Gov Zulum salutes the military over decisive defense of Kukawa against desperate Boko Haram insurgents

By: Bodunrin Kayode

Borno Governor Professor Babagana Zulum has commended troops of operations Hadin Kai for successful defense of Kukawa town about 127km from Maiduguri the Borno state capital.

On Monday 25 November 2024, the Borno Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum received a cheerful and heart-warming brief on the successful defence of Kukawa town by troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) who coordinated the repulsion of a large column of Boko Haram insurgents that attempted to run over the township.

“Buoyed by recent attack on Kareto of 16 Nov 2024, the enemy mistakenly assumed that they could attack other locations and get away without response. The terrorists came to Kukawa riding on motorcycles clad with assault rifles and RPGs.” Said commissioner of information and internal security Prof Usman Tar in release.

Cursory to the military’s onslaught, the insurgents attacked from the main Gudumbali axis gate and crossed defensive trenches hoping to advance on the town and run over it the release noted.

“Working on actionable intelligence, gallant troops of 19 Brigade Cross Kauwa and 403 Amphibious Brigade Baga mobilised to counter the attack. The adversary met its Waterloo at the battle field.

“The Nigerian Air Force provided close air support in a well-coordinated and efficient manner. Interim battle impact assessment revealed that many of the insurgents were killed. Our gallant troops and CJTF were able to confiscate a significant number of motor bikes and vehicles while inflicting fatal harm on the insurgents.” Said the Commissioner of internal security.” Noted the release.

Gov Zulum was also informed, on a sad note, that troops encountered casualties of which 2 CJTF personnel were injured but not fatal; 4 Nigerian Army fatalities, and one civilian, Masa Mallam Abba Zaraye, was also struck by a stray bullet.
This is painful but we are consoled by the fatal annihilation of the enemy.

“In view of this, Gov Zulum conveys salutations to our gallant troops over this spectacular battle success.” Noted the release

” He also thanked the Federal Government under the distinguished leadership of President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic leadership, direction and support to the armed forces to perform their constitutional duty of defending our country.

“Gov Zulum also expressed heartfelt sympathy to those who lost their lives or incurred injury. He however cautioned that, in spite of this battle success, our gallant troops should be guided by the rules of engagement in asymmetric battle.

“Indeed, the Nigerian Armed Forces’ efforts are admirable, but I hasten to admonish our troops to be vigilant and not to be carried away by this momentary success. They should watch out for retaliatory attack by the insurgents, and respond with decisive force.” echoed Gov Zulum.

Zulum called on residents to continue to support the armed forces with actionable intelligence that will help them counter our collective threats.

Gov Zulum salutes the military over decisive defense of Kukawa against desperate Boko Haram insurgents

ECOWAS Court Retreat Opens with Focus on Strengthening Effectiveness

By: Michael Mike

The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court, Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves has officially opened a three-day judicial retreat focused on strengthening the effectiveness of the Court’s operations.

The retreat, themed “Judicial Case Management: Relation Between the Office of the Honourable President, Honourable Judges, Registry Department, and Legal Research & Documentation Department,” brought together judges, directors and staff of the Court to foster reflection, collaboration, and strategic planning.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Gonçalves emphasised the importance of the retreat as a platform for reflection and actionable planning, noting that: “This retreat is not merely a break from our daily responsibilities; it is an opportunity to reassess our practices, innovate, and reinforce the collaborative ties that unite us.”

He expressed confidence that the deliberations would yield impactful resolutions to enhance the Court’s role as the principal legal organ of the ECOWAS Community.

The President also acknowledged the financial constraints facing the Court and advocated for resource optimization through technological innovations such as virtual meetings. He called on participants to embrace pragmatic solutions that prioritise the Court’s core functions while adapting to current realities.

Over the next three days, participants will be deliberating on key judicial sub-themes moderated by the Honourable Judges, with presentations by directors and staff. Key topics for discussion include writ of execution and implementation in member states; standardising the rulings and orders made in open court; discrepancies between the common law and civil law practices in interlocutory applications and motions; modalities and best practices for translating court decisions; and guidelines for collaboration between research and judges’ chambers.

Gonçalves stressed the importance of these discussions, saying, that “with active engagement, I am confident we will propose meaningful improvements that will enhance the Court’s processes and amplify its impact.”

The Chief Registrar of the Court, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama highlighted the Retreat’s aligns with the Court’s mandate under Article 32 of the Court’s Protocol, which empowers the Court to periodically review its Rules of Procedure to resolve ambiguities from the process of filing to final disposition of cases.

He said that: “This retreat aims to enhance case management through improved guidelines and recommendations.”

