T.B. Joshua’s alleged bribe: The truth - written by journalist Simon Ateba | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog

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Wednesday 24 September 2014

T.B. Joshua’s alleged bribe: The truth - written by journalist Simon Ateba

Simon Ateba is a reporter with PM News. In his piece, Ateba said as long as Nigerian journalists are not paid well, they will continue to accept 'bribe'. Read his thought provoking piece below...
People have been asking me, “Simon , were you at that press conference on 14 September where Prophet T.B. Joshua allegedly gave N50,000 to journalists to write a positive story on the building collapse that killed many people?”, my answer is always the same.
I was not at that event, I do not know if he gave a bribe, I do not know if it was N50,000, and cannot comment on it. But I do not feel better or more righteous in any way than those who might have collected anything, if money was given.‎
The truth is this, as long as journalists in Nigeria are not paid for months or are given irregular crummy salaries, as long as they are not insured, as long as publishers pocket all the corrupt money they get in the forms of adverts or special reports from corrupt politicians, and as long as Nigerians refuse to spend their money on newspapers, which push publishers to solicit money from politicians who have pocketed everything, many journalists will continue to accept gifts, bribes or whatever you call it.

I understand that foreign journalists at the event and a Nigerian journalist allegedly rejected the money. I am happy they allegedly did and that’s where the profession should be. That’s the ideal we all want. But that’s not where we are.

Most journalists in Nigeria have no insurance. Many newspapers in Nigeria have not paid their reporters for months, some even a year, including those newspapers that are even getting those corrupt advert money from government officials.

A CNN, Reuters, Associated Press or BBC journalist will surely die if he was not paid for one year, had no insurance, no house to live in, and no friend to support him.

And many former journalists who are now successful and even the society at large, are very wicked. They see a journalist who is striving to stand out, who wants to be objective and unbiased, they watch him as life challenges crush him to death. No car, no house, no savings, nothing to show for 20 years of work. And when such a journalist accepts a gift, the same society says, look at him, he’s corrupt. He’s biased. He’s unethical.

But the same society screaming does not buy newspapers, they prefer to spend all their money on drinks, cigarettes, clothes, bags and cars but demand and expect higher standards from the media. So I am sorry to say it won’t happen.

The society is hypocritical and the media industry is sick. But until there’s a shift, nothing will change.

You can say these are just excuses. You may even add that the media should be our conscience, and only truth is acceptable. You will be passing a superficial judgement, because you cannot just should look at corruption in the media without understanding why the rot is so deep and the change so hard. 
You must understand that it is the product of a failed society. A corrupt government, a corrupt judiciary, a corrupt police force, a corrupt army, a corrupt civil society, a corrupt banking and financial system, ‎a corrupt educational system, a corrupt political system, in summary, it is the product of a failed country that does nothing when journalists are not paid for months or are left to wallow in poverty after serving their nations for 20 years. 

I used to know a journalist who passed on after working for his company for many years in Lagos, ‎and his wife was given only one month salary to take care of herself and their kids. I guess, this, certainly, is not the future we all envisaged after graduating with a First Class at the University. 
My rambling is getting too long. Let me summarise. 

The journalist who leaked the alleged bribery to the public claimed that he did so because journalists were too soft on Prophet T.B. Joshua and were not reporting the truth. ‎

Hear him: “‎I observed that Nigerian media were being too gentle on TB Joshua despite the glaring irregularities surrounding the collapse. I read more reports about the “hovering craft” and how Boko Haram could have sabotaged the building.

“Very little was reported about the structural defects of the building. Not much was written about the fact that the building originally had 2 floors and was being illegally refurbished with 4 additional floors when it collapsed. We didn’t come hard on the Synagogue Church goons who attacked first responders. We didn’t highlight the fact that many of those that perished could have been saved if NEMA officials weren’t barred from the site for almost three days! We didn’t make an issue of the fact that our colleagues who had gone to report the collapsed building were molested on Saturday.‎”
Of course, you all know that these are lies. What he’s saying is not factual. Or maybe he did not read reporting of the building collapse enough. 

On 15 September, the day after the alleged bribe was given to journalists, P.M.NEWS ‎published this editorial: http://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2014/09/15/the-synagogue-tragedy/ . You can read it yourself and let me know if it looked like they were being soft on T.B. Joshua or hiding the facts.
The 20-year old newspaper sai‎d in that editorial: “Perhaps most of the dead victims would have been rescued alive if the church staff and people perceived as thugs did not prevent officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, from carrying out rescue operations immediately the building crumbled.

Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, had to intervene by visitting the scene of the disaster and ordering the church staff to leave  the site before rescue work could start in earnest.”
The newspaper concluded it editorial by saying: “‎We must go beyond speculation to serious investigation to unravel the facts and prevent future tragedies of this magnitude. Those who are found wanting should be made to face the full wrath of the law.”

Does that look like a newspaper trying to protect T.B. Joshua or that did not care about the dead?
Of course not.
But that was not all. the same day, the cover story of P.M.NEWS ‎in Lagos read: “Boko Haram Attack: Nigerians Blast T.B. Joshua‎”.

The lead or the first paragraph of that story read: “‎Nigerians have blasted Prophet T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations for claiming that Boko Islamist sect might have brought down a six-storey building in his church that has killed more than 40 people.”
That front page story was published on 15 September. Does it look like people who were buying the story of a jet hovering over the building before it came down?

These examples were just from P.M.NEWS. It was the same thing for The Punch, The Nation, Vanguard, The Sun, ThisDay, Tribune, The New Telegraph, TheNews Magazine, and even TVC and Channels TV, as well as other television and radio stations.
So it is not factual to say that Nigerian journalists were being soft on T.B. Joshua or were hiding the facts. It is simply a lie. ‎

If Nigerian journalists collected the money, they did so because of a sick industry, a failed state and the reasons I mentioned above. But the money certainly did not change the facts. And we all knew the facts even before the audio was leaked last week. ‎

One thing I can say is that until investigation is conducted and concluded, no one can claim to know exactly what led to the building collapse.‎ It will just be ranting, and rambling that lead to semantic noise but nothing evidential or concrete.

I can say more, and go on and on, but for now, it’s time to mourn the dead.‎ May their souls rest in peace.

138 comments:

Unknown said...

You were not there so keep quiet. Corrupt bigot.

Anonymous said...

Story...He lost me with his first sentence

''I was not at that event, I do not know if he gave a bribe, I do not know if it was N50,000, and cannot comment on it''

You were not there,so which ''TRUTH'' are u talking about? Alaye carry paragraph commot here abeg!

Unknown said...

Rubbish... pls stop blabbing,you have nothing good to say,so i suggest you shot your trap.
Nothing can justify their actions if they did collect bribe from whoever...#WeareTalkingAboutLives #NotStockFish

|ayo| said...

seen

reagan samuel said...

guy, u no lie at all.we have hypocrites in nigeria

Joyful Joy said...

I knew there would many more versions of this story. Anyway whether they collected bribe or not and published the story as it ought to be or not, it's none of my business

Bishop Dammy said...

Y won't everyone leave this issue for God. Only God know the truth! . God has the answers to all. It is well. Matt 7:1. BishopDammy#

PHINITE said...

Enough said on dis issue plsss. Bribe n corruptn no b today.

Moyosore said...

This guy en. i am sure if he was there, he would be the one to ask for the bribe....hungry idiot

Anonymous said...

First to gboriwole - Again!! Two time winner in a row
Libers please help me thank God .
Ive always wanted to be first to comment..yes oo bribery and corruption is bad.
I hope you also make it to comment first next time but for now..I'm King of LIB

Anonymous said...

umm.. right.. so is the lives of the over 80 who died worth N50,000 because you have not been paid for a year?

nobody is forcing anyone to be a journalist. if nobody is buying papers, then go online.

also if journalists were doing their jobs properly then more people would buy newspapers and follow them for their news. as at now, they do not have any pride in their work. do you know why the journalists abroad are being paid so much with benefits, because they show pride in their work and make the money worth it. our journalist just copy and paste from cnn and sahara reporters and some dont even bother to cite their sources. rubbish. rip to those who have perished... deee111

Baby95 said...

Ok nau

tuffcookiey said...

Ewu south korea.. after collectin ur cut, u voice nonsense. .. afo anu.. dewe ihuya ka anu nchi... mtcheww

Anonymous said...

He should b pls shut da hell up! He has collected money to write this abi? I don't trust any word from any journalist again concerning this TB matter. You are all biased period! Even if ibekwe exposed them call him self righteous why didn't this one say something then not until when a whistleblower surfaced. If they don't pay journalist well don't u guys have union? So they have to collect bribes to cover the truth what a shameful excuse. *nelly*

Alloy Chikezie said...

You know bribe has become a blood vessel in the Nigerian system, it affects every sector of Nigeria.


Your comment will be visible after approval

pipifierce said...

Even if dey pay salaries n insurance fee, pple wil stil take bribe. Naija no fit change.

Ebube God said...

Mr man if u see black pls call it black and stop trying to justify what is wrong,how can a so called man of God give out 750k in dis kind of situation were so many lives were lost and u are here running ur mouth.

