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IWD: CHRICED Calls for Accelerated Action for Political Integration of Women
IWD: CHRICED Calls for Accelerated Action for Political Integration of Women
By: Michael Mike
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called on stakeholders to use the occasion of the International Women’s Day (IWD) to accelerate action for the political integration of women in every sphere of leadership as well as enthrone deep respect and value for women in the conduct of societal affairs.
A statement jointly signed by the Programme Manager, Victor Emejuiwe, Communications Officer, Furera Isiaka and Gender Desk Officer, Falilat Adamu read: “As we celebrate the International Women’s Day, The Resource Center for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) uses this occasion to call on stakeholders This call is in line with the Beijing declaration that provides for equal rights and dignity of women and the National Gender Policy which also makes provision for a just society devoid of discrimination, where the needs and concerns of women, and other gender are mainstreamed equitably into all sectors of national development.
“At CHRICED, we strongly disapprove of actions that aim to undermine women as they strive to achieve their dreams and goals. Such actions include, but are not limited to, workplace violence against women, sexual harassment, and the coercion of transactional sex in exchange for favors. These actions not only violate the rights of women but also perpetuate a culture of fear and silence that hinders progress toward gender equality.”
The statement added: “In light of this, CHRICED expresses profound concern regarding the recent allegations of sexual harassment leveled against Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio by Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan. While the full details of the interactions between the two senators may not be publicly available, it is crucial that a comprehensive and impartial investigation is undertaken to ascertain the truth.
“This is particularly pressing given that Senator Akpabio has faced similar accusations in the past, including allegations of sexual misconduct from the former head of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) during his time as a minister in the Buhari administration. Such a pattern of behavior raises serious questions about accountability and the treatment of women in positions of power.
“We commend Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan for her courage in speaking out against harassment and refusing to remain silent in a predominantly male Senate. Her actions not only highlight the challenges faced by women in political spaces but also serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for women around the world who have endured similar experiences. It is vital that her bravery is recognized and supported, as it encourages a culture of transparency and accountability.
“CHRICED advocates for a nonpartisan, independent investigation into these allegations, emphasizing the importance of allowing the law to take its full course. A thorough investigation is essential not only to uphold the dignity of the Senate President’s office but also to maintain the integrity of the legislative branch of government, which is the second arm of governance. Without such integrity, the legislative body risks losing its moral authority to enact laws that protect women and vulnerable individuals, effectively signaling a tacit acceptance of sexual harassment in workplaces.
“In order to ensure that the investigation unfolds in a manner that is free from bias and external influence, the Centre for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRICED) strongly urges Senator Godswill Akpabio to consider temporarily stepping down from his position as Senate President.
“We recommend that he delegate his responsibilities to his deputy for the duration of the investigation. This proposed action is not merely a procedural formality; it is a critical step toward fostering an environment that is conducive to uncovering the truth. By removing any potential conflicts of interest and mitigating the impact of power dynamics, we can create a more transparent and impartial investigative process. The integrity of the investigation is paramount, as it directly relates to the Senate’s commitment to justice and accountability. When those in positions of power are involved in matters under scrutiny, there is an inherent risk that their influence could skew the findings or deter witnesses from coming forward. By temporarily relinquishing his role, Senator Akpabio would not only demonstrate a commitment to transparency but also reinforce the Senate’s dedication to upholding the principles of justice.
“Moreover, we believe that implementing such measures is essential for establishing a safer and more equitable environment for all individuals within the Senate, particularly for women. The current climate may discourage women and other marginalized groups from voicing their concerns or participating fully in the political process. By taking decisive action to ensure that the investigation is conducted without the shadow of power looming over it, we can help to cultivate a culture of respect, safety, and equality. CHRICED urge Senator Akpabio to take this important step for the sake of the investigation and the integrity of the Senate. By doing so, he would not only be acting in the best interest of justice but also setting a precedent for accountability and ethical leadership that could inspire confidence in the legislative process among all citizens, particularly those who have historically faced barriers to participation.
The Centre added that the participation of women in politics is a critical issue that transcends mere acknowledgment; it demands a robust and unified commitment from political parties and elected officials at all levels of governance, from the Presidency down to state Governors and local leaders. This commitment is essential for the effective implementation of the 35 percent affirmative action for women, a policy that aims to ensure that women are adequately represented in political decision-making processes. Given that women make up 49% of Nigeria’s population yet occupy only six percent of leadership roles in both the corporate and public sectors, the current gender disparity is not just a statistic; it is a significant barrier to Nigeria’s progress. This underrepresentation stifles the potential contributions of women to national development, limiting the country’s ability to harness the full spectrum of talent and perspectives available within its populace.”
