MONAGBOKA ACCUSES BOX TV OF MISREPRESENTING THE MONAGBOKA CONFERENCE 2026, REJECTS YAMAABANA’S ₦200,000 PLEDGE

The Monagboka Community Builders Initiative has accused Box TV of misrepresenting its 2026 Conference by publishing a report suggesting that Nyokhana women were mobilised in support of Engr. Legborsi Yamaabana’s political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation, in an official press statement signed by its President-General, Mrs. Dumnamene Annas Sorochi, condemned the publication titled “NYOKHANA WOMEN: FULLY MOBILISED FOR LEGBORSI YAMAABANA 2027” and demanded its immediate removal, a public correction and an apology.

Monagboka maintained that the conference was organised to promote women’s rights, community development, sisterhood and the empowerment of women, aged women and young girls across Ogoniland, insisting that it was neither a political rally nor a campaign event for any candidate.

According to the organisation, Yamaabana attended the conference as an invited guest alongside other stakeholders, and his participation did not amount to an endorsement of his political ambition by the organisation or the women who attended.

The organisation criticised Box TV for allegedly presenting a community development event as a political mobilisation exercise associated with an invited guest who was not its organiser.

It argued that responsible journalism requires media organisations to verify information, correctly identify event organisers and distinguish political commentary from the actual objectives of public gatherings.

Monagboka described the publication as irresponsible media practice, maintaining that it created a misleading impression about the ownership, purpose and outcome of the conference.

“Media platforms should inform the public, not distort the identity, purpose or ownership of community initiatives,” the organisation stated.

It called on Box TV to explain the basis for its report and take immediate steps to correct what it described as a misrepresentation of its activities.

Monagboka further expressed concern that Yamaabana reportedly introduced political messaging into his address at a gathering established to advance women’s welfare and community development.

The organisation stressed that it remained non-partisan, apolitical and development-focused, adding that it had not endorsed Yamaabana or any other candidate for the 2027 elections.

It warned against using its name, programmes, photographs or the participation of beneficiaries to create an impression of political endorsement.

The organisation also urged the public to distinguish between the attendance of political stakeholders at its programmes and any formal decision to support a political party or candidate.

In a significant development, Monagboka announced its decision to reject the ₦200,000 pledge made by Yamaabana to the women during the grand finale of the conference.

The organisation said it did not want the financial pledge to be used, directly or indirectly, to suggest political influence, endorsement or ownership of its programmes.

According to the statement, the decision was informed by the need to protect the organisation’s independence and credibility amid the controversy surrounding the subsequent publication.

“The welfare of Ogoni women and girls must never be reduced to a political transaction,” the organisation stated.

Monagboka maintained that no financial contribution gave any individual the right to appropriate its work or misrepresent the position of its beneficiaries.

The organisation has called on the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, and relevant media and professional bodies to examine the disputed publication against applicable standards of accuracy, fairness, verification and professional conduct.

It also listed the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications among the recipients of its statement.

Monagboka demanded that Box TV remove the publication, issue a clear correction and public apology, and refrain from further disseminating content that portrays the conference as a political mobilisation exercise for Yamaabana.

The organisation further reserved the right to submit a formal complaint supported by relevant evidence and pursue appropriate legal remedies if the matter is not resolved.

It clarified that its position was not an attempt to prevent legitimate political expression or responsible reporting, but a demand for accuracy and accountability in the coverage of community initiatives.

‘Women are partners in development, not political instruments’

Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and advancement of women and girls across Ogoniland, Monagboka said its conference was organised to strengthen sisterhood, promote community connections and address grassroots development concerns.

The organisation said it remained open to participation by stakeholders from different political, traditional and professional backgrounds, provided such participation was not misrepresented as an endorsement or mobilisation exercise.

“The women of Ogoniland are partners in community development, not instruments for advancing any individual’s political ambition,” the statement declared.