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CDD NEWSLETTER FOR THE WEEK ENDING MARCH 14, 2021

By Fact Check

The second wave of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the mutation of the virus into various variants, and the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination by several countries in Africa, including Nigeria, South Africa,  Ghana, and Ivory Coast has led to the spread of disinformation and conspiracy theories around the vaccines.

According to medical experts, vaccination is the single most efficient way to reduce deaths and severe illness from COVID-19. For the world to fully beat the pandemic, all hands must be on the deck to fight misinformation arising from them.

On the other hand, the spread of disinformation, conspiracy theories and fake news surrounding vaccines is the single most effective way to keep the pandemic going.

In the last one week, online conversations have been dominated by vaccine production, its acceptance by the public and the administration. While one cannot deny that vaccines have side effects – all vaccines and medicines have some side effects – these side effects need to be constantly balanced against the expected benefits in preventing illness.

With the social media space flooded with various claims on the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) have continued to call for verification of all information before sharing.

The Facts

FGN Did Not Buy WhatsApp Messaging App for 3BN

 On March 10, 2021, the CDD spotted a post on Facebook claiming that messaging Application, WhatsApp, has been bought by the Nigerian Government.

The Facebook user claimed said the application was bought by the Federal Government of Nigeria at the sum of three billion (no currency was indicated).

Also, the post claimed that all users of WhatsApp should endeavour to leave the app immediately to another one (signal App) as they would now be monitored by the Nigerian government.

The claim read in part: “You will be tracked! Leave WhatsApp now! Go to Signal app now!” reads an excerpt from the post. Signal is an end-to-end encrypted instant messaging app.”

Checks by CDD show that contrary to the claim, the Nigerian Government has not acquired WhatsApp messaging app.

An investigation by CDD also shows that the post made on Facebook by a handler, “Best of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu” has been marked by the social media company as fake news.

Facebook in a reaction to the post said that the information made by the handler has been checked by independent fact-checkers and confirmed to be false.

A further check showed that the social media company in a response to AFP described the information as false.

Read the full fact-check here

On Thursday, March 4, 2021, fact-checkers at the CDD spotted a WhatsApp audio recording claiming that Sheikh Sharif Saleh made comments on the recent Sheikh Abduljabbar’s preaching suspension saga.

In the recording – done in Hausa – a commentator (claiming to be the voice of Sheikh Saleh) expressed disappointment on the decision to suspend the cleric from conducting preaching activities in Kano State.

He said information available to him indicates that Sheikh Kabara’s worship centre has been sealed off by the Kano State Government.

He said the sealing of the worship centre is a gang up against Sunni clerics, Darika and other sects.

The commentator continued: “The method used by the clerics sounds funny and embarrassing and any responsible person that knows about the matter will understand that he was treated unfairly because his statements were shortened and edited”

An investigation conducted by CDD on the viral audio clip established showed that as of March 11, 2021, Sheikh Shariff Saleh, has not reacted to the suspension of Sheikh Kabara as claimed in the WhatsApp audio.

Checks by the CDD also revealed that the voice in the audio circulated on WhatsApp is not Sheikh Saleh’s.

When contacted on the matter, Sheikh Saleh’s so, Engr. Almuntasir Ibrahim Saleh Al-Hussain told the CDD fact-checker that the claim in the audio is false.

Al-Husain said his father never said anything on the suspension of Sheikh Kabara.

“Well, I listened to the said audio clip that was trending on WhatsApp, and I can categorically confirm to you that neither the voice nor the content is Sheikh’s and even the message does not reflect Maulana’s opinion on this matter in any way,” Al-Hussain said.

Read the full fact-check here

REPORTS FROM CDD THIS WEEK

Judgments and jurisprudence: Presiding over presidential petitions in Africa

Crafting Credible Election Commissions in West Africa

CDD Hails Resilience of Women Despite Challenges

CDD IN THE NEWS

Meghan, Harry’s racism claims spark backlash in Commonwealth nations

Calls in former colonies to drop Queen as head of state after Harry and Meghan interview

Women and fostering an equal future in a COVID-19 world

IWD: CDD urges Nigerian govt to address gender inequality

International Women’s Day: CDD hails women, demand inclusion in policy decisions

IWD2021: CDD calls for policies to improve women participation in politics

Gender parity, equity resonate as women reject discrimination 

CDD ACTIVITIES

CDD commences implementation of Sulhu Alheri Ne Committee Community Dialogue on Peace

First Stop:  Bulabulin Ngarannam community, here local community members are given the ownership to drive their community activities.

March 15, 2021
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Labaran Karya da CDD ta Gano a Makon Karshe na Watan Fabrairun Shekara ta 2021

By Fact Check

Hakika illolin labaran karya ko labaran bogo a fili suke. Labaran karya na iya haifar da rudani da tashin hankali dama jefa mutane cikin zulumi. Da alama masu kirkira da yada labaran bogi na cin kare su ba babbaka musamman a kafafen sada zumunta na zamani, ta yadda suke yada wadan nan labarai ta fuskoki daban-daban. Yada ire-iren wadan nan labarai na bogi musamman a kafafen sada zumunta na zamani irin su Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram dama WhatsApp a bune mai sauki amma mai cike da illoli ko matsaloli. Kokarin kare faruwar matsalolin da labaran karya za su iya haifarwa yasa Cibiyar Bunkasa Demokaradiyya da Cigaba (CDD) ke bin diddigin labarai dan gano gaskiyar su da nufin fahimtar da al’umma. Wannan mujalla za ta gabatar muku da wasu labaran da CDD ta bankado.

