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NHRC Asks Government to Stop Criminalizing Protest
NHRC Asks Government to Stop Criminalizing Protest
…Condemns Use of Massive Force by Law Enforcement Against During #EndBadGovernance Protest
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the federal government and its law enforcement agencies to prepare for next protest rather than work at stopping it and criminalizing those organising the planned nationwide protest scheduled for October 1.
The Commission, while stating that protest is an expression of one of the human rights that is international recognized, insisted that since the government has been given enough notice, it is the duty of law enforcement agencies to ensure that strategies are put in place to prevent hoodlums do not hijack it and criminality is checked against during the period of the protest.
It also condemned the blatant use of force and disregard for the rights to peaceful protest and assembly, freedom of expression and other associated rights exhibited by law enforcement agencies during the #EndBadGovernance protest held across the country last month.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu who disclosed this on Friday, while presenting the human rights situation dashboard, lamented that the action of security and law enforcement agencies led to tragic incidents of violence and loss of lives.
He said, such actions represent a stark violation of the fundamental human rights of the Nigerian people, calling for unequivocal condemnation and justice.
According to the NHRC boss, who was represented at the event by his Special Assistant and the head of human rights monitoring of the Commission, Mr. Benedict Agu, the #EndBadGovernance protest was a bold expression of the masses’ demand for accountability and good governance.
Ojukwu,, said, the issue of displacement in the country is affecting countless individuals and communities adding that, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that, about 208,655 persons have been displaced in 22 states this year already, a stark increase from 2023 numbers.
He said that: “It is therefore imperative that government takes immediate and sustainable actions to address this pressing issue, ensuring the protection and well-being of all those affected by displacement and taking steps to avert the effects of flooding and other sources of displacement”.
The NHRC boss said, the Commission’s monthly human rights dashboard serves as a critical tool in assessing the state of human rights in the country, providing invaluable insights and data that demands attention and action.
Presenting July and August, 2024 human rights assessment dashboard of the Commission, the Senior Human Rights Adviser to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mr. Hillary Ogbona said, over 1, 200 people who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protest last month have so far been arrested and detained by security agencies across the country.
While the Commission lamented that some of the protesters have been charged to court, it however noted with grave concern that they were detained beyond the period allowed by law before been taken to court.
According to the dashboard, a total of 414, 200 complaints of human rights abuses were received by the Commission across the country in the last two months, insisting that protest is not a crime but a legitimate way of expressing grievance against unfavourable government policies and programmes.
Ogbona said: “Government should not attempt to stop protest but to guide it. At the same time, Government should not lump genuine protesters with criminals. You don’t arrest and detain people for protest.
“Looting and destruction of properties are not protest but act of criminalities which should not be regarded as part of peaceful protests.
“From this side, it is a fact that private and public properties were looted during the last protest and we hereby appealed to government to identify and evaluate the losses of victims for the purpose of supporting them, as some of the victims may not be able to rise again”, he added.
He appealed to Government to adopt human rights approach to lawful protest and that, Government should endeavour to look into the root cause of protests and discontents in the country, which he said may not be far from economic and political situation in the country.
The Commission also called on governments at all level to increase their capacity to protect lives and properties of the people.
He revealed that the Commission is monitoring the trial of the protesters in court, adding that, in charging them with treason, government must bring up believable evidences against them.
According to Ogbona, the Commission had, in the last two months, witnessed astronomical increase in mass killings, abductions, attacks on Police stations, attacks on press freedom, violation of the rights of association and assembly, killing of law enforcement and members of the Armed Forces, cases of violence against children, minors and child abandonment.
He said, between July and August, the Commission recorded a total of 365 cases of kidnapping, 340 killings, 4,300 cases of child abandonment and killings of 37 security and law enforcement agents adding further that, a total of 142 killings were recorded in Kaduna, 137 in in Benue, Katsina recorded 112 killings and 76 killings recorded in Plateau state.
NHRC Asks Government to Stop Criminalizing Protest
Zulum Honored as 2024 New Telegraph’s Governor of the Year
…Pledges greater achievements in coming years
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has been awarded as the 2024 New Telegraph Governor of the Year, celebrating his exceptional leadership and transformative achievements in the state.
Governor Zulum received the prestigious award on Friday at the Grand Ballroom of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, alongside seven other governors, the Ministers of Aviation and Information, the Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, corporate organizations, and other distinguished personalities.
The award acknowledges Governor Zulum’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding public infrastructure in communities destroyed by Boko Haram insurgency, revitalizing the state’s economy, and enhancing security, allowing citizens to go about their daily lives without fear.