The Centre also added that “in light of these pressing issues, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt a proactive and decisive approach to safeguarding the rights of women in Nigeria. In the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, we specifically call upon the APC Muslim-Muslim Presidency of Bola Tinubu to take the following actions:
“Investigate Allegations of Sexual Harassment: We call for the President to direct the appropriate security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President. This step is crucial not only for accountability but also for reinforcing the message that such behavior is unacceptable in any form of governance.
“Implement Political Party Reforms: It is imperative that the President champions political party reforms that require all political parties in Nigeria to reserve a minimum of 35 percent of positions for women, both in elective and appointive capacities. This provision was part of the five gender bills that were regrettably rejected by the previous Senate. By mandating this representation, we can begin to dismantle the systemic barriers that have historically marginalized women in politics.
“Reintroduce Gender Bills: We urge the President to reintroduce the five gender bills as executive proposals, which were dismissed by the Ninth Senate. These bills are vital for enhancing women’s rights across social, political, and economic spheres, and their reintroduction would signal a commitment to gender equality and empowerment.
“Moreover, we call on all levels of government to enact and enforce policies that empower women economically, socially, and politically. This includes the rigorous enforcement of laws and policies designed to protect women from violence, sexual harassment, and all forms of intimidation. By creating a safe and supportive environment for women, we can foster their active participation in all aspect of governance processes.”
IWD: CHRICED Calls for Accelerated Action for Political Integration of Women
NSCDC Boss Asks Officers to Desist from Inter-Agency Rivalry
By: Michael Mike
Commandant-General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Dr. Ahmed Audi has called on officers of the Corps against inter-agency rivalry and called for strengthened synergy.
The CG also urged personnel to leverage on the already existing relationships between security agencies by respecting boundaries.
Speaking on Wednesday at the commissioning of the newly renovated NSCDC FCT Command headquarters Quarter Guard, Audi told the officers and men of the command to be more committed in the discharge of their duties and build synergy.
Audi while urging the personnel to leverage on the already existing relationships between security agencies by respecting boundaries, said: “Don’t envy your brothers rather leverage on the experiences of officers and agencies that had been there for years and learn from them.
“Humble yourself, don’t embarrass the corps by ensuring you don’t intimidate anyone as accidental discharge is not acceptable according to the standard operating procedures of the corps.”
The CG called on officers to be committed in the discharge of their duties while adequately protecting Critical National Asset and Infrastructure (CNAI).
While inaugurating the quarter guard, Audi said that “quarter guard” symbolised regimental discipline which was essential for the image of the corps.
He said: “Quarter guard is a highly regimented exercise that is precisely used to commission dignitaries during visits.
“This is commendable as I urge you to put it to use maximally so that the service will be portrayed in a good manner.”
He commended the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu for his exemplary leadership roles in ensuring the Corps was strategically positioned in the territory.
“ As a leader you should be able to impact on the lives of your subject; Dr Odumosu knows where he is going and the management of the corps is proud of you and will continue to support you,” Audi said.
NSCDC Boss Asks Officers to Desist from Inter-Agency Rivalry
News
Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders Ask Senator Natasha to Stop the Tirade, Provide Quality Representative
Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders Ask Senator Natasha to Stop the Tirade, Provide Quality Representative
By: Michael Mike
Some people from Kogi Central Senatorial District have asked their Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to stop the ongoing tirade with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and face up to providing the quality representation she was voted for.
The group, the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders, in a statement signed by its convener, AbdulRaheem Adeku said: “We the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders have observed with utmost dismay the ongoing brickbat between the Senate President, distinguished senator Godswill Akpabio and the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti and wish to firmly dissociate ourselves from the unfolding events that has become a national concern.
“As a revered institution of government, there is no gain saying that the National Assembly has standing rules that must be obeyed as an integral part of keeping the order but we regret to note in absolute terms that a matter that has to do with a simple compliance to rules has degenerated to a vitreous attack on the personality of the distinguished senate president, Godswill Akpabio.
“We recall the immense support the Senate President extended to Senator Natasha long before she became a member of the National Assembly by virtue of his relationship with her then fiancée now husband who has been a family friend for over twenty years.