The 2024 Judicial Retreat marks the first major activity organised under the Court’s new leadership, and underscores its commitment to transparency, accountability and excellence. The Retreat is being attended by the Honourable Judges, Chief Registrar, Directors, and staff both in-person and virtually, marking a pivotal step towards a more dynamic and effective ECOWAS Court of Justice.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court, Honourable Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves has officially opened a three-day judicial retreat focused on strengthening the effectiveness of the Court’s operations.

The retreat, themed “Judicial Case Management: Relation Between the Office of the Honourable President, Honourable Judges, Registry Department, and Legal Research & Documentation Department,” brought together judges, directors and staff of the Court to foster reflection, collaboration, and strategic planning.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Gonçalves emphasised the importance of the retreat as a platform for reflection and actionable planning, noting that: “This retreat is not merely a break from our daily responsibilities; it is an opportunity to reassess our practices, innovate, and reinforce the collaborative ties that unite us.”

He expressed confidence that the deliberations would yield impactful resolutions to enhance the Court’s role as the principal legal organ of the ECOWAS Community.

The President also acknowledged the financial constraints facing the Court and advocated for resource optimization through technological innovations such as virtual meetings. He called on participants to embrace pragmatic solutions that prioritise the Court’s core functions while adapting to current realities.

Over the next three days, participants will be deliberating on key judicial sub-themes moderated by the Honourable Judges, with presentations by directors and staff. Key topics for discussion include writ of execution and implementation in member states; standardising the rulings and orders made in open court; discrepancies between the common law and civil law practices in interlocutory applications and motions; modalities and best practices for translating court decisions; and guidelines for collaboration between research and judges’ chambers.

Gonçalves stressed the importance of these discussions, saying, that “with active engagement, I am confident we will propose meaningful improvements that will enhance the Court’s processes and amplify its impact.”

The Chief Registrar of the Court, Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama highlighted the Retreat’s aligns with the Court’s mandate under Article 32 of the Court’s Protocol, which empowers the Court to periodically review its Rules of Procedure to resolve ambiguities from the process of filing to final disposition of cases.

He said that: “This retreat aims to enhance case management through improved guidelines and recommendations.”

The 2024 Judicial Retreat marks the first major activity organised under the Court’s new leadership, and underscores its commitment to transparency, accountability and excellence. The Retreat is being attended by the Honourable Judges, Chief Registrar, Directors, and staff both in-person and virtually, marking a pivotal step towards a more dynamic and effective ECOWAS Court of Justice.

ECOWAS Court Retreat Opens with Focus on Strengthening Effectiveness

UN Collaborates to Ensure People Living with Disabilities Are No Longer Deprived

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations is collaborating with Nigerian government to ensure that people living with disabilities in the country are not shortchanged neither deprived because of their condition.

The United Nations on Tuesday conveyed the Review and Validation of the Situation Analysis on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Multistakeholder Capacity-Building Workshop at the UN House in Abuja hosted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and had in attendance varied stakeholders.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Head of Abuja Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Abdourahamane Diallo said: “This event represents a significant moment in our collective journey toward disability inclusion in Nigeria. The Situation Analysis, conducted across selected geopolitical zones earlier this year, provides valuable insights into the status, challenges, and opportunities for persons with disabilities. It aligns with the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and reflects our shared commitment to equity and inclusion.”

He noted that: “The analysis revealed critical findings that require immediate attention. The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, needs to be reviewed to become fully CRPD-compliant. Gaps such as the exclusion of private organisations from the 5% employment quota, lack of provisions for reasonable adjustments and assistive technology for employees with disabilities, absence of guarantees for digital accessibility, and the missing costed implementation plan need to be addressed urgently.

“This requires amendments in consultation with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and the support of international cooperation.

“It is also crucial to enhance the capacity of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to fulfill its role as an independent monitoring entity. Developing its organisational structure, guidelines, and working methods for disability inclusion, while ensuring meaningful engagement of OPDs, will be a step forward. Additionally, the significant disability data gap, particularly the lack of administrative data and its inclusion in general surveys, needs to be tackled. The government must roll out a detailed implementation plan for the Nigeria Inclusive Data Charter Action Plan, with annual targets, indicators, and budget allocations.”

He noted that: “The Revised National Policy on Inclusive Education in Nigeria (2023) is another area requiring attention, as it lacks an implementation plan. Prioritizing its rollout with a costed plan, specific targets, and indicators, in consultation with OPDs and other stakeholders, is essential to ensuring access to quality education for all.”

He said: “Today marks the beginning of a process that will ensure these challenges are addressed comprehensively.”

UN Collaborates to Ensure People Living with Disabilities Are No Longer Deprived