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Democracy Day: ActionAid Says Impartiality, Independence, Transparency Are Keys to Improvement of Democracy, Electoral Process
Democracy Day: ActionAid Says Impartiality, Independence, Transparency Are Keys to Improvement of Democracy, Electoral Process
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has called on Nigerian government to continue to improve electoral process and democracy by ensuring its continued improvement and impartiality, independence, and transparency.
In a statement to mark the celebration of Democracy Day, the Country Representative of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu said: “Today, we celebrate a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey. As we commemorate Democracy Day, ActionAid Nigeria acknowledges the efforts of those who have worked tirelessly to entrench democracy in our country. Their sacrifices have given us a voice, a choice, and a chance to shape our collective destiny.
“We recognise the importance of effective electoral and judicial systems in safeguarding our democracy and promoting national development. We encourage the government to continue improving these systems, ensuring their impartiality, independence, and transparency. Specifically, we call for the strengthening of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure its independence and ability to conduct free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people.
“As we mark this occasion, we are reminded that democracy is a powerful tool for delivering the needs of the people. ActionAid Nigeria urges the government to harness its potential to address the socio-economic challenges facing our nation. By prioritising inclusive and equitable processes, we can ensure that citizens’ voices are heard, and their needs are addressed.”
Mamedu advised that: “Our leaders should prioritise the common good, and work towards revitalising our economy. We urge them to implement and develop economic policies that benefit all Nigerians, create sustainable jobs, and reduce inflation. Specifically, we call on the government to implement a living minimum wage that reflects the current economic realities and ensures that workers can afford a decent standard of living.”
“ActionAid also urges the government to address the persistent human rights violations in our country and take concrete steps to ensure that all citizens enjoy their fundamental human rights, making sure that perpetrators of human rights violations are held accountable,” the statement further said.
Adding that: “Furthermore, we call on the government to prioritise gender equality and women’s empowerment, ensuring that women have equal access to political participation, economic opportunities, and social services. ActionAid Nigeria calls on the government to enact strategies that combat gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality, and ensure that women have a seat at the table in decision-making processes, amplifying their voices and perspectives.
“As we commemorate 25 years of democracy, ActionAid Nigeria calls for a renewed commitment to democracy and good governance. We urge the government to work collaboratively with the broader public to develop and implement policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians.
“We can build a democracy that truly delivers for the people, a democracy that promotes accountability, transparency, and good governance. A democracy that ensures Nigeria’s wealth benefits all Nigerians, not just a few.
“Together, we can make democracy work for the people. A democracy that provides quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure for all. A democracy that creates jobs and opportunities for young people. A democracy that ensures justice and equality for all.”
Democracy Day: ActionAid Says Impartiality, Independence, Transparency Are Keys to Improvement of Democracy, Electoral Process
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has trained 34 Community Protection Rights Advocates to protect and promote human rights in Gombe state.
Dr Joseph Wanshe, the State Coordinator of the Commission, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Monday.
Wanshe said that the training was imperative toward achieving the mandate of the commission in the state.
According to him, the trained advocates, who are mostly in rural areas, will penetrate distant and rural communities where human rights violations are rampant.
He said that the training has started yielding the expected results as there have been increased number of reported cases of human rights violations from rural communities across the state.
He said that the advocates have been deployed to the 11 local government areas of the state.
“We are witnessing an upsurge in human rights reporting coming to the office.
“ The numbers are increasing as regards civil and political rights followed by cases of women and children, domestic violence, economic, social and cultural rights.
“ There are many factors involved in the upsurge as the NHRC within the last one month has stepped up sensitisations and stakeholders’ engagements.
“ We have trained Community Protection Rights advocates, who have been working and as a result, awareness has increased and number of complaints received have spiked,” he said.
Wanshe said that the trained advocates have been affiliated to NHRC at the local government levels toward ensuring wider coverage of the state in terms of human rights protection.
He assured residents on the commission’s effort at ensuring that it achieved effectively its mandate of protection and promotion of human rights.
Wanshe commended the people of Gombe State for their improved confidence in NHRC which has resulted in improved reportage of human rights violations
He further urged communities to support the advocates in their domains in the overall interest of human rights protection.
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops of the Nigerian Army have intercepted 11 suspected criminals conveying materials believed to be for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
By: Zagazola Makama
Security sources said the suspects, comprising 10 males and one female, were arrested at about 12:59 a.m. on April 27 by troops of 176 Guards Battalion deployed at Kuchiyako.
The sources disclosed that the suspects were intercepted in a vehicle along the Kuchiyako–Tipper Garage road, allegedly loaded with IED-making materials.
According to preliminary investigation, the suspects claimed they were en route to mining sites around Kabbin Mangoro in Kuje Area Council to collect mineral resources.
Items recovered from them include explosive charges and three-and-a-half bags of unidentified mineral substances, among other sundry materials.
The suspects are currently in military custody, while investigations are ongoing to ascertain their intent and possible links to criminal or terrorist activities.
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under 1 Brigade have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists in Godel community of Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:08 p.m. on April 27 when troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kaura Namoda responded to credible intelligence on terrorist activities in the area.
The sources disclosed that troops made contact with the attackers upon arrival, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
According to the sources, the troops forced the terrorists to withdraw from the area following the encounter.
However, during the attack, the assailants reportedly rustled an unspecified number of cattle belonging to residents of the community.
Three civilians were also said to have sustained gunshot wounds and were evacuated for medical attention.
The sources added that troops have intensified patrols and clearance operations in the general area to prevent further attacks and recover the rustled livestock.
Troops repel terrorists in Zamfara, recover calm after attack on Godel community
NHRC trains 34 human rights advocates in Gombe
Troops intercept 11 suspects with IED-making materials in Abuja
Troops foil kidnap attempt in Kaduna, rescue two victims
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