News
Envoy Says Palestinians Awaits CJ ruling in few days
Envoy Says Palestinians Awaits CJ ruling in few days
……..Enjoins International Community to Call Israel to Order
By: Michael Mike
The Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abu Shawesh has said that his country is awaiting the pronouncement of the International Court of Justice on the Israeli continous bombardment of Gaza in few days.
Shawesh also appealed to international community to join in calling for a halt to Israeli military action on Palestinians which has led to over 25,000 death since 7th October 2023 retaliation attack.
Shawesh said: “South Africa (SA) has brought the matter to the court as a matter of extreme urgency and with a priority and stipulation to order Israel to halt and suspend its onslaught campaign in order to protect the Palestinian people and preserve the evidence.
“We expect to hear the decision in the coming days. We must wait until then to know whether the court is convinced by the evidence that SA presented.”
The envoy while also commending South Africa for instituting the case at The Hague, explained that “in its application to the ICJ, South Africa based its accusation both on actions taken by Israel throughout the war and controversial comments made by Israeli officials regarding Palestinians in Gaza and how they should be treated.”
He argued that Israel is a signatory to the Genocide Convention adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 and is therefore subject to the jurisdiction of the ICJ, a UN organ, and its rulings. Under the terms of the convention, Israel is obligated to send representatives to the court following the submission of a filing against it.
Shawesh said: “At the outset, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the political leaders and people of South Africa for their strong moral stance and for standing steadfastly in support of international law and justice by suing Israel for its genocide of the Palestinian people, the occupying power, before the United Nations International Court of Justice. In this regard, we also urge all countries that side with Israel’s acts of genocide and are neglecting to condemn Israel’s war crimes to acknowledge what is actually happening and to review their moral and legal position.
“Three things cannot be hidden for long: the sun, the moon, and the truth. The truth is that the behavior of the Israeli government is in fact forms of genocide against the Palestinian people.
“South Africa submitted an 84 page document crammed with devastating evidence that Israel is breaching its legal obligation under the 1948 international Genocide Convention. The Convention defines genocide as the “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.”
He noted that: “This definition is wholly applicable to the Israeli political and military leaders’ declared positions, and which prove the intent and their military acts on the ground prove the Israeli government is violating and breaching the Convention. The declaration of the Israeli Prime Minister reminded the Israeli population about the Old Testament and of the carnage of Amalek and to “spare no one, but kill alike men and women, infants and suckling.”
He said the Israeli war minister Gallant has vowed that “Gaza won’t return to what it was before – we will eliminate everything,” adding that Israel’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure has also pledged “they will not receive a drop of water or a single battery until they leave this world.”
He explained that: “On January 11th, the ICJ court listened first to South Africa and the following day to the lawyers representing the Israeli Occupation. We all know that discussing this case and issuing a final verdict may take many years to come, all with a lot of investigation.”
He however lamented that: “On the 103rd day of the Israeli frenzied genocide campaign against the Palestinian people, the casualty numbers are growing and growing and many respected international governmental organisations issued countless reports that we can all refer to for the accurate statistical information.
“Between 7 October 2023 .. 12 January 2024, at least 23,708 Palestinians were killed in Gaza and 60,005 Palestinians were injured.” “Since 11 October 2023, the Gaza Strip has been under an electricity blackout, after the Israeli authorities cut off the electricity supply and fuel reserves for Gaza’s sole power plant were depleted.” “Since 7 October 2023 …and as of 12 January 2024, 333 Palestinians have been killed, including 84 children, across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem…. Of those killed in the West Bank (333); 324 were killed by Israeli forces, eight by Israeli settlers and one by either Israeli forces or settlers .… The number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in 2023 (507) marks the highest number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank since OCHA started recording casualties in 2005”. “Since 7 October 2023 …and as of 12 January 2024, 4,176 Palestinians, including 631 children, were injured in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Of them, 4,046 have been injured by Israeli forces, 109 by settlers and 21 by either Israeli forces or settlers.”
