May 15, 2024 - Public Review Newspaper

UNVEILING THE TRUTH: Exploring Justice TV/Radio Online Culture of Lying in Journalism

by Mahmud Tim Kargbo In the realm of journalism, the pursuit of truth and accuracy is paramount. However, the intricacies of Justice TV/Radio online news production, editorial decisions, and media operations often reveal a complex landscape where factors such as bias, sensationalism, and desperation for making money at all cost often come into play. I am delving into these issues, shedding light on the nuances of Justice TV/ Radio Online news reporting and their impacts of a culture of deception within the media industry. This article seeks to explore the key themes and insights presented in Justice TV/Radio Online work on the land dispute news they reported between the Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma and Hon. Hawa Saffa. I examine how Justice TV/Radio Online journalism operates in the context of truth and integrity. Exposing the Culture of Justice TV /Radio Online Lying: Did Justice TV/Radio Online create the enabling environment for the Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources (Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma) to give his own side of the stoey before they published the land dispute news between Hon. Hawa Saffa and Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma? Answer : No, Boima called Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma and said he has information regarding the dispute. The Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources asked for a meeting between them at his office. He honoured the invitation and they agreed he should come the next day to hear his own side of the story and collect all relevant documents to support his side of the story. They agreed to meet on 3 pm the next day. In the morning of the next day, Justice TV/Radio online had already gone ahead with a publication on the said story. With such an act, I delve into the culture of dishonesty and deceit that permeate Justice TV/Radio Online journalism, highlighting instances where their pursuit of character assassination stories, or desperate money making agendas often overshadow their commitment to truth-telling. By examining the Gloucester and Bathurst land dispute as a case study and examples from the field, I uncovered how Justice TV/ Radio Online often succumb to the temptation of embellishing facts, omitting crucial information, or resorting to misinformation to fuel narratives or boost viewership. This culture of lying by Justice TV/Radio Online can erode public trust in them and undermine their essential role as a watchdog of democracy. Exploring Ethical Challenges in Justice TV/ Radio Online Journalism:On 11th May, 2024, Justice TV/Radio Online published an article in which they stated that the Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma “has no document to claim ownership of the said land “. They rely on a document dated on the 11th January, 2018 This shows how Justice TV/Radio Online is desperate to engage in character smearing activities against the Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources. If they had contacted the Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources before their publication, they would have realised that the Ministry of Lands, Surveys and Country Planning did conduct an investigation on the said land and published their report on 27th, August 2014. Here’s a summary of their report : This property is also free from disputes. It is well demarcated with beacons and concrete pillars, and their positions dimensions are firmly fixed and accurate by measurement. From the above background, I have no hesitation to recommend the said plans for further processing Now, considering the above recommendation and in the interest of ethical journalism, whose fault is it if the Ministry of Lands Surveys and Country Planning failed to process the said plans as recommended by their own very expert ? Ethical dilemmas are a central theme in my analysis of journalism practice by Justice TV/Radio Online, particularly concerning the balance between competing interests such as the pressures to make money at all cost and ethical responsibilities towards their audience. I delve into the ethical considerations that Justice TV /Radio Online must navigate when faced with conflicting demands, highlighting the importance of upholding integrity, accuracy, and independence in reporting the Gloucester and Bathurst land dispute. By examining how ethical lapses or compromises continue to compromise the very essence of their journalistic work in the said dispute, I prompts them to reflect on the principles that should guide ethical journalism practices when reporting the matter. Navigating Bias and Objectivity in Justice TV /Radio Online Journalism: In their character smearing publication, Justice TV/Radio Online deliberately ignored the following: Albademba, went to court to recover possession of the land on his own document which is the subject of division of the fake document of the 97 acres of land. He took the defendants to court who argued that their own 30 acres did not reach the area Albademba was claiming. In their own blackmailing, Justice TV/Radio Online has admitted that it was Mohamed Lansana who did the survey of the land in question. Mohaned Lansana, started working at the Ministry of Lands around 2005, but the document Ekundice Thomas is crying is dated in 1991.So, how can a surveyor who worked at the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning around 2005 survey a land at Gloucester in 1991 ? ⁠Its important for readers to understand that Ekundice Thomas document was not part of the investigations at the court by then. My work in this article also tackles the complexities of bias and objectivity in Justice TV /Radio Online news reporting, emphasising the importance of distinguishing between facts and opinions in journalism. In a media landscape where lies and ideological influences can shape narratives, Justice TV/Radio Online must strive for objectivity, fairness, and balance in their reporting to provide their audiences with a comprehensive and unbiased view of events. I underscores the challenges of Justice TV /Radio Online steering clear of bias and subjectivity in a field where diverse perspectives and competing interests are at play. Reaffirming Justice TV /Radio Online Commitment to Truth: Ultimately, ” Exploring Justice TV/Radio Online Culture of Lying in Journalism”, serves as a poignant reminder of the fundamental