Anonymous said...

Haba bros ,they only asked you if you were there,not write chemistry textbook .Na wa o

Unknown said...

Well said
A non biased statement
Brown no start today,so dnt expect unpaid workers to shun it







....SƖεεkz

Unknown said...

Medicine after dead

Mena Peters Triflections said...

NIGERIA my country, every sector is sick and needs restoration. Where do we begin?

DADDYSWIFE said...

I dont think I understood wht he wrote n meant

Anonymous said...

Amen. We don't even know who to believe. Dis guy sounds unbiased anyway.

Anonymous said...

GOD we bless you jare

Anonymous said...

Nicholas writes better than you.

Kimmy*****

Debbie Chelsea said...

U are mad,so if Nicolas did not come out n say all he said,would u av come out 2 n say all dis trash?......take several seats...Anuofia

ITK said...

Are you done?

Unknown said...

Wise words!!! I blame not the public tho, the standard we ve bin brainwashed to believe and accept as norms is d root of all this. Till every one of us acknowledge the fact dat we need to change, we can only dream of a turn around for good, else its a bleak future for the younger generations!

Unknown said...

Journalists & their experience
The good, the bad & the ugly

BORN TO SHINE!!!

Unknown said...

Journalism in nigeria tho
Afolabi Tosyne's blog

Anonymous said...

IBEKWE, IBEKWE....or what do u call yourself? I hope you are reading this article. This is 'factual' journalism and not the bull shit and idiotic nonsence you were forcing down our throat.

I know your write up was just attention seeking and exploiting the masses ignorance...all the media houses, both print and visual etc reported the event as it were.
Simon have just explained jn simple language, why journalist will keep on collecting appreciation gift from people, however, notwistanding, they will still report the event. I think this is more lucid and sensible than what Ibekwe waz trying to do. Gud for him, he has gotten the attention he wanted, by sacrificing his professional colleagues....ONLY TIME WILL TELL, LETS SEE HOW FAR HE TRAVELLS ON THIS PATH OF RIGHTEOUNESS.....Mystic Sun

Anonymous said...

What is this one saying? Park well joo... Learn to call a spade a spade.

Unknown said...

Enough of dis story, Sisi Linda

Milez said...

SEEN!! NEXT POST PLEASE>>>>>>

faithful ojie said...

We don hear...

Anonymous said...

Hahahahhaha this is meant to be sensitive matter but ur comment got laffing so hard. Pls help us ask him o? He wasn't there so how come he wants to write the truth guess the same lies nigerian journalist are known for. Serious textbook filled with lies. *nelly*

Anonymous said...

THE FACT IS THAT JOURNALISTS STILL REMAINS THE CONSCIENCE OF THE SOCIETY AND SHOULD NOT BE DRAGGED INTO THE MUDDY WATER OF CORRUPTION THAT IS RAVAGING EVERY SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY.JOURNALISTS SHOULD STOP ATTACKING ONE ANOTHER.IT IS NOT HEALTHY.

Anonymous said...

Ewu

Anonymous said...

You are fool. You shld be ashamed of your self and your generation to come. I believe, if you want to collect bribe, do it. If you want to be a cheat, go ahead but dont try to justify your Bs.

Anonymous said...

I am wondering what your face looks like after discovering you're not the first. Pele, try again! Hehehehehe


*** forst to comment ***

Unknown said...

Buh I have this feeling ,those of u coming out now are doing so cus u weren't opportuned to be among those dah received the cash...so guy save ur story for the pple dah hav tym to read trash...#linda's future husband says so?.

Anonymous said...

Now we know you haven't been paid for a year. You for kuku include your phone nos, Account nos so uncle TB go pay your cut!

*** forst to comment ***

ukbliss said...

Most of the comments I see here just make me sick, you guys r always in a worry to condem ppl, I guess most of u r students just graduate and join the labour market den u will know y ppl collect bribe.

Unknown said...

We don hear

Anonymous said...

Nawaoh, everybody wan use dis matter shine. There is so much competition for attention. If u want our money, make ur newspaper money worth.

Anonymous said...

Ohhh christ in me »» mr wat dat ur name agn ? u were nt dia y all dis rubbish english of urs pls da correct guy have said it all jst park wel pls ~ice princess ~

Kponskii said...

What a way to justify the alleged bribery!

chris ikoyi said...

Simon Ateba, You are shameless and a disgrace to your profession.

Stop deceiving your self because you were one of the journalists that collected the bribe money from TB .

Why did you not go into armed robbery because your salary has not been paid?.