A wannan satin, cibiyar demokradiyya da cigaba ta bankado tare da binciko gaskiyar wasu labaran karya da aka wallafa a kafafen sada zumunta na zamani irin su Facebook da manhajar WhatsApp. Ga labaran nan kamar yadda wannan mujalla ta mu ta wallafa su:

Ba a Kori Fulani a Jahar Kano Ba!

A ranar Laraba, 24 ga watan Fabrairun shekara ta 2021,masu bincike na Cibiyar Bunkasa Demokaradiyya da Cigaba (CDD) sun gano wani bidiyo da ake yadawa a manhajar WhatsApp. Bidiyon na ikirarin cewa jama’ar jahar Kano sun umarci al’ummar Fulani da subar jahar ta Kano dama arewacin Najeriya baki daya.

Dubiya da CDD ta yi, an gano cewa wannan labari ne na bogi. Hasali ma bidiyon an dauke shi ne lokacin wata hatsaniya da ta faru a garin Billiri da ke jahar Gombe. Hatsaniyar ta barke ne tsakanin wasu kabilu sakamakon takaddama game da nadin basaraken gargajiya da ake yiwa lakabi da “Mai Tangale” bayan rasuwar wadda ke kan mukamin. Latsa nan dan karanta cikekken labarin.

Shin WHO Ta Sauya Matsayin Ta Game Da Killace Kai da Bada Tazara?

Gaskiyar Al’amari: Karya Ne!

A ranar alhamis, 25 ga watan Fabrairun shekara ta 2021, masu tantance sahihancin labarai na Cibiyar Bunkasa Demokaradiyya da Cigaba, sun gano labari da ake yadawa ta manhajar WhatsApp da ke ikirarin cewa hukumar lafiya ta duniya (WHO) ta sauya matsayin ta game da ka’idojin kare kai daga kamuwa da cutar Korona.

Binciken da CDD ta gudanar ya gano cewa labarin da ake yadawa game da WHO cewa mutanen da suka kamu da cutar Korona basa bukatar killace kansu karya ne.

Hukumar WHO bata ce mutanen da ke dauke da cutar Korona basa bukatar killace kansu ba. Wannan labarin hasalima an taba yadashi a ranar 16 ga watan Yulin shekarar 2020 inda mutane da dama sukayi ta cece-kuce akansa. Domin karanta cikekken labarin latsa nan

Babu Wani Tsarin Bada Tallafi Daga Gidauniyar Dangote

Wani sako da ake yadawa ta manhajar WhatsApp da ke cewa Gidauniyar Aliko Dangote na bada tallafin kudi ga yan Najeriya masu sa’a dan fara sana’o’i a shekara ta 2021 sako ne na bogi. Yan damfara kan tsara ire-iren wadan nan sakonni da nufin tattara bayanan mutane dan zambatan su a karshe.

CDD na jan hankalin jama’a da su tantance labarai ko sakonnin yanar gizo kafin amincewa ko aiwatar wani umarni. Mutane a kodayaushe su rika taka-tsantsan game da biya kudade ta hanyar yanar gizo musamman dan neman tallafi. Domin karanta cikekken binciken da CDD ya gano, latsa nan.

Gwamnatin Jahar Kano Ba Ta Rushe Makarantar Sheikh Abduljabbar Ba!

Labarin da kafafen da yada labarai da yawa suka wallafa cewa gwamnatin jahar Kano ta rushe makarantar Sheikh Abduljabbar karya ne. Ziyarar da CDD takai wurin da akayi rusau din da karin binciken da ta gudanar ya gano babu abinda ya samu makaranta ko masallacin malamin.

CDD na tabbatar da cewa wannan labari ne na bogi dan haka jama’a suyi watsi dashi.

CDD na jan hankalin kafafen yada labarai da jama’a da su guji yada labaran karya ko wadan da basu da tabbacin sahihancin su. Kuna iya aikowa CDD labaran da kuke da shakku akansu dan tantance muku gaskiyar su ta hanyar aiko gajeren sako ko ta manhajar WhatsApp akan lamba: +2349062910568. Samu karin  bayani anan.

Wasu daga ciki labaran karya da CDD ta bankado tare da wallafawa

  1. babu wani tsarin bada tallafi daga gidauniyar dangote
  2. shafin twitter na bogi da ke alakanta kansa da maaikatar matasa da wasanni ta tarayya
  3. shin gwamnatin tarayya ta amince da yin rijistar nin ta hanyar yanar gizo
  4. gwamnatin jahar kano ba ta rushe makarantar sheikh abduljabbar ba

Domin sauke mujallar mu, latsa nan

March 2, 2021
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CDD NEWSLETTER FOR WEEK ENDING FEBRUARY 28, 2021

By Fact Check

Last week, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD’s) newsletter examined the dangers of disinformation (fake news) to the corporate existence of Nigeria as a nation. While fake news is not a new phenomenon, over time, the spread of disinformation has taken various dimensions. To survive the times, one must be cautious of claims or narratives that come in the form of advisory and how to do things. Individuals should also be able to differentiate between real news and fake news especially on social media.

Here are five steps to identify fake news on social media

  1. Does It Sound Sensational Or Cause You To React?

Fake news is usually written to create “shock value,” that is, a strong automatic reaction such as anger or fear. Disinformation can be spread using many of the same tactics as misinformation—hoaxes, click-bait, fabricated reports. Disinformation is created to deceive so we need to approach content on social media with a critical mind.

  • Check The Source

You can do this by answering the following questions: have you come across a story from that source or heard of it before, does the web address for the page look suspicious, or is it mimicking a known web address? Check spelling errors in company names, or unfamiliar extensions like “.infonet” and “.offer,” rather than “.com” or “.co.uk, or ‘.org” may mean that the source is suspect.