PST. KUKU’S WEEKLY NUGGETS

Commentary, Featured, Local

PROVE THEM WRONG! Not too long ago, I heard the beautiful story of two people who were so in love with each other. However, it happened that the man (by our human standards) was considered not in the same ‘class’ or “status “ with the woman who was more educated and had a good job. So most people (if not everyone) around them never believed their relationship will survive. Fast forward, they’ve been married for 12 years, and blessed with beautiful children. I’m sure you’ve heard and even seen such or similar story. As I listened to the story the first thing that came to my mind was ‘prove them wrong’. Yes, you heard me right – “prove them wrong”. I’ve come to realize that in this life, not everyone will believe in you, your dreams, your mission, or even your future.I am sure you’ve had people around you who never thought you will amount to something. They’ve authoritatively made statements like “you will never get that job” or “finished that course”; or “make it in your relationship”. However, with self determination, passion for what you believed in, and God by your side, you “proved them wrong” So as you go this week amidst the jarring, and scoffing of the cynics, naysayers and septics who continue to question “can anything good come out of Nazareth?”, please remember that you have what it takes to defy the odds, reject the stereotype and demonstrate for them to “come and see” that good can “come out of Nazareth”. John 1:46 KJV Don’t forget to smile coz it looks good on you.

CAWEC JAPANESE EMBASSY IN GHANA HANDS OVER CONSTRUCTED PHU TO MILE 18 COMMUNITY

ACHIEVEMENT, Environment, Health, Local

By Emmanuel Bangura It was a joyful moment during the handing over ceremony of a well constructed Peripheral Health Unit (PHU) at Mile18 in Kambia District.The event which was graced by community stakeholders, civil society, village heads, nurses, representatives from the Japanese Embassy and the Community Actions for the Welfare of Children (CAWEC) was held on Friday 3rd May, 2024. Delivering keynote address to participants during the ceremony,the Director for CAWEC, Mr. Foday Brima Sesay introduced key representatives from different institutions and lamented that, CAWEC is purely working to promote welfare of children, women and everyone in society. He implored the gathering to observe a minute silent prayer for his late Boss who was one of the key founders of CAWEC in Kambia District and Sierra Leone as a whole. Mr. Sesay emphasized on how the management of CAWEC had struggled since 2021 to actualize the project, recalling that the Japanese Embassy had taken over a year before the project was finally approved to build the timely health center. He highlighted that the PHU had four components, including the PHU building itself, staff quarters, showers building, VIP toilets, urinal and a laundry unit with pump water. He explained very clearly that the help came directly from the Japanese government, supported by GTHMC, implemented by CAWEC and handed over to the Kambia District Council, GTHMC, Kambia District Health Management Team (KDHMT) and to the facility Management Committee for the attention of the catchment Community. He concluded by expressing thankfulness to participants and welcomed all attendees from different institutions and locations.The District Medical Officer for Kambia (DMO) stated that the PHU is one of the most standard buildings ever in the whole district. He encouraged and thankd CAWEC management for their rentless efforts through the support of the Japanese government for the great move and implementation of the concrete project. He called on Mile 18 Community to make good use of the facility and encouraged the nurses in charge to work hand in hand for the good purpose of the Kambia District. He applauded the Japanese government and representatives to continue doing the good work in the district and beyond. The District Coordinator, Dr. Nabieu Yayah Yeilah, welcomed the gathering with a good sound music system song titled “Finally, Finally ‘tin don bee ooh”. He spoke lengthily on the way and manner the project had brought happiness in to the lives of people. Mr. Yayah Yeilah showed gratitude to the Japanese government and encouraged elders and stakeholders of the Mile 18 stakeholders to own and embrace the good health facility and requested for more developmental projects to be initiated for the total development or growth of the district. He explained to the Japanese Embassy representatives on behalf of the Bompeh Community that they were facing the same challenge of lacking of better health care service delivery at the PHU in theirs environ. He issued out certificates of recognition as Peace Ambassadors to Madam YUKA OKADA, Head of Sierra Leone Affairs Embassy of Japan to Sierra Leone, Mr. Wataru Kodama, Co-operation for Embassy of Japan to Sierra Leone and Miss Inoue Ikuko the Grant Cordinator for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GCHSP). In her statement, Head of Sierra Leone Affairs Embassy of Japan to Sierra Leone, thanked the facilitators that played a vital role including stakeholders to complete the building project. She recommended that Sierra Leone is a very important partnership with the Japanese government for the improvement of the country’s health sector and the corporations inline with the Japanese aids in development. Madam Yuka Okada further deliberated that their aim was to promote sustainable development by implementing important human security projects, noting that they would continue to work with local NGOs and local government with grand assistance for the grassroots and human security projects to ensure that our friendship in Sierra Leone remains sustainable. She kindly informed the Mile 18 stakeholders that the sustainability of the building is very important. He called on community stakeholders to take good care of the facility for the general good of all. She concluded by waving and thanking everyone that was present in the occasion. The cutting down of the ribbons was done by Miss YUKA OKADA, Manager Sesay for CAWEC along side key community stakeholders. And the program was climaxed with group snapshots, handshakes as well as happy smiles to each other.