Governor Zulum’s outstanding leadership has earned him numerous accolades in 2024, including: the Forbes Magazine African Leadership Award, Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper of the year, the NUJ Good Governance Award, the Nigeria’s Pride Award for Leadership in Security and Public Service, and the Fellowship Award from the Environmental Management Association of Nigeria (EMAN), among others.
Governor Zulum who was represented at the event, by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, expressed gratitude to New Telegraph Newspaper for recognizing the administration’s developmental strides in rebuilding the state after 16 years of insurgency.
“I am delighted that the New Telegraph has showcased His Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, as the Governor of the Year 2024. This recognition underscores that Nigerians are keenly observing and appreciating the impact of his governance at both national and sub-national levels,” Dr. Kadafur stated.
He reaffirmed that Governor Zulum’s administration remains committed to delivering his 10 point agenda and improving the lives of the people of Borno State.
“The Governor’s recognition is a testament to his dedication to the people. Zulum has become a household name in Nigeria for his commitment to good governance and impactful projects across various sectors,” he added.
The Deputy Governor was accompanied by the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Emet Kois; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya; Senior Special Assistant Media, Baba Shiekh Haruna; Senior Special Assistant office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Alfred Buba and SSA to the Deputy Governor, Hon. Habu Ibrahim.
Zulum Honored as 2024 New Telegraph’s Governor of the Year
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Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts
Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts
By: Zagazola Makama
The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the release of Usman Daina, the Secretary of Munya Local Government Council, who was abducted by armed bandits.
Daina was freed unhurt following a sustained pursuit operation by security forces. However, authorities have stated that efforts are still ongoing to rescue other victims who remain in captivity and to ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.
Zagazola Makama had reported that On Feb. 21, 2025, heavily armed bandits launched an attack on Munya Local Government Area, abducting several residents, including the council secretary.
It was gathered that that the assailants moved from Chibani forest through the Shakwata axis before striking various communities, including the Dandaudu area of Munya LGA.
The attackers invaded homes, looted food supplies, and forcefully took away multiple victims.
Following the abduction, the Nigerian Army troops, police tactical teams, vigilantes, and other security forces were deployed to track the movements of the kidnappers.
Their aggressive pursuit led to the successful release of Daina, while efforts continue to rescue the remaining captives and dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attack.
Sources said that the security forces are currently conducting aerial surveillance, intelligence-driven operations, and ground raids on identified bandit hideouts in the region.
Kidnapped Munya LGA Secretary Regains Freedom as Security Forces Intensify Rescue Efforts
Borno Deputy Governor Inspects Rimirgo Ruga Resettlement, Assures Completion Soon
By: Our Reporter
The Deputy Governor of Borno State, His Excellency Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, who also serves as the Supervising Commissioner for the Ministry of Livestock Development, has inspected facilities at the Rimirgo Ruga Resettlement in Uba town, Askira/Uba Local Government Area
The visit was aimed at assessing the level of preparedness for the commissioning of the second Ruga settlement in Borno State.
During the inspection, the Deputy Governor toured key facilities, including a milk dairy farm, feed production center, skills acquisition hub, school, veterinary clinic, police station, housing units, and water facilities.
Addressing community leaders, Dr. Kadafur reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring the successful takeoff and sustainability of the settlement.
He urged the local vigilante groups to collaborate with security agencies to maintain peace and security in the area.
As part of the visit, the Deputy Governor paid a courtesy call on His Royal Highness, the Emir of Uba, where he reaffirmed that the Rimirgo Ruga Settlement is 95% completed and noted that his assessment is aimed at identifying gaps that require attention before the official commissioning.
Dr. Kadafur disclosed that Rimirgo would be the second Ruga Settlement to be commissioned, following the Ngarnam Ruga Settlement in Mafa Local Government Area, which was launched last month.
The deputy governor also announced plans for the construction of a two-kilometer road linking the settlement to the main road, as well as the addition of 100 new housing units, complementing the existing 50. This, he said, would enhance adequate accommodation for settlers and help in reducing conflicts between farmers and herders.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Askira/Uba LGA, Hon. Abubakar Umar Mazhinyi, commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for his administration’s achievements in education, healthcare, water, and sanitation.
The Chairman , however, appealed to the state government to establish a tertiary institution in the LGA, citing the difficulty residents face in sending their children to distant institutions.
In a related development, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur represented Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the coronation ceremony of His Majesty Dr. Ali Danburman as the PTIL MADAGALI of Madagali Chiefdom in Gulak town, Adamawa State.
The ceremony, held at the Gulak Township Stadium, was graced by dignitaries, including the Governor of Adamawa State, His Excellency Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who officially presented the Staff of Office to Dr. Ali Danburman. The newly crowned PTIL MADAGALI is recognized as a Second Class Emir in the Adamawa State Traditional Council and presides over fourteen district heads in Madagali Chiefdom.
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