  • Check To See If Other Sources Are Reporting The Story

You can do this by searching for similar content on search engines. If its an image, you can do a reverse image search using www.images.google/com or www.tineye.com

  •  Examine The Evidence

Credible news sources train their journalists to include plenty of facts – quotes from experts, survey data and official statistics and detailed eye-witness accounts that are consistent and corroborated from people on the scene. If these are missing, question the story or narratives it trying to spread!

  • Be Curious of Images

There are now a thousand and one applications online and in use that can be used to alter, doctor or even recreate images and videos. This editing software has made it easy for people to create fake images that look real and not many can tell if an image is fake. When in doubt, check for more details about the image. You can also do a reverse image search using www.images.google/com or www.tineye.com to check where an image was created and whether it has been altered.

Fake news on social media may be unavoidable especially with the unprecedented volume of disinformation being circulated in Nigeria and globally. But you can help stop the spread by thinking critically. Maintain a healthy level of curiosity for what you read on your timeline, understand that social media platforms curate what you see based on an algorithm derived from data gathered from your online behaviours. What this means is that the news you see on your feed is filtered based on previously collected data and this awareness can help you become more conscious of your own inherent bias.

If platforms notice that you frequently quick to click on stories that say COVID-19 is a scam, for example, more of such news will appear on your timeline.

Fact-checks

In view of this the CDD countered a couple of false claims using fact-checking tools in the past week. One of such is the claim that some Fulanis residents in Kano have been asked to vacate the State.

The claim read in parts “ Hausas in Kano have asked the Fulanis to leave northern Nigeria while breaking the exclusive Fulani mosque.  Behold the Ottoman Dan Fodio prophecy of about 220 years is happening before our very eyes. DAN.”

Also attached to the claim was a video of people seen vandalizing a mosque.

Investigations carried out by CDD revealed that the claim that Fulanis have been asked to vacate Kano State is false.

More checks showed that the video attached to the broadcast was from a clash in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State and not from Kano as claimed.

Read the full fact check here

Has WHO Made A U-turn On Isolation and Social Distancing?

On February 25, 2021, fact-checkers at the Centre spotted a WhatsApp broadcast claiming that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has completely made a U-turn on Coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols and guidelines.

The broadcast claimed that the international health body made a declaration that individuals infected with COVID-19 do not need to be isolated or quarantined as the virus cannot be transmitted from one patient to another.

Checks by CDD show that the claim that WHO has declared that individuals infected with COVID-19 need not isolate is false. An investigation carried out by CDD fact-checkers reveals that the claim is not new and had trended on July 16, 2020.

The broadcast resurfaced on WhatsApp has continued to be spread across groups on the platform.

Further checks show in its advice on preventive measures against COVID-19, the WHO has continued to urge the public to public themselves and their loved ones by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing and wearing a mask.

Also, WHO notes that keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue is imperative in protecting oneself and others.

Read the full fact check

Events

Last week, the CDD supported the Jaiz Orphans and Widows Initiative (JOWI) to organize a 1-day interfaith dialogue workshop in Maiduguri, Borno State. At the workshop, all representatives of different faiths promised to promote gender equality and discourage discrimination against women.

Also, the Centre with support from the MacArthur Foundation organized an Advanced Strategic Communication Training for 30 participants from various Anti-Corruption Agencies in Nigeria. The training which took place at the Legend Hotel, Ikeja Lagos was facilitated by the International Press Centre.

DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER HERE

Center for Democracy and Development West Africa| CDD West Africa

March 1, 2021
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Shin WHO Ta Sauya Matsayin Ta Game Da Killace Kai da Bada Tazara?

By Fact Check

Gaskiyar Magana: Karya Ne!

Tushen Magana:

A ranar 25 ga watan Fabrairun shekara ta 2021, masu tantance sahihancin labarai na Cibiyar Bunkasa Demokaradiyya da Cigaba (CDD) sun gano labari da ake yadawa ta manhajar WhatsApp da ke ikirarin cewa hukumar lafiya ta duniya (WHO) ta sauya matsayin ta game da ka’idojin kare ka daga kamuwa da cutar Korona.

Labarin yace WHO ta ce masu dauke cutar Korona basa bukatar su killace kansu saboda cutar baza ta yadu daga jikin wani mutum zuwa wani ba.

Gaskiyar Magana:

Binciken da CDD ta gudanar ya gano cewa labarin da ake yadawa cewa WHO mutanen da suka kamu da cutar Korona basa bukatar killace kansu karya ne. Karin binciken CDD din ya gano cewa wannan labari na bogi ba sabo bane, hasalima an taba yadashi a ranar 16 ga watan Yulin shekarar 2020 inda mutane da dama sukayi ta cece-kuce akansa.

CDD har wayau ta kara gano cewa WHO a cikin wani jadawali da ta fitar ta ci gaba da karfafawa mutanen da makusantan su suka kamu da cutar Korona da su bi ka’idojin kare kai kamar su bada tazara yayin mu’amala, das aka takunkumi, da wanke hannaye da ruwa mai gudana da sabulu mai kashe kwayoyin cuta da ido baya iya gani.

Kammalawa:

CDD na tabbatar da cewa sakon da ake yadawa ta manhajar WhatsApp cewa hukumar lafiya ta duniya WHO ta canja matsayin ta game matakan kare kai daga kamuwa da cutar Korona karya ne. Hukumar bata ce mutanen da ke dauke da cutar Korona basa bukatar killace kansu ba.

CDD na jan hankalin jama’a game da yada labaran da basu tantance sahihancin su ba.