You have refused and neglected to demand for your legitimate salary from your organisation because it is so insignificant to the amount you collect on daily basis as bribe.

Any MAN OR WOMAN OF HONOUR would have gone on strike or stopped work if his employer can no longer pay his or her salary. You are corrupt.Period!

The guy that exposed the corruption that is going on in the media will be given a special National Award one day in the history of this great country.

@MEETD®EALEVANS™ said...

U can't comment on it cos u were not there, then why all d epistle...

Anonymous said...

My father used to buy newspaper every day. Calculate 150 naira x 1000000 Nigerians at least = 5. 4 million per day. Bros, pls go and sit down. U are not ready for change.

Anonymous said...

See the problems of Nigerians...
If everyone that made a comment here insulting this journalist(didn't check his name) took their time to read this without being biased, dropping sentiments and using their God given brain, they would understand his point and shut the hell up.
But because of their hatred for T.B Joshua, because of how he's perceived by "them" because they see him as a fake prophet, they(all the humans insulting this journalist) don't believe him or rather understanding the main point here...


The love and praises is directed to Nicholas. Why? Because the so- called Nicholas brought a supposed evidence to paint T.B bad. Since T.B is much hated, his version of the story is being bought...


Nigerians and the dullards throwing tantrums here..
It would do us good if we buy newspapers.. You ppl forgot that part, I doubt if it was understood.
Anyways, I'm not good in arguing stuffs like this or issues that's got to do with this..
But I gotta say, we are our own problems.

Anonymous said...

See the problems of Nigerians...
If everyone that made a comment here insulting this journalist(didn't check his name) took their time to read this without being biased, dropping sentiments and using their God given brain, they would understand his point and shut the hell up.
But because of their hatred for T.B Joshua, because of how he's perceived by "them" because they see him as a fake prophet, they(all the humans insulting this journalist) don't believe him or rather understanding the main point here...


The love and praises is directed to Nicholas. Why? Because the so- called Nicholas brought a supposed evidence to paint T.B bad. Since T.B is much hated, his version of the story is being bought...


Nigerians and the dullards throwing tantrums here..
It would do us good if we buy newspapers.. You ppl forgot that part, I doubt if it was understood.
Anyways, I'm not good in arguing stuffs like this or issues that's got to do with this..
But I gotta say, we are our own problems.

Unknown said...

They are not paying you well why not quit instead you turn yourselves into professional beggars..#rubbish

Eka Joy said...

How do u feel now?

Anonymous said...

Mumu Edith did u read his write up atall?and u just rush to coment ode! u sounds so stupid I know u also look stupid.mumu

Anonymous said...

Brainless Uju u did not read d story cos if u do u will understand his point, his fighting for there right as journalist.thanks me later ode

Anonymous said...

Wow Simon Ateba declaring whole heartedly that he is a corrupt guy?! Hold on a second, first class at the university?!,Journalist?! aaand this is your best shot writing an article?! Honestly an SS3 student would have done far better! Simon Ateba you are not an intelligent individual,your are a pure first class disgrace. Go hide yourself!!

Anonymous said...

Mumuye shut up jor! Nicholas will go far!

Anonymous said...

How come TB Joshua claims to prophesy about things about to happen but didn't see the imminent collapse of his synagogue(food for tot...hmmm)

Jessica law said...

By their fruit u shall know them. so his simply saying he will have collected his own share of 50k if he was there abi.

Stanley Chisom Nnaso said...

You've been rambling all these while. Just trying to create attention.

The first guy that leaked the audio did the right thing. TB is probably bribing them, if he's not, then why is he asking them what they would write.

Ur artcle is just drivel and pointless

Go and have several seats. #asshole+dickhead

Anonymous said...

This piece is an X-ray of the Nigerian society we live in today and Simon minced no words in bringing to light the rot in every sector of the Nigerian state, not that his actions or that of his colleagues are justified but in the end how much do they really have left as options. The change begins with every individual, to live the principles we preach and expect those in governance to adopt. So rather than those who sleep on this blog, foolishly commenting and cursing out everyone without properly understanding and digesting the issues properly why don't you go out and contribute you quota to societal development or at least support and encourage those who can. I've really had it with this blog the foolishness in the comment section is the reason this continent hasn't made much progress, you'ld wonder if money was invested in their education. Black people it's bout time we show brains and not another animal in the wild.

@luvriches said...

Anoda attention seeker

Anonymous said...

It is well


Christ’s Model Of Love and Peace


ABC of living a daily life of victory



Remaining fresh after Spiritual revival

Anonymous said...