Sierra Leone Reggae Union Commemorates Bob Marley Night

Life & Entertainment, Lifestyle, Media

In remembrance of the death of the King of Reggae Music, Bob Marley, the Sierra Leone Reggae Union staged a Live Band Performance at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Kingharman Road Headquarters in Freetown. The commemoration of the Lengendary Bob Marley night by the Reggae Union in collaboration with the Tourism and Culture Ministry resonates with the Ministry’s May’s theme of “Culture and Heritage” in the ongoing tourism for all campaign and also deepens the ties between Sierra Leone and Jamaica, the home of Bob Marley. The day is widely observed in Sierra Leone. The event was sparked by live band reggae performances of Bob Marley’s songs coupled with stage acts by the Sierra Leone Reggae Union. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Edward Kwame Yankson and the Director of Culture, Creativity and Innovation, Foday Jalloh assured of the Ministry’s support in promoting the Union. The Minister, Nabeela Tunis made a brief stop at the event to show support to the Reggae Union. The commemoration of Bob Marley night was a preamble of a much bigger culture and heritage event to be hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs on the 25th of May, 2024. The event aims to further showcase and promote culture and heritage by bringing on board different acts and performances from the Reggae and culture community in Sierra Leone.

Bio Opens ECOWAS Court of Justice

ACHIEVEMENT, Breaking News, More News

By Feima Sesay His Excellence Dr. Julius Maada Bio president of the Republic of Sierra Leone has on Monday 13th May 2024 opened a four-day ECOWAS Court of Justice Conference with the theme: Enhancing the Role, Relevance and Effectiveness of the ECOWAS Court of Justice through the Strengthening of Synergies between the Court and National Stakeholders The conference which attracted over two hundred and 50 participants was held at the Freetown International Conference Centre, Aberdeen in Freetown. The conference brought together delegates from the 15 ECOWAS member countries including the judiciary, Sierra Leone Bar Association, Academic staff and senior government officials in the country. The conference will end on Thursday, May 16, 2024. President Bio in his statement before the official opening explained that Sierra Leone was one of the founding members of ECOWAS, and as a member of ECOWAS, the country is bound by the treaties. He added that in recent years, West Africa has faced several challenges but amidst these challenges, they have found resilience. He furthered that the theme was timely and very significant in strengthening democratic governance, adding that “it remains us to build an equitable society”. He said that the country has always cooperated with the decisions of the court, noting that the country is steadfast in upholding human rights. He commended the leadership of ECOWAS Court of Justice for working towards building synergies between the court and the stakeholders. Vice president of ECOWAS community court of justice, Hon. justice Gberi-be Ouattara delivering a welcome address on behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Edward Amoako Asante, said that the essential role of the Court is to ensure the observance of law and justice in the interpretation and application of the Treaty and the Protocols and Conventions annexed thereto, and to be charged with the responsibility of settling such disputes as may be referred to it in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty or between Member States inter-se and Institutions of the Community. He explained that the 2005 Supplementary Protocol, which amended the initial 1991 Protocol on Court, granted to the Court four clear mandates: mandate as a Community Court, with contentious and advisory jurisdictions; mandate as an ECOWAS Public Service Court, mandate as an Arbitral Tribunal and mandate as a Human Rights Court. In his keynote address on the theme of the conference, the Dean of the UPSA Law School, Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, said that An effective court is one that meets what I call ‘the judicial criteria’, namely, (1) dispensing justice, (2) enjoying a regime of enforced judgments and orders, (3) advancing a body of convincing jurisprudence, and (4) enjoying broad public acceptance of its work. These indices of effectiveness are vital to the Court’s ability to scale the bar set by its mandate. The court’s duty to dispense justice is at the core of its mandate. The obligation to interpret the text of the treaty and promote its application between member states is a justice mediating tool and has helped the Court to assist member states, ECOWAS as an organization, and community citizens come to terms with the obligations created by the norms of the treaty. For the future direction of the community, the Court must build on its achievements thus far, but must also perhaps adopt bolder and more imaginative instrumental and jurisprudential leadership in helping shape a future for the community founded on original ideals. He said that International tribunals occupy a peculiar space in the legal ordering of institutions and their legitimacy within the structures of state. Apart from being supranational in orientation, they are often dependent on the collective consent of member states to enforce their decisions and to ensure that their jurisdictions are accorded domestic recognition and effectiveness.COWAS Court of Justice.