Kuna iya aikowa CDD labaran da kuke da shakku akansu dan tantamce muku sahihancin su ta hanyar turo sakon WhatsApp ko gajeren sako akan lamba +2349062910568 ku tuntube mu a shafin mu na Twitter a @CDDWestAfrica.

#AgujiYadaLabaranBogi

Center for Democracy and Development West Africa| CDD West Africa

March 1, 2021
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FACT-CHECK: Has WHO Made A U-turn On Isolation and Social Distancing?

By Fact Check

VERDICT: False

CLAIM: On February 25, 2021, fact-checkers at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) spotted a WhatsApp broadcast claiming that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has completely made a U-turn on Coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols and guidelines.

The broadcast claimed that the international health body made a declaration that individuals infected with COVID-19 do not need to be isolated or quarantined as the virus cannot be transmitted from one patient to another.

FACT:

Checks by CDD show that the claim that WHO has declared that individuals infected with COVID-19 need not isolate is False. An investigation carried out by CDD fact-checkers reveals that the claim is not new and had trended on July 16, 2020.

The broadcast resurfaced on WhatsApp has continued to be spread across groups on the platform.

Further checks show in its advice on preventive measures against COVID-19, the WHO has continued to urge the public to public themselves and their loved ones by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing and wearing a mask.

Also, WHO notes that keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds, cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue are also imperative in protecting oneself and others.

CONCLUSION

CDD can confirm that the claim on WhatsApp that WHO has completely made a U-turn on social distancing and isolation measures needed to curb COVID-19 spread is false.

The CDD urges members of the public to read beyond headlines before sharing any news report, especially on social media.

You can forward suspicious messages for verification via +2349062910568 or contact us on Twitter @CDDWestAfrica

#StopFakeNews #StopDisinformation

Center for Democracy and Development West Africa| CDD West Africa

February 25, 2021
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Shin WHO Dakatar Da Najeriya Daga Neman Maganin Rigakafin Cutar Korona?

By Fact Check

Gaskiyar Al’amari: Karya Ne!

Tuhen Magana:

A ranar 6 ga watan Fabrairun shekara ta 2021 jardar Punch ta wallafa wani labari a shafin ta na yanar gizo mai taken: “hukumar lafiya WHO ta dakatar da Najeriya da sauran wasu kasashe takwas daga yunkurin sun a nemo maganin cutar Korona”

Labarin yayi ikirarin cewa wani bangare na WHO da aka yiwa lakabi da COVAX ya dakatar da Najeriya da wasu kasashe daga neman maganin cutar Korona daga neman maganin daga kamfanin hada magunguna da Pfizer.

Labarin yace Najeirya ta gaza cika ka’idojin samun maganin wanda suka hada da tabbatar samar muhallin ajiye maganin a ma’aunin yanayi na “70 degrees Celsius”.

Gaskiyar Magana:

Labarin da jaridar Punch ta wallafa wanda yayi ikirarin cewa hukumar lafiya ta duniya WHO ta dakatar da Najeriya da sauran wasu kasashe takwas daga neman maganin cutar Korona karya ne.

Wakilin WHO a Najeriya Dr. W. Kazadi Mulombo, yace “WHO ta aminta da maganin Covax kuma ba zata dakatar da kowace kasa ko mamba daga samun maganin da aka aminta dashi ba”, wakilin ya bayyana hakan ne ta shafin sa na Twitter mai lakabin @WMulombo.

Mulombo ya bukaci manema labarai da kafafen yada labarai na Najeriya da sauran kasashen duniya da guji yada labaran bogi da suka shafi cutar Korona.

A wani taron manema labarai da WHO da hukumar lafiya matakin farko suka shirya, Dr. Kazadio ya ce hukumar lafiya ta WHO bata dakatar da kowace kasa a nahiyar Afirka daga neman maganin cutar Korona ta hanyar COVAX, hasali ma WHO na goyon bayan dukkan kasashen dan nemo maganin cutar cikin gaggawa”.

Ya kara da cewa, banda maganin “AstraZeneca”, akwai wani karancin maganin cutar da kamfanin Pfizer ke samarwar ta hanyar COVAX.

“Kaow ranar 18 ga watan Janairun da muke ciki, akwai bukata daga kasashe 13 , hakanan wani kwamiti mai wakilcin ma’aikatu da hukumomi da yawa ya yi nazari akan bukatun maganin guda tara wadda acikin su akwai Najeriya, kamfanin Pfizer zai aika maganin gare su sannu a hankali”, inji Mulombo.

Har wayau, nazarin da CDD ta gudanar game da taron manema labaran da Dr Matshidiso Moeti ya jagoranta wanda kuma taron ne jaridar Punch da sauran kafafen yada labarai suka dogara dashi waje cewa an dagatar da Najeriya daga neman maganin cutar Korona din ya gano cewa WHO bata dakatar da Najeriya ba.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti ta kara da cewa: “nan bada dadewa ba za a fara rukunin farko na maganin rigakafin cutar nahiyar Afirka. Akalla digon maganain rigakafin cutar miliyan 90 ne na Oxford/AstraZeneca za a kawo wa nahiyar ta Afirka zuwa karshen wannan wata na Fabrairu kodayake wannan ya danganta ne da jadawalin da WHO ta bayar dan yin rigakafin gaggawa. Ana ci gaba da yin nazari akan haka kuma sakamakon nazarin zai bayyana nan bada dadewa ba”.

Takardar taron manema labaran ta bayyana cewa kwayar maganin guda 320,000 ne za a raba su ga kasashen Afirka guda hudu bisa ga yawan mace-macen kananan yara da ake dasu yanzu da kuma samuwar yanayin “70 degrees Celsius” a wadannan kasashe.