"Leave this issue for God"? Before i continue lemme just say that am a born again Christian but its this kind of talk that will not move us forward as a nation. Shud God come down & do evrything for U eh Dammy? If u leave it for God? What is ur role as a human being & christian here on earth.
Sigh!
I just can't....

Barry9ice said...

What is he trying to justify, bcos d system is corrupt dt's why journalist re now taking bribe, will u now tell me bcos there re no jobs, so i have to go & steal. My friend Technology advancement wich birth blogging was one of d rsons why newspapers re not selling plus false reporting from u reporters.

Anonymous said...

Lolx which one is PM news, your not there but in pain for evil exposed, you statement along have shown public whom you are.

Anonymous said...

You hv a nerve as a journalist to justify stealing bcos evry other sector is corrupt. Why can't change start with u.
The more u think abt this nation d more i lose hope

ary said...

Speaking as one who has being in the system, I share empathy with the reporters. Yes I am not a fan of collecting monies to sweeten or kill a story but the honest truth is that some of these big media houses do not pay salaries of staff for as long as 2 years, yet they open out stations all over the nation because of revenue they accrue in doing such and other benefits therein! It is a deplorable state! A 1st class student depending on the media house would earn highest 50,000 and that is if you are lucky. Eguje is the way of journalism in Nigeria, that is why there is confusion everywhere. No authenticity. A lot of watered down journalism.

Unknown said...

Well detailed my dear colleague, I hope those in the hem of affairs will digest this piece.

Anonymous said...

Poor you, God punish you and you back yard outlet for abetting evil.

Anonymous said...

Lolx which one is PM news, your not there but in pain for evil exposed, you statement along have shown public whom you are.

Anonymous said...

SIMON,I KNOW YOU'RE STILL YOUNG JOURNALIST AND INTELLIGENT BUT YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THAT COVERING THIS KIND OF OBNOXIOUS ATTITUDE WOULD NOT HELP YOU.EVERYWHERE IS CORRUPT IN NIGERIA AND IT'S VERY CLEAR BUT IF JOURNALISTS BECOME CORRUPT THAT'D BE DISASTER TO NIGERIAN FUTURE.JOURNALISTS FORGOT TO EMPHASIZE THE FACT THAT THOSE MANUFACTURING LOW QUALITY BUILDING MATERIALS LIKE DANGOTE SHOULD BE QUERIED.

Anonymous said...

Fools saying nicolas did well,pls help me ask him or even ask yourself if you have never in your entire life received bribe in one way or the other?bunch of liars, pretenders even in our workplace we give bribes to officials from federal and state ministries.pls what do you call it? PR am I right?oh yes,we should be upright but it should start from you all...Nicolas u did well for refusing the bribe but I hope u published the real story?and pls remember to tell us about the bribes you have been collecting all this while...Simon have explained both sides and it's good he made it clear journalist are not well paid.If every organisation is sensitive to the issue at hand then they should do something about it,if not,yes let bribery and corruption be the order of the day

Anonymous said...

Mtcheeew! Ode. Obviously u r too blind to see dat u r not even among d first fifteen. Ko shi lo jor!

Jesus Reigns said...

Who be this again looking for job indirectly.

Anonymous said...

Bishop Sammy, please stop all this leave the matter for God talk. If it were members of your family killed in that building will you say the same. Stop being selfish, and trying to protect that crook. Let justice prevail. Hundreds of people are dead because of greed in the name of religion. Call a spade a spade abeg. What kind of bishop are you anyway?

Anonymous said...

If you read well you will understand he said if they were bribe to say the oposite how come all the newspaper which he mention criticise Tb josua.

Unknown said...

Well, a gud point u'r tryin to make....bt if u read his write up well, u will notice he didn't say "nothing was said" he said not enough is said.....so PM news is probably jst one of d few dat said sumtin.

Unknown said...

Well, a gud point u'r tryin to make....bt if u read his write up well, u will notice he didn't say "nothing was said" he said not enough is said.....so PM news is probably jst one of d few dat said sumtin.

Unknown said...

Well, a gud point u'r tryin to make....bt if u read his write up well, u will notice he didn't say "nothing was said" he said not enough is said.....so PM news is probably jst one of d few dat said sumtin.

Anonymous said...

YOU ARE A SAD EXCUSE FOR A FATHER SO THIS IS THE LEGACY YOU WANT TO LEAVE FOR YOUR CHILDREN. IF THINGS OR LIFE GETS ROUGH THEY SHOULD CHEAT! STEAL! LIE!,ROB, KILL,MURDER AND WHORE THEIR WAY THROUGH LIFE SO LONG AS THEY MAKE IT IN LIFE? SHAME ON YOU SIMON ATEBA.