Shawesh decried that: “Israel is waging a war of starvation and pushing the Palestinian economy faster towards the already clearly ravaging disaster. For the third month in a row, Israel refuses to transfer the Palestinian clearance funds to the Palestinian government, leaving it unable to pay its employees’ salaries and other financial obligations.
“The lack of drinking water in the Strip has become a matter of life and death.
“Residents are currently forced to drink unclean well water, which is contributing to the spread of transmitted and infectious diseases, especially amid the power outage and overall water supply shortage”.
“It is absolutely inhumane to see countries with the largest military naval forces in the world moving to protect shipping and trade lines in the Red Sea, but we do not see them moving or even raising their voices to stop the acts of genocide taking place in the occupied Palestinian territories that we are seeing on the news. What makes matters worse, is that many of these countries are fully complicit in the ongoing genocide in Palestine by providing Israel with military means and ammunition, in addition to unconditional and unlimited political support.
“More than 90 per cent of the population is now suffering from acute food insecurity, and many are on the brink of avoidable human-made famine. We recall that starvation of the civilian population
as a method of war is prohibited.”
Envoy Says Palestinians Awaits CJ ruling in few days
KACRAN Commends NEDC for Critical Water Projects, Strategic Leadership in North East Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) formally commends the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its responsiveness and commitment to improving the welfare of pastoralists across the region.
The KACRAN National President, Hon. Khalil Moh’d Bello, in a statement on Thursday said: “We express our profound gratitude to the NEDC for the installation of solar-powered boreholes in Dangel Lantaiwa Ward (Tarmuwa LGA, Yobe State) and Siddikiyo Jauro Gambo Ribadu Ward (Funakaye LGA, Gombe State). These projects provide a vital lifeline to thousands of pastoralists and their livestock, addressing the critical challenge of water scarcity in these Pastoralists concentration centers.
“KACRAN acknowledges that the NEDC stands out as a model of responsive governance. The Commission has demonstrated a genuine determination to alleviate suffering and enhance social services beyond standard expectations.”
Bello noted that: “Recently, KACRAN advocated for more inclusion of livestock development in the NEDC’s 2026 policies to ensure pastoralists benefit equitably alongside other residents of the region.
“We are pleased to note the Commission’s positive reaction to this appeal. This willingness to listen to complaints and adjust programs reflects the sterling leadership qualities of the current management.
“We applaud the consistency of the NEDC in prioritizing projects that foster peace and unity.
“The synergy between the NEDC, North East Governors, Local Government Chairmen, security agencies, and traditional rulers has been instrumental in stabilizing the region.
“The North East is no longer defined by devastation, but by its rapid reconstruction and rehabilitation.”
Bello added that: “As direct beneficiaries of these people-oriented policies, KACRAN passionately appeals to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure the timely release of adequate funds to the NEDC. This support is essential for the Commission to sustain its impactful work under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Furthermore, we call upon the newly established development commissions in the North West and North Central regions to emulate the NEDC’s inclusive approach to foster development and peace across Nigeria.”
KACRAN also expressed its full confidence in the leadership of NEDC Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, and the Director of Administration and Finance, Dr. Garba Iliya., noting that: “Their administration has proven to the Presidency and the Nigerian people that they are capable, reliable partners in the quest for permanent peace and sustainable development in the North East.”
KACRAN Commends NEDC for Critical Water Projects, Strategic Leadership in North East Nigeria
News
Troops rescue abducted Biu Councillor, religious cleric in Borno as hunt continues for five others
Troops rescue abducted Biu Councillor, religious cleric in Borno as hunt continues for five others
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai have rescued two civilians abducted by terrorists along the Buni Gari–Buratai road in Borno, following a swift search-and-rescue operation.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue was carried out by troops of 27 Task Force Brigade in conjunction with 135 Special Forces Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The sources said the operation was launched at about 7:35 a.m. on Wednesday after the kidnapping of seven civilians at about 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday along the Buni Gari–Buratai axis.
“Consequently, at about 11:35 a.m. on Wednesday, troops discovered two of the kidnapped victims who were abandoned by the terrorists upon hearing the movement of troops towards their location ahead of Mangari village,” the source said.