Kasashen sune: Cape Verde, Rwanda, South Africa da Tunisia.

Wani karin binciken da CDD ta gudanar ya gano cewa tsarin jadawalin raba maganin ya nuna cewa Najeriya ta shirya tsaf dan karbar kwayoyin maganin rigakafin da yawun su yakai 16,000,000.

Kammalawa:

Labarin da jaridar Punch ta wallafa a shafin tan a farko cewa hukumar lafiya ta duniya WHO ta dakatar da Najeriya daga neman maganin rigakafin cutar Korona karya ne.

Binciken CDD ya gano cewa Najeriya har yanzu cikin jerin kasashen da za a aikawa maganin cutar rigakafin cutar ta Korona.

CDD na jan hankalin kafafen yada labarai da jama’a da su guji yada labaran karya ko wadan da basu da tabbacin sahihancin su.

Kuna iya aikowa CDD labaran da kuke da shakku akansu dan tantance muku gaskiyar su ta hanyar aiko gajeren sako ko ta manhajar WhatsApp akan lamba: +2349062910568

#AgujiYadaLabaranBogi

Center for Democracy and Development West Africa| CDD West Africa

February 9, 2021
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CDD Newsletter For The Week Ending February 7, 2021

By Fact Check

Nigeria is among the countries yet to procure Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. Reports indicate that the country is expecting 16 million doses of the vaccine through the global COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) arrangement. COVAX is a global initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines led by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, the World Health Organization, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and others.

Since the announcement of its plan to procure vaccines for the people by the Nigerian Government, broadcast messages are spreading fast on WhatsApp and even conventional media organisations have joined the bandwagon disseminating misinformation on the vaccines, procurement, and administration. This has continued to promote skepticism and persuade the public to reject the shots, which can break the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Misinformation is doing great damage to Nigeria’s effort at halting the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. And both misinformation and disinformation can erode trust in both civil and corporate institutions. Such institutions include government health institutions and big non-government institutions like the World Health Organization.

In the past week, the Punch newspaper published a report that claimed the WHO had disqualified Nigeria from a global vaccine bid. They referred to a press from the WHO.

The reaction to this was instant. the report went viral. Other platforms were quick to publish the misinformation. The Punch Newspaper has since updated its report to the true position of the WHO. But the episode leaves not much to be desired about how Nigerians trust the present government to deliver safe and effective vaccines to the citizens.

The Facts

The WHO representative in Nigeria, Dr. W. Kazadi Mulombo said the ‘’WHO is part of Covax facility and can never disqualify a Member State from accessing an approved vaccine for their population.’’

He made this known via his Twitter handle @WMulombo, He went further to call on members of the press in Nigeria and globally to contribute to fighting misinformation around COVID-19.

In a press conference to address the issue, organized by the WHO in Nigeria and National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Kazadi said that “The World Health Organisation has not disqualified any country in Africa from accessing #COVID19 vaccines through the COVAX facility, but rather, is supporting all countries to access vaccines as quickly as possible.”

 He went further to explain that in addition to the AstraZeneca doses, there is an initial limited volume of Pfizer vaccine available through COVAX.

“On the African continent, as if the 18th January, COVAX received 13 submissions and a multi-agency committee evaluated the proposals of which 9 were recommended as ready to deploy the Pfizer vaccine including Nigeria.” He said.

A review of the press briefing by Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, which the Punch Newspaper and others quoted shows the global health body did not disqualify Nigeria from any global vaccine bid.

‘’In much-awaited news, the COVAX facility has informed African countries of the first allocations of the COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly 90 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine could start arriving on the continent later this month. This is subject to WHO listing the vaccine for emergency use. The review is ongoing, and its outcome is expected soon.’’ She said.

The press statement also explained that proposals for the initial 320,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be allocated to four African countries were evaluated based on current mortality rates, new cases, and trends, and capacities to store the vaccine at minus 70 degrees Celsius. The countries are Cape Verde, Rwanda, South Africa, and Tunisia.

Fact-checkers at the CDD also went through the Gavi website to ascertain if Nigeria has been disqualified.

Gavi is co-leading COVAX, the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator. This involves coordinating the COVAX Facility, a global risk-sharing mechanism for pooled procurement and equitable distribution of eventual COVID-19 vaccines.

The COVAX Interim Distribution Forecast shows Nigeria is in line to receive 16,000,000 doses of vaccines through the facility.

Read the report here

WhatsApp Messages

Facebook Messenger and Whatsapp handle 60 billion messages a day. Not all these messages are true. The majority of messages shared online are either scams, fake or misleading.

For instance, On Sunday 31st January 2021, our fact-checkers spotted a WhatsApp broadcast with the claim that the National Identification Management Commission (NIMC) is giving out five (5) Gigabytes worth of data to verified mobile phone numbers.

The message titled: “NIN verification” claimed that the NIMC would be rewarding customers who have been using their SIM cards for more than three months 5G worth of data.

It read in part: “NIN VERIFICATION Check if Your number have [sic] been chosen by NIN to receive 5GB. As Part of the Verification REWARD Program for who [sic] have been using the sim for more than three months. ALL NETWORK USERS Deadline:30-01-2021 2021-2-29

Also attached to the message is a link that can be used by interested applicants for the verification process.

Investigations carried out by CDD fact-checkers revealed that the claim is false. Checks showed that the link provided is a bait normally used by internet fraudsters to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

Our fact-checkers found out that the link upon registration provides a three(3) way verification process where users are required to key in their numbers, share the same message on WhatsApp, and await their share of the said reward.

