By Latasha Ngwube
As I found myself immersed in my customary practice of scrolling through Twitter, I unexpectedly came across a tweet that immediately engaged my attention. It was penned by none other than Jackson Ude, the former Director of Communication and Strategy to the ex-President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. At that very moment, a sense of exasperation washed over me as this encounter resonated with a certain familiarity that I had experienced before. If you spend any length of time on Twitter, you’re likely to have come across his account, so, my reaction to his tweets shouldn’t come as a surprise. His notoriety? Fanning the flames of conspiracy theories, disseminating fake news, and weaving conjectures without a shred of evidence or credibility.
With his dubious style of “journalism and reporting,” Jackson Ude conveniently leads his followers astray, leaving unsuspecting individuals embarrassed in his wake. Such behaviour raises concerns about the integrity and responsibility that should be associated with the journalistic profession.
Jackson Ude’s attention-seeking antics came to my attention when he became embroiled in a defamation lawsuit filed by Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva, who was the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources at the time and also a gubernatorial candidate for Bayelsa State under the ruling party, All Progressive Congress (APC). Ude levelled serious allegations against Timipre, accusing him of offering a bribe of $10,000 to every member of the 9th National Assembly – his source remains unnamed as always. Supposedly, this was an attempt to influence the lawmakers into swiftly passing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). The seriousness of these accusations cannot be understated, as they strike at the heart of integrity and ethics within the political sphere. In response to Ude’s damaging claims, the United States District Court of Eastern Pennsylvania issued an order mandating him to remove the publications from his website and social media platforms.
One would have hoped that Jackson Ude had learned from his previous episodes with conspiracy theories and fake news. Unfortunately, that does not seem to be the case. This time, he has beamed his lens toward Teins Jack-Rich, a Presidential aspirant of the All Progress Congress who voluntarily withdrew from the race in favour of the current President after a closely fought primary. Jack-Rich is the owner of a high visibility oil exploration and production company called Belemaoil Producing Limited. However, those who know him on a personal level, suggest Jack-Rich is far more than his titles. He is described as a cherished friend and a member of the community imbued with deep love and devotion, going above and beyond to ensure the comfort and happiness of those he holds dear.
Jack-Rich’s journey to where he stands today has not been without its challenges. He tragically lost his parents at a young age, thrusting upon him the responsibility of becoming a man earlier than expected. But despite these hardships, Jack has emerged as a beacon of hope for many, dedicating his efforts to providing education for tens of thousands of young people.
In a world where integrity and sincerity can, at times, feel scarce, individuals like Jack-Rich I suppose can attract the ire of many which is not at all surprising. You will never be able to please everyone and we accept that but what is truly perplexing is the mercilessly drag through the “mud” of his pregnant wife. Yes, you read that correctly – Elizabeth Jack-Rich is carrying their unborn child. However, it is crucial to note that the article in question lacked transparency and credibility, as it heavily relied on unnamed and unidentified “sources” and “insider sources” once again.
Beyond the realm of political and personal motivations, this situation highlights a disturbing pattern of misogyny and slut-shaming. Jackson Ude, in his pursuit of attention and influence, seems to be fully aware of the damaging impact such baseless accusations can have on a woman’s integrity. He understands how easily people can accept and perpetuate false narratives about women based on hearsay and unfounded allegations.
The targeting of Elizabeth Jack-Rich reflects a larger problem that extends beyond personal reputations; it strikes at the heart of the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Each instance of slut-shaming or misogynistic behaviour contributes to an environment where women are diminished, silenced, and robbed of their agency. It is our collective responsibility to create a society that embraces the inherent worth and worthiness of women, empowering them to live their lives on their terms.
Jackson Ude’s vitriolic attacks on Jack-Rich extend far beyond targeting Jack-Rich’s immediate family. Close friends and associates of Jack-Rich have been caught in this disturbing campaign of calumny orchestrated by Ude. In his relentless pursuit of defamatory narratives, Ude even resorted to claiming that Jack-Rich had allegedly bribed the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, with a staggering sum of N500 million to secure a position as the Petroleum Minister.
This string of accusations is far from isolated. It reflects a calculated and concerted effort by Jackson Ude to tarnish Jack-Rich’s reputation through any means possible. It is disheartening to witness the lengths Ude is willing to go in slinging mud, hoping some of it will stick. Sitting down after a long day of work, I couldn’t help but ponder the motives behind the relentless hate campaign unleashed against a remarkable individual like Jack-Rich. The answer seemed within reach. Jack-Rich, a respected technocrat and stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is being positioned for a potential ministerial appointment in the new administration. President Bola Tinubu has long been known for his preference for technocrats, valuing their expertise to steer the Nigerian ship towards prosperity and abundance.
Sadly, detractors, driven by their malicious intentions, have resorted to different guises in their desperate attempts to undermine Jack-Rich’s chances. Their arsenal of lies has been shamelessly directed towards Jack-Rich’s family and Seyi Tinubu, their venomous arrows aimed at tarnishing their reputation. However, President Tinubu, with his discerning eye for exceptional talent and profound intellect, will see through these smokescreens and recognise the truth. Politics is often likened to muddy waters, but some boundaries should never be crossed. Jackson Ude and his cohorts have brazenly trampled over these boundaries, engaging in a campaign that lacks integrity and decency. It is distressing to imagine the anguish and turmoil that Jack-Rich and his wife have been subjected to amid this orchestrated chaos.
Yet, it is in times like these that we must remain resolute and steadfast, upholding the principles of fairness and justice. We should not be swayed by baseless accusations and character assassinations. Instead, we must stand firm in our belief that truth and integrity will prevail. It is crucial to recognise that such attacks on Jack-Rich, his family, friends, and associates should not be dismissed lightly in the name of journalism. The core principles of ethical reporting, integrity, and responsible journalism demand that baseless allegations and conspiracy-driven narratives be treated with utmost scrutiny and scepticism.
In our rapidly evolving world, where anyone with a smartphone can become an active journalist, the proliferation of stories being created and shared globally has reached unprecedented levels. In this landscape, the responsibility to discern truth from falsehood also rests on the shoulders of the readers themselves. It becomes imperative for individuals to pose critical questions before accepting information as infallible truth. One crucial inquiry readers must make is: Who is the source of the news? Questioning the legitimacy and trustworthiness of the source is an essential step towards ensuring the accuracy of the information.
