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IWD: CHRICED Calls for Accelerated Action for Political Integration of Women

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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

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FFS Warns of Employment Racketeers, Threatens to Prosecute those with Fake Employment Letters

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FFS Warns of Employment Racketeers, Threatens to Prosecute those with Fake Employment Letters

By: Michael Mike

The leadership of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has issued a stern warning to desperate job seekers, stating that should be wary of employment racketeers who are out to defraud many with fake employment letters of the organisation.

The FFS boss, Engr Abdulganiyu Jaji, also warned the employment racketeers and those patronizing them to desist from the fraudulent activities of dragging the name of the Service through the mud, as there is an ongoing manhunt for them.

Abdulganiyu, in a statement on Monday, expressed deep concern over the rising cases of job racketeering involving unscrupulous agents who deceive desperate job seekers with fake appointment and invitation letters.

The CG emphasised that it never and will never authorise any third parties to conduct recruitment on its behalf and reiterated that all official processes are handled transparently through recognised government platforms.

Furthermore, the FFS boss made it clear that anyone caught presenting forged documents in a bid to secure employment will face immediate arrest and prosecution. The service lamented the damage such actions inflict on its credibility and the emotional and financial toll they take on victims.

He said: “Let me shock you, the Federal Fire Service, through its vigilant oversight, uncovered five names of desperate job seekers who managed to insert themselves into the IPPIS list without having any original invitation or appointment letters.

“On behalf of the Board, I challenge anyone in possession of a genuine appointment letter who claims to have been unjustly denied the opportunity to come forward with it.”

“The truth is, we were extremely thorough with the entire recruitment process. In fact, we went as far as inviting those individuals who illicitly made it onto the IPPIS platform, and they openly confessed to engaging in underground dealings. Every possible loophole was sealed—we meticulously cross-checked the original master list against both the final documented list and the IPPIS entries.

“Interestingly, when we uncovered and seized several of these fake letters, we made the strategic decision to quietly suspend the documentation process without any public announcement. To our surprise, the fraudsters—completely unaware of our move—went ahead and printed even more fake letters. We could only watch and laugh, knowing they had already exposed themselves.”

Jaji, who reaffirmed the service commitment to integrity, called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. He further assured that genuine opportunities within the agency will always be publicly announced through proper, verifiable channels

He said: “Each time we are made aware of the alarming rise in fake recruitment activities being carried out by fraudsters, we take it upon ourselves to promptly alert Nigerians—particularly desperate job seekers—that these fraudulent recruitment claims into the Service are not from us. We strongly warn the public to be cautious and avoid engaging with these scammers who falsely present themselves as representatives of the Federal Fire Service.

“Referring to the recently concluded recruitment exercise, it’s worth recalling that the immediate past Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Ja’afaru Ahmed, issued an official statement urging candidates to check their status on the Board’s portal, cdcfib.career, on the designated date in December 2024. The Board had specifically advised applicants for the Federal Fire Service (FFS) recruitment to visit the portal to confirm their final selection and download their invitation letters directly.”

“Having made this clear, anyone claiming to have been invited for documentation but whose name does not appear on the official master list has, without a doubt, fallen victim to scammers.”

“It is disheartening that, despite repeated warnings, some job seekers continue to willingly fall into the hands of fraudsters who go as far as creating fake websites, selling bogus recruitment forms, and extorting large sums of money under the guise of processing employment.

“We have consistently emphasized—through the CDCFIB—that the entire recruitment process into the four paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior is completely free, with no payments required at any stage.”

“As a matter of fact, several fake invitation letters, SMS messages, and emails were intercepted. Shockingly, even after the new Secretary of the Board assumed office, some individuals still showed up with forged letters falsely bearing the name of the former Secretary.

“It is truly disheartening that job seekers who willingly engage with individuals who call, send suspicious links via text messages, and even request payments through provided account details, later turn around to petition the Service when things go wrong.

“The Federal Fire Service, under my watch, is built on a foundation of hard-earned integrity, and we will do everything necessary to safeguard that reputation. On this note, I appeal to those with genuine complaints to support our efforts by submitting the account details, names, and phone numbers of those involved for immediate and decisive action.

“No credible government agency would issue letters of invitation to successful candidates only to turn around and cancel them. That is completely unrealistic—and let me be clear—the Federal Fire Service has never been, and will never be, involved in such misconduct.

“We have now resolved to begin arresting and publicly parading individuals who present fake invitation letters during documentation and screening exercises. Alarmingly, some even go as far as submitting forged appointment letters.

“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to job seekers, especially our hardworking youths, to remain patient. The government is actively working to create meaningful opportunities to engage them.”

“The Honourable Minister of Interior, himself a young man, is committed to ensuring that the years our youths have invested in education do not go to waste. Instead of turning to fake websites—often with suspicious phone numbers and email contacts—applicants should wait for official advertisements from the CDCFIB in national newspapers and apply only through the government-designated portal, where no payment is required at any stage.

“Finally, let me categorically state that no Federal Fire Service personnel should be patronised under any circumstance. Any candidate who chooses to do so will bear the consequences alone.”
End

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JAMB Registrar, ASE VC task students to make good use of time

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JAMB Registrar, ASE VC task students to make good use of time
..As ASE matriculates pioneer set

By: Michael Mike

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Emeritus Is-haq Oloyede, has encouraged students to make a good use of their time, noting that the most important things in life are often limited in supply.

Oloyede gave this advice while making his remarks at the maiden matriculation of the African School of Economics (The Pan-African University of Excellence) in Abuja.

