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ECOWAS Court Dismisses NGO’s Claims of Rights Violations by the Nigerian Government
ECOWAS Court Dismisses NGO’s Claims of Rights Violations by the Nigerian Government
By: Michael Mike
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has dismissed the claims of human rights violations brought by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that asked the Court to hold the Federal Republic of Nigeria liable for breaching its international obligation to protect human rights.
Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Judge Rapporteur who delivered the judgment on Thursday said the Court dismissed all claims of rights violations due to lack of facts and evidence in support of the allegations, and ordered the NGO to pay a nominal cost of N100,000 to the Nigerian government.
The initiating application with suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/40/21 was filed on 22 July 2021 by The Registered Trustees of HEDA (Human and Environmental Development Agenda) Resource Centre, a registered NGO focused on anti-corruption, and non-partisan human rights and development in Nigeria.
The suit was premised on alleged failure of Nigeria to guarantee the rights to life, dignity of the human person, physical and mental health, and right to healthy environment for Nigerians particularly those residing in the oil producing areas of Nigeria.
Relying on Articles 1, 4, 5, 16 and 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), the Counsel representing the NGO claimed that despite the prohibition of gas flaring by an Act of government “Association of Gas Reinjection Act of 1979, gas flaring persisted, thereby exposing the people living in the oil producing areas to hazards including cancer, lung damage, deformities in children and skin problems.
He further claimed that environmental pollution from gas flaring contributed to global warming and climate change, adding that Nigeria’s failure to tackle it, has resulted in damaging effects on lives, the environment and monetary loss.
The NGO asked the Court to declare the continuous gas flaring in Nigeria as illegal and a gross violation of fundamental rights, and that the Nigerian government is obliged to stop gas flaring in Nigeria. It also demanded orders of the Court compelling the government to enforce gas flaring regulations against defaulters, and direct it to collect fines from defaulters.
In response, the State of Nigeria denied all the claims made by the NGO. The Counsel for the Respondent averred that the claims lacked facts and evidence, and were baseless, and urged the Court to dismiss them.
In its findings, the Court noted that the Respondent adduced proof of updated laws on regulation of the petroleum industry and other implementation measures taken to improve the environment in oil producing area and decrease gas flaring. It also noted that the NGO did not counter the submissions of the Respondent concerning its efforts to protect host communities.
As a matter of fact, the Court observed the failure of the NGO to provide any evidence supporting its claim of loss of lives, breach of the right to dignity of the human person, breach of right to physical and mental health, and lack of provision of a healthy environment owing to gas flaring. The Court therefore dismissed the claims for lack of proof.
Also on the panel were Justice Dupe Atoki and Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves.
ECOWAS Court Dismisses NGO’s Claims of Rights Violations by the Nigerian Government
Buni commends Balarabe for his humanitarian contributions in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, has commended the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sologuru Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Abdullahi Balarabe DJ Nguru, for his extraordinary humanitarian contribution to the reconstruction and modernization of Rugar Balarabe in the Nguru local government area of Yobe State.
Governor Buni made the commendation in a letter of appreciation personally written by him to Balarabe DJ, saying, “Your selfless decision to transform the site of the burnt Fulani settlement into a state-of-the-art community is a landmark achievement in private philanthropy.”
According to Buni, the comprehensive nature of the facilities provided, including modern two-bedroom residences, a functional clinic, a community mosque, solar-powered boreholes, and full solar electrification for both houses and streets, is truly commendable.
“By donating these essential amenities entirely free of charge, you have not only restored the dignity of the displaced families but have also significantly advanced our administration’s rural revitalization agenda,” Buni said.
“Your forward-thinking approach to sustainable infrastructure sets a high standard for civic leadership in Yobe State, and I thank you for your unwavering patriotism and commitment to the welfare of our citizens.
He revealed that it is my hope that your generous spirit serves as an inspiration to others.
Buni commends Balarabe for his humanitarian contributions in Yobe
Troops neutralise 16 terrorists, recover cache in Borno ambush
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force North-East (JTF-NE) under Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Desert Sanity V have neutralised 16 suspected terrorists during an ambush in Borno State.
Zagazola learnt that the operation was carried out by troops of Sector 1 in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Hybrid Forces and local hunters.
According to the sources, the ambush was sprung at about 8:10 p.m. on Sunday at Komala Exchange Point, following a failed attack on Auno and credible intelligence on the movement of the same terrorist logistics elements.
“The troops, working with CJTF and other local components, successfully neutralised 16 terrorists and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and logistics items,” the source said.
Items recovered from the scene included 62 wrappers, 76 pairs of shoes and slippers, 18 bicycles, 275 sachets of detergent, 50 packs of sweets, assorted local fragrances, milk sachets, vaseline, washing soap, groundnuts, seasoning, fruit drinks, palm oil and groundnut oil, mats, spaghetti, thread, matches, cups and spoons, sieves, flour, salt, bicycle tyres and equipment, sugar, cosmetics, local herbs and a cooler, among other items.
The sources said the recovered items were believed to be logistics supplies meant to sustain terrorist elements operating in the area.
Troops neutralise 16 terrorists, recover cache in Borno ambush
Bandits injure four in Maradun, Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Four people have been injured following an armed bandits’ attack on Kaya Faru Village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Sources said that the incident occurred on Feb. 10 at about 6:00 p.m.
According to the sources, the attackers shot and injured one Bello Yari and three others before fleeing to their hideouts.
“On receipt of the report, operatives visited the scene, and the injured victims were rushed to the General Hospital, Talata Mafara, for medical treatment,” the sources said.
Bandits injure four in Maradun, Zamfara
Buni commends Balarabe for his humanitarian contributions in Yobe
Niger incidents underline rising Sahel spillover threat to Nigeria’s security
Troops neutralise 16 terrorists, recover cache in Borno ambush
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