Anonymous said...

I know of one poser that calls himself Prince who runs a Newspaper by OPIC, He poses about the office with champagne glass while he owes his staff almost one year salary. So tell me how his staff who are family people wont collect TB Joshua's 50k. I have been delivered from the clown and i hope things change for journalists.

Anonymous said...

I'm disappointed in u all that wrote senseless and foolish comments. Very obvious u all got coconut heads. Go back to sch and learn again. So u can easily digest write ups. Fuck out olodos.

Anonymous said...

When a match was played in the swimming pool of a stadium that was the Warri stadium that day, the ever-active sports journalist of my favourite newspaper conveniently forgot to write about it. We watched that match in shame and were expecting more embarrassment the next day in the newspaper - nothing. Since then, without intending to, I have noticed things when it comes to sports news involving my state( in that newspaper). DON'T TELL US THE RUBBISH THAT RECEIVING MONEY WILL NOT ALTER WHAT A JOURNALIST INTENDED TO WRITE. Money alters things, my guy.

Anonymous said...

Well said. My thought exactly. I pity him.

Anonymous said...

Well, to me, the point in the whole thing is : 'So what will you write?' 'Whatever you want us to write'. This means that after the 50 k bribe, insteading of giving us more of the stories you claim you had been writing, our minds will be directed away. Thank you, sir. Something else, hardly anyone is well paid, so there is always that justification.

Anonymous said...

U dis sleekz. All ur comments no dey make sense. Uv never written anything intelligent here. Ill advice u to remove ur pics and use anonymous till when u get smarter

Anonymous said...

Then die on the matter then

Anonymous said...

Then let them go get another job. If you work where you're not paid for months, why remain there. Journalism is about the truth. What's the point if you lie in your report. They condemn others but they do the same thing. There's no excuse in doing the wrong thing. Shame on all journalists that tries to justify their greedy actions. If the job is not paying you, why still hang around? Most journalists are attracted to the job because of the brown envelop. Most jobs don't pay well and you don't see them going about doing unethical things and giving excuse for it. Otherwise, armed rubbers will also claim unemployment led them to rubbery, even prostitutes and the rest.

Anonymous said...

Ramblings indeed. Incomprehensible. Incoherent. Unintelligible. Man need money sha. Even politicians when don already stash 400 billion naira still need 9.3 million dollars to dey add join at intervals. I like brown envelope things because dem must better my life pass as e be before whether or not people consider me poor!

Unknown said...

Why all these argument? That you did not hear when T B Joshua was asking the attending journalists to collect the money and was asking them what they will write or what on the audio or what? If you as a journalist is not well paid, pls resign and get a better job other than encouraging corruption.

Chop Chop said...

Pointless illustrations. Thank you ma

Anonymous said...

But o, human being say e dey work for one place ,1 year dem never pay am and e still dey there? Na steady brown envelope e take dey eat? If the brown envelope quick reach im hand, then he go write the story one kain; if the brown envelope nor quick reach im hand, e go go again go take one big column take twist the original story as soon as the envelope enter hand. Those Abacha days, teachers dey sell coconut candy give students for class for early morning while pants and bra dey car booth for their colleagues whose husband dey work for better place.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 6:00pm u be d senior mumu, what point was d writer trying to say? Please about our corrupt system that we all know or about his pm newspaper that gave a freaking report? If no one is buying papers again he should be knowledgeable enough to know it cause we all have internet. The truth is Nigeria is so corrupt that if journalist get good payment that won't stop #brown envelope#.So please shut up or go join NUJ fight 4 ther right.

Anonymous said...

The 50,000 did not come in early. If it did, PM news would not have written what they did write in the first place. In the second place, the late arrival of the 50000 would still have altered the next write-up to one of airplane terrorism and wonderful rescue efforts.

Anonymous said...

So becos there are no jobs u are willing to sell your conscience. Y dnt u use your parents for rituals doro beast

Ola said...

UTTER RUBBISH!! Making excuses for such crap is why Africa (not just Nigeria) is in a mess. You're part of the problem man!

Anonymous said...

Fuck u ode.

Anonymous said...

You don't know calculation

Anonymous said...

Your level of understanding is 1% the doesn't deserve that

Jasmyn said...

U must be a blatant fool to think tht 750 is a such a huge money to TBJ.. do u know ow much he give out weekly...

Anonymous said...

Ow would u, wen u ate ur school fees.. mumu

Anonymous said...

Nicholas would go far in his dreamz..

Anonymous said...

An idoit detected.. ur comment justifies the fact tht u r a real born idoit... it obviously genetic

Anonymous said...

