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House of Reps Assures on Passage of Human Rights Defenders Bill
House of Reps Assures on Passage of Human Rights Defenders Bill
By: Michael Mike
The House of Representatives has revealed that it is interested in the passage of the Human Rights Defenders Bill into law, saying that the bill has already passed the first reading and will soon be subjected to second reading.
The House also promised to take the necessary steps to ensure an improvement in the 2025 budget of the NHRC, pointing out that the N5 billion approved for it in the 2024 budget is inadequate considering the myriad of human rights violations in the country.
The Chairman House Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Abiola Makinde made this disclosure during the oversight visit of Committee to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The Chairman, who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Hon. Mudashiru Lukeman assured the NHRC that the Committee would continue to advance the course of human rights in Nigeria by ensuring that the House of Representatives passes critical bills on human rights issues as well as makes adequate budgetary provisions to ease the work of the Commission.
Makinde also stated that in a bid to improve some aspects of Civil and Political Rights, the House of Representatives had ensured the establishment of human rights desks in all police formations and Headquarters across the 36 States of the Federation.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu who received the lawmakers with his management staff told the Human Rights Committee that the Commission relies heavily on them for the enactment of human rights friendly laws and enhanced budgetary provisions to discharge it broad mandate of promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights in the country.
He used the opportunity to commend the legislators for their role in the amendment of the NHRC Act 2010 as well as the support of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila in the payment of compensation to victims of human rights violations by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
He equally informed the legislators who were on oversight visit about the recent report released by the Commission following the findings of the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in the North East Nigeria , which he noted has saved the country from possible invitation by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
He noted that the aforementioned wide spread allegations of human rights infractions against some government institutions could result in the ICC extending invitations to some of the leaders to respond to the allegations, but the Commission has done the needful in compliance with the international principles of omplementarity.
He thanked the Committee for promising to improve the budgetary allocation of the Commission in the 2025 fiscal year.
House of Reps Assures on Passage of Human Rights Defenders Bill
Troops Discover Illegal Oil Bunkering Site in Rivers State
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force South-South, Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), have uncovered an illegal oil bunkering site in Abessa Forest, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources said the discovery was made at about 10:00 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 103 Battalion (Mechanised) during an anti-illegal bunkering operation.
At the site, troops reportedly found four small drum ovens, 50 sacks containing crude oil estimated at about 3,000 litres, and two waste pits used for illegal refining activities.
The sources said the recovered items were handled in accordance with Operation DELTA SAFE directives.
Authorities added that operations to dismantle illegal refining camps and disrupt crude oil theft networks in the Niger Delta region are ongoing.
Troops Discover Illegal Oil Bunkering Site in Rivers State
Residents Repel Bandit Attack in Sokoto, Neutralise One Assailant
By: Zagazola Makama
Residents of Achida community in Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto State have successfully repelled a bandit attack, in what has been described as a rare display of coordinated community self-defence.
Security and local sources said the incident occurred when armed bandits stormed the community, but were met with stiff resistance from residents and local vigilante groups who mobilised quickly to confront the attackers.
The villagers reportedly engaged the assailants directly, forcing them to retreat after a brief confrontation.
During the encounter, one of the suspected bandits was neutralised by the community defence group, while others fled with possible injuries.
The sources commended the courage and unity of the residents, particularly the vigilante members, for their swift response in defending their community against the attack.
Security authorities are expected to continue patrols and follow-up operations in the area to prevent further incidents and track fleeing suspects.
Residents Repel Bandit Attack in Sokoto, Neutralise One Assailant
COAS Commissions Health Centre in Imo Under Intervention Project
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. W. Shaibu, has commissioned the Umuhu-Okabia Health Centre in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State as part of the Nigerian Army Intervention Projects.
The COAS was represented at the event on April 22 by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA, Maj.-Gen. O.A. Fadairo.
Security sources said the commissioning ceremony was well attended by dignitaries, including the representative of the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Maj.-Gen. V.D. Beryo, and the Chief Host, Maj.-Gen. K.O. Ukandu, alongside royal fathers and other invited guests.
The newly commissioned health facility is part of the Nigerian Army’s civil-military cooperation initiatives aimed at improving access to basic healthcare services in local communities.
COAS Commissions Health Centre in Imo Under Intervention Project
Troops Discover Illegal Oil Bunkering Site in Rivers State
Residents Repel Bandit Attack in Sokoto, Neutralise One Assailant
COAS Commissions Health Centre in Imo Under Intervention Project
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