The JAMB Registrar noted that regardless of the students’ courses and departments, one important lesson that being students of the university should remind them of is the need to put value on what is limited because economics is about maximizing the utilisation of the limited and everyone must locate themselves within that philosophy.

Oloyede, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, further encouraged the students to make a judicious use of the opportunities available to them saying that the size of the university would allow them to be able to benefit maximally as the extremely large classes could not be applicable to them. He wished the university all the best and expressed hope that the students would justify the investments made in them.

In his Lecture, “Education: The Pathway to Success in Life”, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, African School of Economics, Prof. Michael Maduagwu, emphasized the importance of education and underscored the significance of reading widely. He noted that the advent of Information and Communication Technology has made reading and learning much accessible with unlimited learning resources available to the students.

He also charged them on ethics and character noting that stories bordering on examination malpractice, bribery, cultism and sexual harassment have often been told in some Nigerian universities but they should not apply to ASE. He advised the students and the staff to set the highest standard for the university and appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for his charismatic leadership.

Earlier in his address, “Three Principles, Six Stories”, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, introduced the university as one with a difference, saying that the institution was conceived to address the critical challenges Africa. He said the university leverages partnership, technology and personnel to achieve functional education that transforms individuals and societies based on the core values of the university, which he identified as IDEAS meaning Integrity, Discipline, Excellence, Accountability and Service.

Adedimeji encouraged the students to embrace curiosity, cultivate resilience and maintain focus as three principles that would guarantee their success. He also spoke on the need for them to embrace faith, have trust, keep hope, demonstrate confidence, show love and maintain positive attitude at all times.

“Ultimately, always remember that you are part of something greater than yourself. You are part of a legacy of excellence, a tradition of innovation, and a commitment to making the world a better place,” he said.

Highlights of the occasion included the administration of the matriculation oath on the students by the Vice-Chancellor and remarks by the founder, Prof. Leonard Wantchecon, who shared his vision for the university and welcomed the students to the campus.

The students were also guided by the Director-General of Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Dr Soji Eniade; and the Registrar of the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Dr Mustapha Sheikh, represented by his Deputy Registrar, Mr Dennis Onwukwe as well as the wife of the Chairman, Dr Kate Maduagwu.

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Unreported Attacks Fueling Violence in Plateau—Stakeholders Urge Decisive Action

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Unreported Attacks Fueling Violence in Plateau—Stakeholders Urge Decisive Action

By: Zagazola Makama

Beneath the surface of Plateau State’s persistent security challenges lies a disturbing trend: the rising tide of unreported and isolated attacks, amid a silence of conspiracy, quietly fueling cycles of violence across rural communities.

The recent recovery of 58 rustled cows by Nigerian security forces in Hiktup Village, Kombun District, Mangu Local Government Area points to a much larger, largely hidden crisis that security experts say demands urgent government intervention.

According to police sources, the cows were recovered during a routine patrol on Friday evening and are currently in police custody as efforts continue to trace their rightful owners.

Zagazola Makama has previously reported how the cattle were rustled from herders in Murish village, Mangu Local Government Area after one harder was killed by a group of about 30 youths from the area. One other herder, 21-year-old Abdullahi Suleiman, remains missing. Of the rustled livestock, 11 were initially recovered.

However, response agencies remained silent, with no arrests made despite the fact that the perpetrators are known and Abdullahi Suleiman is still missing.

While this recovery represents a success for law enforcement, many similar incidents across Plateau’s vast rural landscape go unreported, either due to fear, communal distrust, or lack of access to justice. In many cases, even if perpetrators are captured, local government chairmen and traditional rulers ensure that the cases do not see the light of day.

These isolated attacks on some cattle settlements, in the name of fighting bandits, have become flashpoints for deadly reprisal attacks between farming and herding communities in Plateau State. Those who dare to speak out against it are often labeled as bandits’ apologists or terrorist sympathizers. The narrative suggests that Fulani herders are invading lands and displacing local communities.

On Monday, gunmen reportedly killed a herder named Hamza Sulaiman in the Shen community, Jos South LGA of Plateau State. The attack occurred around 12:30 p.m. while six herders were grazing. Three cattle and several sheep were also killed.

In a separate incident, 26 cattle were allegedly poisoned near the INEC office in Mangu LGA. Musa Muhammad, Secretary of MACBAN in Mangu, stated that the cattle were grazing when the poisoning occurred around 1:30 p.m. Local security personnel, including the DSS and police, visited the scene and confirmed the deaths, discovering poisoned mangoes and contaminated water.

Earlier, on April 16, about 36 cattle, reportedly belonging to one Samaila Nuhu, were poisoned at Tafi Gana Junction in Zanwar Ward of Bassa Local Government Area. The government has stated it is investigating the matter through the Ministry of Livestock Development, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries.

Security analysts are concerned that unless urgent steps are taken to address the root causes of these crimes, the state risks an escalation of violence. Each individual killed, each stolen cow, each poisoned animal represents more than just an economic loss; it triggers a cycle of revenge, widening the fault lines between communities.

The inability to swiftly prosecute culprits and ensure sincere mediation of these disputes has emboldened criminal elements, with some groups exploiting the situation to advance ethnic and religious divisions.

Stakeholders are therefore calling on the Plateau State Government and security agencies to take decisive actions against individuals and groups found to be fueling the crisis, whether through direct attacks or by inciting retaliatory violence.

They also advocate for the strengthening of community policing initiatives, the deployment of more surveillance teams in vulnerable areas, and the establishment of a comprehensive livestock identification and tracking system to against cattle rustling. Please end the Crises Now.

Zagazola Makama is a Counter-Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region

Unreported Attacks Fueling Violence in Plateau—Stakeholders Urge Decisive Action

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