My thoughts exactly. For those still confused about what this response, y'all just compare quality of responses from white mans blog with those on LIB. Lots of dumb internet users for obodo naijiria.

Anonymous said...

FIRST TO COMMENT***(GURU) We have heard you mr journalist..

Unknown said...

Thanks to mr truth revealer but dont forget that the journalist who leaked the secret equally leaked the recorded audio tape so mr revealer there is an atom of truth in what the first journalist published. Atleast he is 1 in a million journalist.

Anonymous said...

The guy might have a point or two looking closely at how he built his facts. Almost at the same time,he cannot make simplistic the issue of 'bribery'. There are many grey areas to carefully dissect,its only sad that many have dismissed this piece with a wave of hand. Nigerians!always cynical.


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Anonymous said...

Hmmmmm, wrong journalist to comment on this !!! First of all he is a friend of TB joshua , He attends his church and am sure that's why u were not @ the event to cover it becos u would be sentimental, most journalists have lost their morals, they don't know what is Good or bad anymore, So sad. You should have completely stayed off this issue simon cos no matter what you say it is bias. Don't try 2 justify ur corrupt practices too

Anonymous said...

Don't be silly girl! Call a spade a spade!

Anonymous said...

U all don't know Simon Ateba. If you knew him, u will definitely know his worth. This is a journalist who has wrote many true story about pastor oyakilome, okotie and even tb joshua. Ateba had in the past been beaten up by security men attached to these so called men of God because of what the men of God called false story about their church. Ateba will never collect bribe from TB Joshua to kill a newstory

Anonymous said...

Journalists should say something about this, I mean their problem of not been paid each time they carry out their service. I understand most journalist compromise at that. I know they wouldn't starve but that shouldn't make go against what they know is truth. Good name is better than money as they say. So dear journalists, you guys should seat down with your ogas at the top and talk thing out, or better still protest with billboards and card. Make your voice be heard. And let's see if things will still remain the same.

Anonymous said...

Nelly, u be mumu. its obvious this ibekwe guy is an attention seeker.

Anonymous said...

Lol Nigerians tho..politicians are busy stealing millions u people r here crucifying journalists cos of 50k..i see

Anonymous said...

Thank u..... bloggers gives better news than d so called journalist

Gboyega said...

For once, Can Nigerian Over Zealous youths be reasonable and sensible?...Can we for once be thoughtful and deep in our reasoning and analysis?....This man just wrote a very unbiased piece detailing all that journalists go through and even made us realize that the story was NEVER written to favor T.B Joshua as claimed...He even added a URL and mentioned media names that published the true story...Did he just write those stories for them?.....I think the rush to win Linda's 25k is making some ignoramus drop comments without a second thought....Nicolas got his shine but PLEASE ask Nicolas if he's never collected such before... Pls ask Nicolas if he didn't collect Fayemi's 50k in Ekiti when bloggers were invited.... Should i start giving other instances?.....God bless this man for this great piece, Nicolas should PLS SHUT THE HELL UP!

Unknown said...

Ok naa! agana asupu english! Dead kwa? Ofe mmanu shaa. Nt mouth agaped!

Anonymous said...

errm @daddyswife, REALLY???. Read it again carefully and if u still don't get it go back to school.

Anonymous said...

Biggest fool of d year....i would love to read your own article.Hater!!!

Anonymous said...

Can Nicholas swear he has never accepted gift before as a field journalist in Nigeria? Except he started the job last month, I can assure you he's never better than those people he's trying to blackmail. He's simply looking for 15 minutes of fame. And it's obvious he got one indeed, but he must understand it won't last long.
Excellent write from Simeon Ateba tho

Anonymous said...

Hahahahaha. Barth guy

Unknown said...

But why should a man of God offer bribe in the first place

Anonymous said...

The problem with a lot of us is that we cannot adapt to changing business environments! Haba. So people don't buy print media anymore. So? How does Wall Street Journal and New York Times Online maintain their online subscriptions? Have you ever given thought to the fact that to get true news about Nigeria, you need to read CNN, or Sahara Reporters? These media houses are not resident in Nigeria o! What is Linda doing right? The simple truth is that the quality of news from these local houses is not good enough to satisfy the people. Simple! People don't get any value from it, and you don't expect people to pay for something of no value! These people should stop whining and build their business models around the current trends. They should stop thumbing their noses at new tech., stop burying their heads in sand! Haba! This is just wrong. I am so embarrassed by this man's write up. It's a disgrace!

Anonymous said...

How?

