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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
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Why Ahmed Lawan’s Record Raises Concerns About His Governorship Ambitions in 2027
Why Ahmed Lawan’s Record Raises Concerns About His Governorship Ambitions in 2027
By Garba Abdullahi
Ahmed Lawan, the former Senate President, has long been a figure of controversy in Nigerian politics. His potential bid for the governorship in 2027 invites serious reflection on his leadership style, particularly concerning issues of tribalism, fairness, and inclusivity.
Lawan’s tenure in public office has raised questions about whether he is truly fit to lead in a diverse and pluralistic society like Yobe State.
Lawan’s political career has been marked by allegations of tribal favoritism, often prioritizing personal and ethnic loyalties over merit and inclusivity. Critics argue that his appointments and political alliances frequently reflected a bias toward his own ethnic group, fostering resentment among other communities. This approach undermines unity and breeds discontent in a state like Yobe, where diverse ethnic and religious groups coexist.
Yobe State deserves a leader who can bridge divides, not deepen them. Leadership should be about fostering unity, yet Lawan’s history suggests a tendency to use his position to consolidate power within a narrow circle. This has left many questioning whether he has the capacity to govern with fairness and equity.
One of the key qualities of a good governor is transparency in decision-making. During his time as Senate President, Lawan was often accused of shielding the executive branch from scrutiny rather than holding it accountable. His perceived loyalty to political elites rather than the people raises concerns about his ability to govern effectively and prioritize the needs of ordinary citizens.
Transparency is non-negotiable in governance. Yet, Lawan’s record suggests a pattern of opaque dealings and an unwillingness to embrace accountability. If elected governor, will he prioritize the people’s welfare or the interests of political elites?
Lawan’s leadership style has often left communities feeling excluded and marginalized. In a state like Yobe, where poverty and insecurity are rampant, a governor must be able to unite all segments of society toward a common goal of progress and development. Lawan’s tribalism threatens to deepen divisions rather than heal them.
His track record in the Senate offers little hope for a transformative agenda in Yobe. Development requires bold and visionary leadership, not one constrained by parochial interests or loyalty to a select few.
As Yobe State approaches the 2027 elections, its citizens must critically evaluate the candidates vying for leadership. The state needs a governor who can rise above ethnic and political divides, someone who will prioritize development, inclusivity, and fairness. Ahmed Lawan’s record raises serious doubts about his ability to meet these standards.
Leadership is about service, not self-interest. It is about bringing people together, not tearing them apart. For Yobe State to progress, its people must choose leaders who embody these values.
Ahmed Lawan’s history of tribalism and exclusionary politics makes him an unsuitable choice for the governorship.
Why Ahmed Lawan’s Record Raises Concerns About His Governorship Ambitions in 2027
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Zulum Inaugurates MT Monguno, Rep Talba Projects
Zulum Inaugurates MT Monguno, Rep Talba Projects
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has commissioned some projects by the senator representing Northern Borno, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, and the member of the House of Representatives, Engr Bukar Talba.
Zulum, in a ceremony on Thursday, unveiled the distribution of 10 Lexus sport utility vehicles (SUVs) procured by Senator Monguno to party stalwarts and another 15 pickup vans for commercial activities.
Senator Monguno also distributed N100,000 and a starter pack each to about 400 beneficiaries that had undergone horticulture training.
Zulum, also in Monguno, commissioned one block of six classrooms constructed by the member representing Marte, Monguno and Nganzai federal constituency at Abbari Primary School.
The governor also commissioned the construction of a block of 10 shops at Monguno Central Market by the local government council, which aims at rejuvenating the economy of the area.
Zulum commended both lawmakers and the local government chairman for the positive projects, which has a direct impact on the lives of Monguno people.
Governor Zulum, who was on a state visit in the northern part of Borno, had visited Baga on Wednesday before spending the night in Monguno, where he coordinated development activities and assessed the security situation.
Zulum Inaugurates MT Monguno, Rep Talba Projects
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Sudanese Government Condemns U.S. Sanction Against Burham
Sudanese Government Condemns U.S. Sanction Against Burham
By: Michael Mike
Sudanese Government has condemned the sanction by the United States on the President of the Sovereignty Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), General Abdel Fattah al-Burham.
The condemnation was contained in a statement on Thursday by the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The statement signed by the Ministry’s Office of the Spokesperson and Media Directorate, read: “The Government of Sudan rejects and condemns the sanctions imposed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on the President of the Sovereignty Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan
“This decision lacks the basic principles of justice and objectivity, relying on implausible pretexts. It also reflects a blatant disregard for the Sudanese people, who stand firmly united behind General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan as a symbol of their sovereignty and armed forces, and as a courageous leader in the battle for dignity against the terrorist janjaweed militias.
“It is both strange and troubling that such a dubious decision comes shortly after the U.S. administration determined that the RSF militia are committing acts of genocide in Sudan. Consequently, the administration’s move, days before the end of its tenure, to sanction the Commander-in-Chief of SAF, who is protecting the Sudanese people from this genocidal design, reflects inconsistency and a profound failure to uphold justice.
“This flawed decision cannot be justified under the guise of neutrality, as it practically amounts to support for those committing genocide.”
The statement added that: “This unethical decision will not deter the Sudanese people in their struggle against the terrorist militia. It will neither weaken their resolve nor their unity in eradicating this cancer from their land, so that Sudan will emerge stronger than ever.”
Sudanese Government Condemns U.S. Sanction Against Burham
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