Further investigations by CDD revealed that the site promised applicants N10,000 in addition to the 5G data. It also provided a section for comments where previous beneficiaries give their “testimonies” – a method frequently used by fraudsters to defraud unsuspecting applicants of such scheme.

Read the report here

Police IG Did Not Handover

On February 2, 2021, fact-checkers at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) spotted a report on OperaNews blog claiming that the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, had finally handed the NPF mantle of leadership to his successor.

The report also claimed that IGP Adamu having completed his mandatory 35-years of service with the Nigeria Police Force handed over to Sanusi Lemo, a Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of operations at the Force Headquarters.

Checks by CDD fact-checkers show that as of the time of writing this report, Wednesday, February 3, 2021, IGP Adamu is still the Inspector General of Police in Nigeria.

IGP Adamu has not handed over to DIG Lemo or any other successor as claimed by the news blog.

Also, reacting to the report, the Force Public Relations Officer, Commissioner of Police Frank Mba, said the claim is false.

Mba, in an interview with the Nation Newspaper on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, said reports that the IGP has stepped aside and handed over activities at the Force Headquarters to DIG Lemo should be disregarded.

Also, the approval of a new IGP is usually announced by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. However, as at the time of writing this report, President Muhammadu Buhari is yet to make such an announcement approving the retirement and further replacement of the IGP. Read the report here

The Damage of a Single Story

False news travels faster online than facts but facts matter as the damage that can be caused by one single story cannot be undone by 10 sources of facts. This has been the struggle of fact-checking organisations like the CDD.

Some other fact-check published by CDD include:

FACT-CHECK: Beware! There’s No NIN 5G Grant

FACT-CHECK: Is There Tension In Lagos Over COVID-19 Vaccine Administration?

FACT-CHECK: Is Newly Introduced WhatsApp Status A Bait?

FACT-CHECK: Is FG Disbursing N10,500 Weekly Grant?

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February 8, 2021
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FACT-CHECK: Did WHO Disqualify Nigeria From Global Vaccine Bid?

By Fact Check

VERDICT: Misleading

On February 6, 2021, the Punch Newspaper published a report online with the headline, “WHO disqualifies Nigeria, eight others from global vaccine bid.”

 The report claimed that the World Health Organisation-led COVAX global initiative has disqualified Nigeria and eight other countries for bidding for the Pfizer vaccines.

According to the report, WHO’s decision follows Nigeria’s inability to meet the standard requirement needed for storage of the vaccines at the required -70 degrees Celsius.

FACT:

The report by Punch newspaper on the disqualification of Nigeria from the Pfizer vaccine bid is false.

The WHO representative in Nigeria, Dr. W. Kazadi Mulombo said the ‘’WHO is part of Covax facility and can never disqualify a Member State from accessing an approved vaccine for their population.’’

Dr. Mulombo made this known through his Twitter handle @WMulombo.

He further to called on members of the press in Nigeria and globally to contribute to fighting misinformation around COVID-19.

In a press conference to address the issue, organized by the WHO in Nigeria and National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Kazadio said that “The World Health Organisation has not disqualified any country in Africa from accessing #COVID19 vaccines through the COVAX facility, but rather, is supporting all countries to access vaccines as quickly as possible.”

 He explained that in addition to the AstraZeneca doses, there was an initial limited volume of Pfizer vaccine available through COVAX.

“On the African continent, as of the 18th January, COVAX received 13 submissions and a multi-agency committee evaluated the proposals of which 9 were recommended as ready to deploy the Pfizer vaccine including Nigeria,” Mulombo said.

Also, a review of the press briefing by Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, which the Punch Newspaper and others relied on to publish the report shows that the global health body did not disqualify Nigeria from any global vaccine bid.

“In much-awaited news, the COVAX facility has informed African countries of the first allocations of the COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly 90 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine could start arriving on the continent later this month. This is subject to WHO listing the vaccine for emergency use. The review is ongoing, and its outcome is expected soon.’’ She said.

The press statement also explained that proposals for the initial 320,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be allocated to four African countries were evaluated based on current mortality rates, new cases and trends and capacities to store the vaccine at minus 70 degrees Celsius.

The countries are Cape Verde, Rwanda, South Africa and Tunisia.

Fact-checkers at the CDD also went through the Gavi website to ascertain if Nigeria has been disqualified. Gavi is co-leading COVAX, the vaccines pillar of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator. This involves coordinating the COVAX Facility, a global risk-sharing mechanism for pooled procurement and equitable distribution of eventual COVID-19 vaccines.

The CDD discovered that COVAX Interim Distribution Forecast shows that Nigeria is in line to receive 16,000,000 doses of vaccines through the facility.

CONCLUSION

The claim by the Punch Newspaper in its frontpage headline that the WHO has disqualified Nigeria from the global vaccine bid is false.

Evidence shows Nigeria is still part of the COVAX -Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator.

CDD is urging the public to always verify the authenticity of stories before sharing them.

You can forward suspicious messages for verification via +2349062910568 or contact us on twitter @CDDWestAfrica

#StopFakeNews #StopDisinformation

Center for Democracy and Development West Africa| CDD West Africa

February 6, 2021
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Top CDD Fact-Checks For The Week Ending November 8, 2020

By Fact Check

The spread of disinformation in Nigeria take various forms and changes from  time to time. Depending on the kind of information shared, WhatsApp has remained the most popular social media platform in Nigeria followed by Facebook and recently Twitter.

Countering fake news in Nigeria has it challenges, prominent among them is the lack of digital literacy among many internet users. The failure of institutions and organizations to respond to request for clarifications if and when the need arise. Despite this challenges, fact- checkers at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) have strived to provide the facts on trending claims that are false.