Jude Orders For Ikubolaje Nicol Be Taken To The Hospital

By Feima Sesay Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens presiding judge over former sky bank manager Ikubokaje Nicol has on Tuesday 14th May 2024 ordered for him to be taken back to a hospital for continuation of his treatment under the strict supervision of the prison. He made this order after he received a medical report from the Director General of Prison stating that the accused has a Chronic heart disease and cannot be treated at the Prison Hospital because they donot have the facility. He further ordered that the he be hospitalized temporarily and a report to be presented to the court by the prison regarding his health condition after every two weeks. Justice Stevens also cautioned the prison officer not to be allowed any intruder whiles the accused is at the hospital in order to ensure his safety. After the order by the judge, State Counsel Lawyer A. Jalloh applied for an additional witness pursuant to section 188 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965, stating that he is the Registrar of the court. Lawyer Wright said the witness in question was not eligible to give evidence before the court because he was in court through out the trial and that he said he had not disqualified him from testifying. He added that even if he was qualified, but could not discribe himself as the custodian of those records. The indictments, he said, was not based on any legal foundation as it did not come by section 136 neither a committal proceedings adding that the document, he wished to tender now could not be tendered. There was no deposition that could be tendered as the stage from the moment the prosecution offered no evidence on the first indictment. The State Prosecutor Lawyer Aruna Jalloh in reply said the witness they intended to bring was competent for the prosection as what he was about to do forms part of his judicial functions and therefore he could not only serve as witness for the prosecution, but also a witness for the defense. He said the provision by which the notice was served was legal and therefore the prosecution could not be deprived. He submitted that the witness was the custodian of the said document and he was in custody of the records of the proceedings and therefore urged the judge to discountenance the objection made by the defense. Lawyer Jalloh said there was a ruling to that effect and therefore they could not go into it, adding that a discharge was not a bar as defense objections had no legal basis. Justice Stevens, in his ruling, stated that the document about to be tendered was a deposition of Dr Mohamed Bangura at Magistrate Court and the witness, he said, shall not be testifying as a witness of fact but a professional witness of the court. “In this regard, this witness is a competent witness to produce and tender the statement of Dr Mohamed Bangura that testified at the Magistrate Court and cannot be located by officials of the court,” he ruled. Prosecution witness No 6 Mohamed Coleson Kamara led in evidence by State Counsel Aruna Jalloh said he is a Registrar of the High Court assigned to the presiding judge. He said some of his duties were to receive case file on behalf of the court, process orders from the court and serve notices on behalf of the court. He said he received the original case file of the accused Ikubolaje Nicol and that the said case file contained the deposition of Dr Mohamed A Bangura who testified as a prosecution witness No.8 at the Magistrate court pages 53 to 60. When the deposition was about to be tendered, defense counsel informed the court that there was no signature of the deponent on the deposition only the Magistrate. Lawyer A Jalloh in reply submitted that the deposition was signed by the deponent and the Magistrate, noting that there is a signature of the deponent on pages 56, 58,59 and 60. Lawyer Wright further intimated that there was no deposition before the court as the pages were not signed by the deponent and therefore could not be considered as a deposition, adding that the deposition should have been accompanied by a certificate issued by a Magistrate. Lawyer Jalloh referred the judge to section 111 and section 65 of the CPA No 32 of 1965, adding that the absence of the certificate by a magistrate could not stop the proceedings. The deposition was produced and tendered in court to form part of the prosecution’s case. The matter was adjourned to the 21st May 2024 for further hearing.