Anonymous said...

hmmmm..... we Nigerians are always in a rush to criticise, I'm far from a TB Joshua fan but i know that handing out 50k envelopes isn't something he started now, he has been doing it for a very long time and for different humanitarian reasons, Pst or no pst aside, so in my opinion doesn't count as bribe.
and as a Christian listening to that recording, i got his point, telling them not to focus on the negativity is our way of saying tell the story not giving so much glory to the devil. we Christians use that phrase alot.
I'm not justifying what he did, I'm just saying sometimes things are blown out of proportion and we shouldn't always be in a rush to throw stones, because this people are humans even as pastors but only God knows the ultimate truth.

Anonymous said...

It has to be said here that TB Josh went against the laws of the land. Should we justify that because he is a so called "Man of God". We claim to be educated, and yet we shy away from pure facts. Over 80 people died because of careless and selfish acts. NEMA was prevented for 3days from carrying out its duties. Why did that happen?. We are leaving facts and chasing shadows. A " Man of God" should lead by example. Assuming Jesus Christ was on earth will he erect a 6 story structure on a 2 story foundation? Its time we start to think out side the box like academics. Men of God are humans like us, servants of God not above us and the law. Think people, think.

Anonymous said...

"...as long as journalists in Nigeria are not paid for months or are given irregular crummy salaries... many journalists will continue to accept gifts, bribes or whatever you call it."

Shut up please. Coming here to make excuses for corrupt practices.

Shame on you.

Awesome Reads! said...

This guy is speaking the absolute truth. Nigeria is the only country on earth where people expect you to uphold the truth on empty stomach. We always forget there are other realities called hunger and responsibility. When these two stare you in the face, that's when your integrity or lack of it will come to light. I imagine many of you guys slinging muds are in positions in your offices where you ask suppliers to add extra 20% to the original cost. Oh, maybe you're even the supplier and it's okay to 'mobilise' in order to get that fat for which you will go to church and give a hypocritical testimony and pay tithe. Of course, that's a lot more justifiable and should be considered a lesser sin that journalists collecting 50k bribes.

I dare you to refuse a N50k bribe when you don't know what your family will have for dinner.

nkiru said...

oh yea with ur little rambling Nicholas didn't do anything wrong, u talk as if u ar guilt of bribe blcos change must start with one person irrespective of what journalist are passing through, if it pains u so much then talk about hw this problem will be solved and u guys will b paid well in dis country nt blaming d greed and selfishness of some journalist on corruption . why cant journalist do it right? pls go and seat down and do ur analysis very well. truth is truth no mater hw u twist it. Nicholas shuld be allow to drink and keep his cup biko! with all ur rambling an average citizen knows wht journalist do is dt clear! is like they have given u ur own kit! lol.

Anonymous said...

To all those condemning this journalist for collecting bribes and all, we've had bank chiefs, permsecs,politicians and other parastatal heads looth money with impunity and nothing was done about it. why crusify this guys?

Anonymous said...

Hey guys u piple shud kil d fyt..let's tnk God dah nicholas ibekwe brought out d truth..allow dx guy 2 his opinion.had it bin 1 of his family memba was amongst d deceased he would hav bin busy planin 4 d burial n nt writin dx post..d name remains #Immanuel#

Anonymous said...

I can't figure out what this journalist has said that warrants insults on his person. He stated the facts. All he is saying is what ever gift collected by journalists during the interview with T.B. Joshua has not changed the facts of the story and nobody has bought the aircraft story or made excuses for him. And yes, it is a lie that NEMA was not allowed entry for 3 days, rescue operations started the same day.

Anonymous said...

SIMON ATEBA, U ARE OBVIOUSLY CORRUPT AND IF YOU MUST LIE, PLEASE MAKE IT BRIEF, YOUR STORY IS DAMN TOO LONG. IF NIGERIA MUST CHANGE, WE HAVE TO START FROM SOMEWHERE. REFUSING A BRIBE IS LIKE TAKING A STEP TO EFFECT THE CHANGE WE NEED. IT STARTS WITH YOU AND I AND EVERYONE READING MY COMMENT. SO ILL ADVISE YOU TO KEEP SHUT OR GO HUG A TRANSFORMER....

Anonymous said...

Please read well b4 u comment oo... Bcos sum people just dey coment rubbish

Unknown said...

Thank u and God bless u @ anonymous 4:57pm.

Anonymous said...

Even you are one of the hypocrites. This article is just about exonerating pm news from all of the accusations. Choose a position and stand by it. You are supporting and and accusing media at the same time.

Victor Abba said...

Madam Linda, I would have thought the process of approving comments inferred some censorship. Why, then, all these insults, invectives,and otherwise unprintable language? Please, do something. Thanks

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