This past week, some of claims reviewed and countered by CDD include:

FACT-CHECK: Kano Lawmaker Not Beaten By Constituent Members Over Failed Promises

On October 25, 2020, the CDD spotted a post by Sahara Reporters, Naturenex, and Pinnacle report claiming that the lawmaker representing Tofa, Dawakin Tofa, Rimin Gado Federal Constituency, Tijjani Jobe, was beaten by members of his constituency.

The reports claimed that Jobe had visited Gulu community in his constituency when youths in the area attacked him over non-performance and his failure to fulfil his campaign promises to the people.

Photographs used by the blogs for the story showed the sweating lawmaker surrounded by many people.

However, investigations by CDD shows that the claim by the blogs that Honourable Jobe was attacked and beaten by members of his constituency is false.

Jobe, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Rural Development, was on an oversight visit on Rimin Gado – Gulu road for an ongoing project he sponsored.

Our findings show that shortly after the lawmaker had inspected the ongoing road construction, he proceeded to his hometown, Jobe, where he was met by thousands of people who thronged his residence. He was also said to have started sharing money to the people upon his arrival in Jobe.

An eye witness, Yusuf Gajida, who is also a farmer in Jobe community told CDD that Jobe was not beaten by his constituent members as widely claimed.

“I swear to God nothing of that nature happened, he visited and left peacefully, in fact he received a warm welcome,” Gadija said.

Also speaking on the matter, Ibrahim Yaro, a personal assistant to the lawmaker said the crowd of people were outside the premises waiting in anticipation for Jobe’s arrival.

According to Yaro, the lawmaker had immediately ordered that the security at the gate allow the people entry into his residence for his welcome.

Read full fact check here

FACT-CHECK: Kano Government Did Not Rename France Road

On Thursday, November 5, 2020, a viral WhatsApp broadcast claimed that the Kano State Government had renamed a France Road to Madina Road.

Thea broadcast produced in Hausa language and shared across various WhatsApp groups, said the renaming of the popular France Road followed an alleged blasphemous comment made by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.

The broadcast while commending the State Government for renaming the France Road, encouraged citizens of Kano to adhere to the new name.

Investigations carried out by fact-checkers at CDD shows that the claim that France Road was renamed by the Kano State Government is false.

A visit to the popular France Road in Kano by the CDD fact-check team shows that there is nothing to indicate a change of name for the location.

Also, reacting to the claim, the commissioner for information in Kano, Muhammad Garba, said the state government has not renamed the road.

Garba said: “There is no official statement regarding any change of name, my governor is not around but at the moment no any official statement

Read full fact here

FACT-CHECK: Is the INEC Chairman Handing Over to an Acting Chairman?

On Friday, November 6, 2020, a blog ejegist published a report with the claim that the current Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, will hand over to an Acting Chairman on Monday, November 9.

The report quoting the Daily Trust Newspaper further claimed that Prof. Yakubu will be handing over to one of the National Commissioners whose tenure has not expired.

An investigation of the claim by CDD fact-checkers revealed the narrative that Prof. Yakubu Mahmood will on Monday, November 9, handover power to an Acting INEC Chairman is true.

Also, the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Barr Festus Okoye, told fact-checkers at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) that the Chairman will be stepping aside till he is confirmed for a second term by the Nigerian Senate.

He said ‘’The Chairman will exit the Commission on Monday the 9th of November 2020. Constitutionally his tenure expires by effluxion of time on Monday, November 9, 2020. He will handover to one of the National Commissioners pending his confirmation and swearing-in for a second and final term. The Chairman is a stickler to constitutionalism and will also abide by constitutional tenets.

Read full fact check here

FACT-CHECK: WHO Director-General Did Not Announce Testing Positive To COVID-19

On November 2, 2020, multiple blogs published breaking news with the headline “WHO DG, Tedros Ghebreyesus Tests Positive For COVID-19’’. The reports claim Dr. Tedros announced his Coronavirus (COVID-19) positive status on his Twitter handle @DrTedros.

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus never said he tested positive to COVID-19 on his Twitter handle.

The Director-General of World Health Organization (WHO) had tweeted on Sunday November 1, 2020 that he was self-quarantining after he came in contact with someone who tested positive to COVID-19.

Dr Tedros in the tweet which is now referenced by the blogs never mentioned that he tested positive to the virus, the WHO DG only stressed that he had no symptoms after his contact with a COVID-19 positive person.

Read full fact check report here

CDD is urging Nigerians to always verify the authenticity of stories before sharing them.

You can forward suspicious messages for verification via +2349062910568 or contact us on twitter @CDDWestAfrica

#StopFakeNews #StopDisinformation

Center for Democracy and Development West Africa| CDD West Africa

November 9, 2020
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Daraktan Hukumar Lafiya Ta Duniya WHO Bai Bayyana Kamuwa Da Cutar Corona Ba!

By Fact Check

Tushen Magana:

A ranar Litinin, 2 ga watan Nuwanban shekara ta 2020, masu tantance sahihancin labarai na Cibiyar Bunkasa Demokaradiyya Da Cigaba (CDD) sun gano yadda zaurukan yanar gizo da dama suka wallafa labarin cewa, babban daraktan hukumar lafiya ta duniya (WHO) ya kamu da cutar Corona.

Labarin wanda, shafukan yanar gizon suka wallafa cikin yanayin cewa labari ne da dumi-dumin sa sunyi ikirarin cewa daraktan ne da kansa wato Dr. Tedros ya bayyana hakanne a shafin sa na Twitter (@DrTedros).