Umaru Turay Declares For Bar Association Treasurer

Breaking News, Local

By Roseline Bangura Lawyer Umaru Turay, managing partner at Maverick Chambers and erstwhile legal officer at Guaranty Trust Bbank as well as being one of the most outstanding practitioners in the country, has declared intention to run for the Sierra Leone Bar Association Treasurer. During the declaration, he said “today I step forward not just in these capacities, but also as a staunch supporter of a shared vision with Wara Serry Kamal – a vision that unites us all for a rejuvenated and financially robust Bar Association.” He added that it was a vision to inspire learned friends thereby coming forward for the position of Treasurer of the Bar Association with five financial pillars that would underpin our administration. These pillars, he noted, are to manage and design not just to maximize the welfare and resources of the Bar membership, but also building financial partnership with established institution. He furthered that such essential partnership with key business enterprises within sierra Leone, would help harnessing resources for welfare maximization. “For too long, if elected as a Treasurer, i will prioritise the creation of an emergency welfare fund especially during times of breverment and severe illness,” Lawyer Uamaru Turay committed. He added that upholding accountability with quarterly financial updates, transpiracy would be the cornerstone of the Wara administration. He concluded by assuring that these pillars would transform the treasury of the Sierra Leone Bar Association into a well spring or abundance by ensuring and serving the needs of every member, adding that such a vision could only be realised with support for Wara Serry Kamal and team. Lawyer Uamaru Turay called on Lawyers alike to commit a future where financial strategies will empower every member and where every Lawyer in Sierra Leone also feels supported and valued. “Let’s votes with intergrity, transpiracy and financially empowered Sierra Leone Bar Association in order to build upon a progressive leadership and lead the association towards a future of hope, positive change and justice for all,” Lawyer Uamaru Turay canvassed.

Orange SL Launched OSVP 6th Edition

ACHIEVEMENT, local, Media

By Feima Sesay Orange SL, in a bid to foster technological innovation and empower women in Sierra Leone, has officially launched the 6th edition of the Orange Social Venture Prize (OSVP) in the country. The theme for this year’s competition is “Innovation SL: Creating the Future Today.” There are two categories with the first specifically dealing with Promoting Women in Tech and Innovation and the second calling for submission of Technological and Innovative Projects. The company’s aim is to support and reward entrepreneurs who are making a positive impact through their tech-driven social ventures. The OSVP is offering a platform for tech enthusiasts and innovators to showcase their projects that address social and environmental challenges. This year, the focus is on promoting women in technology and innovation, encouraging gender diversity and inclusivity in the tech sector. The participants under the category of promoting women in Tech and Innovation, stand a chance to win attractive prizes, with the national prize set at NLE 120,000 and the international prize at €20,000.Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas are encouraged to submit their applications online at https://poesam.orange.com/en/ and the deadline for submissions is on the 26th of May, 2024. The OSVP serves as a platform to nurture local talent, drive entrepreneurship and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country. Entrepreneurs and innovators are encouraged to showcase their projects, gain recognition, and access the support needed to bring their ideas to life. For individuals and teams that will be submitting Technological and Innovative Projects, the OSVP is offering a National Prize of NLE 200,000 and an International Prize of €25,000 to the most promising and groundbreaking projects. Whether individuals or teams have tech startups or social enterprises, this is a chance to showcase ideas and make a difference in communities. To participate, applicants can submit their projects at https://poesam.orange.com/en/ before the submission deadline on the 26th of May, 2024.

Abu Bakarr Turay Declares for Bar Association Vice Presidency

In Sia Alleged Murder Trial: Doctor says effect of CPR may Lead to “Fractured Ribs”

Chinese Learning Program Promotes Cultural Diversity and Language Education

Bai Mamoud Acquitted of Failed Coup Charges

Maritime Administration on a Two-Day Management talks to Develop Five-Year Strategic Plan

ACC REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO MONITORING PSSNYE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Standards Bureau to Introduce Standardized Market Measurements

IMF talks on sustained reform momentum & efforts to improve macroeconomic conditions in Sierra Leone

ECOWAS National Office Takes on Wai Community in Pujehun on Cross-Border Project Implementation

NSA Certifies 10 Law Graduates

Sierra Leone”s new Ambassador to Morocco resumes duty

About Us

You May Have Missed

Sierra Leone”s new Ambassador to…

50 Man delegation from Morocco…

Office of Presidential initiative on…