The rescued victims were identified as Alhaji Mohammed Ali Maiakachi, a serving councillor representing Zera/Wuyep Ward in Biu Local Government Area, and Mallam Aliyu Yusuf, an Islamic scholar and Chairman of Shuaaraul Islam, Borno State.
The troops, according to the source, immediately secured the release of the victims and pursued the fleeing terrorists for about 5.4 kilometres, but no contact was made.
The rescued victims reportedly informed troops that five other civilians were still being held captive, including the past and current Vice Chairmen of Biu Local Government Area, as well as three women.
“The effort to rescue the remaining five civilians is ongoing,” the source added.
The victims were initially taken to medical reception station for medical attention before being moved to Biu, where they were reunited with their families.
Troops rescue abducted Biu Councillor, religious cleric in Borno as hunt continues for five others
Northern Christian Youth Coalition Calls for Sack of Matawalle
By: Michael Mike
The Northern Christian Youth Coalition (NCYC) has asked for the sack of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over what it described as “grave allegations” undermining the integrity of the nation’s security architecture.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Coordinator, Jeremaid Hudso Bako, the group said the call was driven by the need to uphold accountability and restore public trust in government institutions.
Bako said the recent dismissal of Farouk Ahmed, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), was a welcome step toward promoting transparency in public service but urged that the same standard be applied to other high-ranking officials facing serious allegations.
He said: “The recent dismissal of Farouk Ahmed, the former chief executive officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), serves as a crucial reminder of the need for accountability in public office. While we commend this action, we must insist that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration extend this cleansing process to include the Minister of State for Defense.
“The accusations against Bello Matawalle are not only severe but also deeply troubling, as they touch upon issues of national security that are paramount to the stability and safety of our nation.
“The allegations surrounding Bello Matawalle are grave and cannot be overlooked. Reports indicate that he has been implicated in various activities that compromise the integrity of our defense apparatus and, by extension, the safety of our citizens.
“In a time when insecurity looms large over our nation, with rampant banditry, terrorism, and other forms of violence threatening the very fabric of our society, it is unacceptable to have a Minister of State for Defense whose actions may exacerbate these challenges.
“The defense of our nation is not merely a bureaucratic function; it is a sacred duty that demands the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability.
As Northern Christian Youth Coalition, we are deeply concerned about the implications of retaining an individual in such a critical position when there are credible accusations against him.
“The Ministry of Defense is tasked with safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the protection of our citizens. Any compromise in this regard is not just a failure of leadership; it is a betrayal of the trust placed in public officials by the people. We believe that the integrity of our government must be upheld, and this can only be achieved through decisive action against those who threaten it.”
Bako noted that the defence portfolio is a “sacred trust” that demands the highest standards of ethical conduct and transparency.
The NCYC stressed that the Tinubu administration’s stated commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance must be reflected in decisive action against officials whose conduct raises questions of integrity.
He said: “Thhe failure to act against Bello Matawalle would send a contradictory message, undermining the very principles that the administration seeks to uphold.
“It is essential that the government demonstrates its resolve to cleanse the ranks of leadership of any elements that may threaten the stability and security of our nation.
“Moreover, the Northern Christian Youth Coalition believes that the removal of Bello Matawalle is not just about addressing individual misconduct; it is about setting a precedent for future governance. It is a clarion call for all public officials to understand that their actions have consequences and that accountability is non-negotiable.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take this opportunity to reinforce the values of integrity and accountability within his administration, ensuring that all officials are held to the highest standards of conduct.
“The Northern Christian Youth Coalition calls upon the President to act swiftly and decisively in the matter of Bello Matawalle’s continued tenure as Minister of State for Defense.
“The time for action is now, as the safety and security of our nation depend on the integrity of those who lead us. We stand ready to support any measures that will contribute to the establishment of a clean and accountable government, one that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens above all else.”
Northern Christian Youth Coalition Calls for Sack of Matawalle
KACRAN Commends NEDC for Critical Water Projects, Strategic Leadership in North East Nigeria
Troops rescue abducted Biu Councillor, religious cleric in Borno as hunt continues for five others
Northern Christian Youth Coalition Calls for Sack of Matawalle
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