“We shall not forget in a hurry how Kogi Central stood still when Senator Akpabio led a contingent of very important personalities and politicians to attend the wedding ceremony of now Senator Natasha to his friend and ally, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, a wedding ceremony that remained the talk of the town even many months later.
“This is testament to the respect shared and value of the relationship between Senator Akpabio and his friend, our in-law.
“Not to forget also that at the time hope was lost for Senator Natasha’s bid to represent her people at the senate, a glimmer of hope was restored again through the unwavering support of the senate president who at the time had nominated senator Abubakar Ohere as Chairman, Committee on Local Content to invariably hold space for Senator Natasha who was soon declared winner by the court of appeal.
“Senator Natasha, despite being a first timer, enjoyed the privilege of stepping into the reserved role, she become the Chairman, Senate committee on local content, a committee many could describe as a juicy one.
As made public by Senator Natasha, she also enjoyed the privilege of travelling to high profile international events with the Senate President where she took a number of selfies with him, additionally she enjoyed sundry privileges many of her senator colleagues dared to get due to an existing family relationship.
It is also on record that due to Senator Natasha s first line of influence and connection to the Senate President, she was able to attract meaningful empowerment programmes which she has leveraged to boost and advance her political career back home.
“It is however shocking to see that since the sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, there has been so many allegations and counter allegations in both the social media and conventional media space, putting the peaceful people of Kogi Central on the pedestal of public scrutiny.
“Having acknowledged the overarching support, she has enjoyed over the past few months from the leadership of the Senate, we would like to categorically dissociate and distance ourselves from the uncanny and inappropriate behavior of Senator Natasha.
@We expect Senator Natasha to recognize her strength as an equal to other members of the red chamber, act as a distinguished member of the red chamber, concentrate on the mandate given to her by her people to protect our overall interest and desist from distracting everyone towards events that yield no common good.
“As a people we are known for showing gratitude, loyalty and fidelity to friendship. We therefore condemn the actions, utterances and smear campaign of our daughter against distinguished senate president, Godswill Akpabio.
“This is not in our character, hence, we the Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders may be compelled by any further stretch of the ongoing public abuse of privilege of representation at the Senate, commence the process of recall.
While pledging total support and loyalty to the Senate President and entire members of the red chamber, we call on the Senate to proceed with the laid down disciplinary measure, take the necessary and appropriate action to serve as deterrent to other serving senators.”
Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders Ask Senator Natasha to Stop the Tirade, Provide Quality Representative
Troops Neutralize Boko Haram Bomb Expert, Amirul Bumma, others in Sambisa Forest
By: Zagazola Makama
At least nine Boko Haram fighters, including Amirul Bumma, the chief bomb maker of the terror group, have been eliminated in a fierce battle with Nigerian troops in Sambisa Forest, Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the encounter took place in Bama Local Government Area during a clearance operation under Operation Desert Sanity 4.
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 21 Armoured Brigade, 199 Special Forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force, and hybrid forces launched the offensive based on intelligence that insurgents were regrouping in a well-fortified enclave between Sabil Huda and Njimiya, near Alai Dala Stand.
The insurgents, caught off guard, attempted to resist but were overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower. In the aftermath of the battle, it was observed that the terrorists had brought hospital beds to the battlefield, intending to evacuate their casualties an indication of the devastating blow they suffered.
A battlefield damage assessment revealed that several high-profile Boko Haram figures were among those neutralized, including: Amirul Bumma, Boko Haram’s chief bomb maker, Bakura Ghana, Awari, Malam Kalli, Malam Usman Bula Kagoye, Ibrahim Bula Abu Asma’u
and Two others yet to be identified
In addition to neutralizing these insurgents, troops recovered a significant cache of high-caliber ammunition.
Meanwhile, in a desperate attempt to retaliate, Boko Haram fighters planted multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the troops’ withdrawal route. However, the troops successfully detected and neutralized about ten of these explosives, preventing potential casualties.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Major General Abubakar Haruna, praised the troops for their success in the operation.
He lauded their bravery and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to eradicating terrorism in the Northeast and across Nigeria.
Troops Neutralize Boko Haram Bomb Expert, Amirul Bumma, others in Sambisa Forest
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NSCDC Boss Asks Officers to Desist from Inter-Agency Rivalry
Kogi Central Concerned Stakeholders Ask Senator Natasha to Stop the Tirade, Provide Quality Representative
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