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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
Boko Haram claims victory over ISWAP in new video
By: Zagazola Makama
Boko Haram on Wednesday released a video taunting the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) over recent clashes in the northeast.
In the four-minute video, a Boko Haram member, appearing to speak on behalf of the group, claimed that their fighters had defeated ISWAP in a recent confrontation, asserting that “God will continue to defeat them.”
The speaker challenged those claiming that ISWAP had the upper hand, urging them to provide evidence through their Telegram or WhatsApp handles to substantiate such claims.
He further stated that in the recent encounter, ISWAP brought eight boats, all of which were captured or destroyed by Boko Haram, resulting in numerous casualties. Only a few militants reportedly escaped with two boats, according to the video.
The release of the video comes amid week long intensified clashes between Boko Haram and ISWAP in Borno and surrounding states, illustrating ongoing internal rivalry between
the extremist factions.
Boko Haram claims victory over ISWAP in new video
Forest guard shoots IDP dead in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
A 19-year-old forestry guard ranger has allegedly shot dead an internally displaced person (IDP) at Rann camp in Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.
Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred at about 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, when the suspect, identified as Mohammed Abbalayi, allegedly fired an AK-47 rifle at the victim, Abba Kime Jugudum, aged 25.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI deployed in the area immediately responded, secured the scene, and recovered the weapon an AK-47 rifle along with 25 rounds of live ammunition.
The victim’s remains were evacuated to the General Hospital in Rann, where he was confirmed dead by a medical officer and later released to his relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.
Sources told Zagazola that the suspect was discreetly transferred to Maiduguri for further investigation by relevant authorities.
Kala-Balge, located along the Nigeria–Cameroon border, hosts thousands of displaced persons affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
End
COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shuaibu, on Wednesday commended the security situation in Enugu State, noting significant improvements across the state.
Lt Gen Shuaibu, who was on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, said his visit coincided with the closing ceremony of the Regular Short Service Module (RSM) Convention, aimed at strengthening leadership, discipline, and professional development among RSMs.
“I am pleased to report that security in Enugu has significantly improved, as briefed by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division. The state has shown remarkable cooperation with the military, which has enhanced operational effectiveness,” he said.
The COAS praised Governor Mbah for his support to the Army and pledged continued collaboration to protect lives and property in the state. He emphasized that the Army remains committed to sustaining peace and ensuring a safe environment for residents.
Highlighting the RSM Convention, Lt Gen Shuaibu noted that the programme equipped participants with knowledge to lead with integrity, mentor soldiers, and enhance discipline and regimentation within the Army.
Governor Mbah, in his remarks, welcomed the COAS and described his appointment as a “square peg in a square hole,” expressing confidence in his leadership and commitment to national security.
Mbah said it was an honor to host him in Enugu and formally congratulate him on his appointment. He commended the COAS for immediately hitting the ground running, noting that he had already visited the northeast to assess security operations.
Governor Mbah acknowledged the critical role of the military in ensuring a safe and secure environment, stating, “We could not have achieved the sort of safe and secure city and state that we have here today without the active support of the Army. This is a partnership, and this support is going to be sustained.”
He further emphasized the need for continued collaboration, expressing confidence that joint engagement between the state and the military would strengthen security objectives nationwide.
On behalf of the government and people of Enugu State, Governor Mbah warmly welcomed the COAS to the state and wished him a fruitful visit during the closing ceremony of the Regiment Seargent Major (RSM) Convention.
COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor
Boko Haram claims victory over ISWAP in new video
Forest guard shoots IDP dead in Borno
COAS lauds security improvement in Enugu during courtesy visit to governor
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