Gaskiyar Magana:

Dr. Tedros baice ya kamu da cutar Corona ba a jawabin da ya wallafa a shafin na Twitter. Abinda Tedros din ya fada ranar Ladi, 1 ga watan Nuwanban da muke ciki shine cewa ya killace kansa bayan da yayi mu’amala da wani dake dauke da cutar ta Corona.

Zaurukan yanar gizo da yawa sun canza ma’ana ga abinda daraktan hukumar lafiya ta duniyar ya wallafa a shafin na Twitter kuma wannan jawabi da aka jirkita yana cigaba da yaduwa.

Karin abinda daraktan ya fada shine cewa bashi da alamu cutar bayan yayi mu’amala da mai dauke da ita, ga abinda ya wallafa acikin hoton a kasa (yayi bayanin ne a harshen turanci)

Ana killace kai ne idan ansamu cudanya ko mu’amala da mai dauke da cutar dan duba yiwuwar samun rashin lafiya.

Kammalawa:

Labarin da ake yadawa cewa daraktan hukumar lafiya ta duniya (WHO) ya kamu da cutar Corona karya ne!

Gaskiyar magana itace daraktan ya wallafa wani bayani a shafin sa na Twitter cewa ya killace kansa bayan yayi mu’amala da wadda ke dauke da cutar ta COVID-19 amma bawai ya kamu da cutar ba.

CDD tana jan hankalin jama’a game da yada labaran da basu da tabbacin sahihancin su. Kuna iya aikowa CDD labaran da kuke shakku akansu dan tantance muku ta hanyar WhatsApp ko gajeren sako ta wannan lamba +2349062910568 ko a shafin Twitter a: @CDDWestAfrica ko @CDDWestAfrica_H

#AgujiYadaLabaranBogi

Center for Democracy and Development West Africa| CDD West Africa

November 3, 2020
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FACT-CHECK: WHO Director-General Did Not Announce Testing Positive To COVID-19

By Fact Check

VERDICT: False and Misleading

On November 2, 2020, multiple blogs published breaking news with the headline “WHO DG, Tedros Ghebreyesus Tests Positive For COVID-19’’.

The reports claim Dr. Tedros announced his Coronavirus (COVID-19) positive status on his Twitter handle @DrTedros

FACT:

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus never said he tested positive to COVID-19 on his Twitter handle.

The Director-General of World Health Organization (WHO) had tweeted on Sunday November 1, 2020 that he was self-quarantining after he came in contact with someone who tested positive to COVID-19.

Dr. Tedros in the tweet which is now referenced by the blogs never mentioned that he tested positive to the virus, the WHO DG only stressed that he had no symptoms after his contact with a COVID-19 positive person. 

His Tweets below:

Self- quarantine is done to separate or restrict the movement of people who have been exposed to COVID-19 to see if they become sick.

CONCLUSION

The claim therefore that the head of the WHO announced he tested positive for COVID-19 is false.

He said he was in contact with someone who tested positive to the virus and has gone on self – quarantine.

CDD is urging Nigerians to always verify the authenticity of stories before sharing them.

You can forward suspicious messages for verification via +2349062910568 or contact us on twitter @CDDWestAfrica

#StopFakeNews #StopDisinformation

Center for Democracy and Development West Africa| CDD West Africa

November 2, 2020
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FACT-CHECK: No, WHO Did Not Send Message on COVID-19 Vaccine

By Fact Check, UncategorizedNo Comments

VERDICT: False

CLAIM:

On August 20, 2020, fact-checkers at Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) came across an article published on Myafricatoday claiming that the World Health Organization sent an important message to the world on a Coronavirus vaccine. 

The report headlined “Breaking-news world health organization sends important message to the world on coronavirus vaccines”, said WHO’s Secretary-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, has revisited research on COVID-19 vaccine and its accessibility to the world.

According to the blog, WHO is working closely with various sectors and governments to ensure the availability of COVID-19 vaccine for all.

The report said WHO’s decision comes at a time when some countries are opting to sell the vaccine, when available, at a high fee to nations vulnerable to the pandemic.

FACT

WHO did not send messages to “the world” or leaders of countries regarding COVID-19 vaccine or its availability.

A review of the report by the blog also shows that no part of the content had the message purportedly sent to the world leaders by the WHO.

Also, on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, Dr Ghebreyesus at the WHO’s briefing on COVID-19, discussed challenges of logistics involved in combatting the pandemic.

Ghebreyesus in his statement highlighted numerous logistic failures in the initial response to the disease.

He said: “Supply nationalism exacerbated the pandemic and contributed to the total failure of the global supply chain.” 

Dr Ghebreyesus said this led to the lack of key supplies for dealing with the novel coronavirus in several nations. 

Further checks by the CDD show that a day later, during the weekly Wednesday General Audience, Pope Francis also spoke on the need for the COVID-19 vaccine to be accessible by everyone. 

The Pope said that plans to treat the disease should prioritize those who are most in need. 

He said: “It would be sad if, for the vaccine for Covid-19, priority were to be given to the richest! It would be sad if this vaccine were to become the property of this nation or another, rather than universal and for all.”

Further responding to Pope Francis’ remarks, Dr Ghebreyesus said: “I couldn’t agree more with Your Holiness,” he wrote in a tweet on Thursday evening. 

Also, checks by the centre revealed that Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker only shows that a few pharmaceutical companies are getting to the third stage of vaccine approval. 

CONCLUSION:

The claim that WHO sent messages to the world and leaders of nations on a vaccine or its accessibility is false.

CDD urges the public to disregards the message and always ensure they verify reports before disseminating them.

You can send claims and messages to CDD for verification; messages can be sent via +2349062910568.

#StopFakeNews

Center for Democracy and Development West Africa| CDD West Africa

August 23, 2020
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