Ex-Ivory Coast President, Henri Bedie Dies

Former President of Ivory Coast, Henri Konan Bedie, has been reported dead.

Naija News learnt that Badie died on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at the age of 89. The deceased politician served as president of Cote D’Ivoire from 1993 until his ouster in 1999.

It could be recalled that Bedie lost his re-election bid to his long-time political rival, President Alassane Ouattara, in 2020.

He also served later as President of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast – African Democratic Rally. Prior to becoming president, Bedie was a member and president of the National Assembly of Ivory Coast.

The cause of Bedie’s death, however, has not been made public as of reporting time.

The former Ivorian president would be remembered for his role in promoting the issue of “Ivoirite”, or Ivorian identity, Reuters said in a report.

President Tinubu Will Not Gag The Press – Presidency

Meanwhile, the Presidency has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to a free press and will not gag the media.

Naija News reports that the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, stated this in a chat with reporters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ngelale said the Tinubu government will provide more access to information to radio networks, television networks, newspapers and online news media than ever before.

He added that the current administration will ensure a zero-tolerance policy towards media repression and institutional arrogance in government communications.

He said: “I humbly accepted the appointment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as his special adviser on media and publicity and as the official spokesperson of the president.

“I believe the first and most important point I would want to make is that this institution belongs to Nigerians. It does not belong to any political parties, it does not belong to any public officials.

“It belongs to over 200 million citizens of this country both at home and abroad. And it is with that understanding that we will be engaging the world.

“We believe it is the right, not a privilege but the right of every Nigerian to have full access into the affairs of the presidential villa, into the affairs of the office of the president and the office of the vice president.

“We will be more open in terms of providing access to information to radio networks, television networks, newspapers and online news media than ever before.

“We are committed to ensuring that there is a zero-tolerance policy on every spokesperson and every media functionary that works here in the government in terms of how we relate with Nigerians through the press.

“Gone forever, by the grace of God, are the days when government spokesmen and women will speak down to Nigerians or would use condescending language on Nigerians and would display some form of institutional arrogance on Nigerians. That would not happen under my leadership.”

Ngelela added that his principal’s administration seeks to promote transparency, hold public officeholders accountable, and open up the presidency to the public.