesto.

He noted that as the watchdog of society and the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the media must discharge their constitutional responsibilities impartially, without favouring one political party or candidate over others.

While acknowledging the media’s critical role in holding leaders accountable, Umahi cautioned against partisan reporting and urged journalists to remain objective in their coverage of political activities.

“Journalists should not take sides. 2027 is here, and every party and all the candidates are presenting their manifestos. It is not your duty to say that this candidate or that candidate is better,” he said.

He maintained that the media had a responsibility to bridge the gap between leaders and the people, stressing that democracy thrives when journalists discharge their duties professionally.

Umahi, however, observed that journalists often face hostility when they hold those in authority accountable, adding that they are more readily accepted when they engage in praise-singing.

He warned journalists against abandoning their professional responsibilities, urging them to continue serving as a link between the government and the governed.

“You should fill in the gap between the leaders and the led,” he said.

Olukoyede Tasks Media on Anti-Corruption Fight

In his keynote address, titled “The Role of Media and Other Critical Stakeholders in Sustaining the Fight Against Corruption,” the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, underscored the importance of the media in combating corruption and financial crimes.

Olukoyede, who was represented by the EFCC’s South Zonal Director, Mr Daniel Isei, said the media had continued to play a critical role in promoting good governance and building a better society.

He urged journalists to sustain their efforts in holding public officials and institutions accountable.

According to him, the Nigerian media deserve commendation for their contributions to sanitising society and promoting accountability.

“The media in Nigeria deserve their flowers for the critical roles they play in ensuring good governance and a better society.

“You have been playing your watchdog role, and that is holding the people and institutions accountable,” he said.

The EFCC chairman noted that the importance of the media’s watchdog function was recognised by the framers of the Nigerian Constitution, who assigned the press the responsibility of holding the government accountable to the people.

However, he cautioned journalists against losing focus or allowing cynicism to undermine their anti-corruption reporting.

“In fighting corruption, the media should not amplify public cynicism of the facts,” he warned.

Ani Emphasises Fact-Checking

The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Anthony Ani, SAN, also acknowledged the media’s significant role in society.

Ani urged journalists to verify information thoroughly before publishing or disseminating it to the public, stressing the importance of accuracy and responsible reporting in strengthening democracy.

Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 following a brief illness, his family has announced.

The family disclosed his death in a statement posted on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, expressing gratitude to fans, colleagues and well-wishers for their prayers and support.

“We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness.

“We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement read.

The family did not disclose the nature of the illness or announce funeral arrangements as of the time of filing this report.

Duru’s death comes months after he dismissed reports that he was battling a life-threatening illness. In June, a video showing him looking frail circulated on social media, raising concerns among fans and colleagues.

The actor subsequently released a video on Instagram, describing the footage as “fabricated and malicious” and dismissing the claims about his health.

Early Life and Education

Born Francis Ogide Duru on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, the actor spent his formative years in the Central African country, where he completed his primary and secondary education.

He later returned to Nigeria to pursue his university education at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he studied Theatre Arts and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.

His academic background in theatre helped lay the foundation for a career that spanned more than three decades, during which he established himself as one of Nollywood’s recognisable performers.

Rise to Fame in Nollywood

Duru began his acting career in 1989 with Missing Mark, a film directed by the late filmmaker Ndubuisi Oko.

However, his breakthrough came in 1995 when he played Ahanna in Rattlesnake, an action-comedy produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.

The film became a defining production in the history of Nollywood, and Duru’s performance helped bring him wider recognition among Nigerian audiences.

His portrayal of Ahanna remains one of the roles associated with his rise during the formative years of Nigeria’s home-video film industry.

Over the years, Duru demonstrated his versatility by featuring in films across different genres, including drama, crime, family stories and comedy. He worked alongside several established actors and filmmakers, building a reputation for his ability to interpret diverse roles.

Notable Movies

Throughout his career, Duru featured in numerous Nigerian films and productions. Some of his notable screen credits include:

• Missing Mark (1989)
• Rattlesnake (1995)
• Blood Money (1997)
• Narrow Escape (1999)
• Home in Exile (2010)
• Nnenda (2009)
• Stigma (2013)
• Mortuary Gate (2014)
• Lipstick (2016)
• Who Killed Chief? (2017)
• Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018)
• Why Not? (2019)
• The Good Husband (2020)
• Mboputa (2020)
• The Locals (2021)
• Blood Vessel (2023)
• Abigail’s Memoir (2024)
• Ugly Bird (2024)

His extensive filmography reflected his ability to remain relevant across different generations of Nollywood productions, from the industry’s early video-film era to more recent cinematic releases.

Awards and Industry Contributions

Duru received several honours in recognition of his contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry.

In 2007, he was named a United Nations Ambassador of Peace in recognition of his positive influence on young people.

He was appointed interim president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) in 2010, reflecting his involvement in the affairs of the professional body representing Nigerian actors.

In the same year, he received a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role in an Igbo-language film category at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in Mboputa.

Beyond his acting career, Duru was also associated with humanitarian and youth-development initiatives, contributing to efforts aimed at improving the welfare and opportunities available to young people.

Family Life

Duru married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and they had four children together.

The family suffered a devastating loss in August 2024 when their son, Ifeanyi, died at the age of 15.

The actor publicly mourned his son at the time, attracting messages of sympathy and support from colleagues, fans and members of the entertainment community.

His death on Friday marks the loss of a veteran performer whose career connected different generations of Nigerian cinema.

With memorable roles in productions such as Rattlesnake, Blood Money and Mboputa, Duru leaves behind a body of work that reflects his contribution to the growth and development of Nollywood over more than three decades.

A seven-year-old boy, Abdullahi Rabi’u, has been found dead hours after suspected kidnappers abducted him in the Majema area, along Ring Road in Jos North Local Council of Plateau State and demanded a N2.5million ransom.

The boy was reportedly abducted on Monday evening after being sent on an errand to a neighbour’s house.

Narrating the incident, his uncle, Sukairaj Danladi Me Gado, said Abdullahi delivered the message but failed to return home, prompting the family to search for him.

He said their efforts to locate the boy proved unsuccessful until Tuesday morning, when the family received a call from an unidentified number.

According to him, the caller demanded N2.5million as ransom and informed the family that the boy had been kidnapped.

Me Gado said the family had agreed to pay the ransom in the hope of securing the child’s release.

However, their hopes were shattered later on Tuesday when they learnt that his body had been found in a narrow passage near their residence.

The discovery plunged the family and residents of the neighbourhood into mourning.

The grieving uncle expressed sorrow over the killing and alleged that the perpetrators might be familiar with the neighbourhood.

He called on security agencies to investigate the incident, apprehend those responsible and ensure they were brought to justice.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful, as its spokesman, SP Alfred Alabo, did not respond to journalists’ inquiries as of press time. (Guardian)