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NHRC Ready to Fight for Rights of Drug Offenders

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NHRC Ready to Fight for Rights of Drug Offenders

NHRC Ready to Fight for Rights of Drug Offenders

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed willingness to fight for the rights of victims of drug related offences.

The NHRC on Thursday harped on the need to assist victims of drug related offences to have access to justice so as not to violate their human rights while trying to prosecute or execute them.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu who stated this at the online, side event of the on-going 65th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic drugs, highlighted the dangers of not following the due process of the law in combating drug related offences by foreign nationals.

Ojukwu observed that where a foreigner is involved in drug related offences, there is every possibility that he might not be availed the needed consular assistance and legal services aside from language barrier which could be a disadvantage in defending the allegations against him.

According to the Ojukwu, death penalty has remained a gross violation of the right life, which is why the advocacy for moratorium on death sentence has remained a better option pending the possibility of reviewing extant legislations in some countries that support the practice of death sentence.

He argued that by all standards, the Commission is not in support of drug abuse or trafficking in narcotic substances, pointing out that while it is expected that authorities should nip in the bud the abuse of these harmful substances, care should be taken not to violate the rights of drug users.

Also Read: Obiano spends first night as Anambra ex-gov in EFCC custody

“Therefore steps should be taken to ensure that those who come in conflict with the law, including alleged drug offenders should enjoy the protection of the relevant local, regional and international laws”, the Executive Secretary stated.

In view of the foregoing, the NHRC Boss opined that monitoring and intervention by the relevant stakeholders will not only ensure that there is adequate record or information to know the trend of drug issues locally and globally, but should also ensure justice for the alleged drug offenders. 

The Executive Secretary emphasized the need for national advocacy, most especially for migrants, they need to be informed and educated on the dangers of drugs trafficking in their host country.

In her remarks, the representative of Harm Reduction International (organisers of the online side event), Giada Girelli stated that execution as a result of drug related offences has been verified in 131 countries, adding that in Iran alone, drug related execution has increased to 424 percent.

The drug monitoring expert observed that there has not been any case of drug related execution in Saudi Arabia for the first time in over 15 years, and this according to her could be as a result of moratorium in execution of drug offenders.

She also recalled that there has not been any execution in Singapore despite four notices of execution in the last four months even as she recalled that 35 countries had retained death penalty for drug related offences.

She noted that most of the people who face penalty for drug related offences include; foreign nationals, ethnic minorities, people with mental issues and women.

In her contribution, the representative of Justice Project Pakistan (Civil Society Organisation), Sana Farrukh stated that her organisation has been working with other stakeholders to change the narrative and perception about death penalty through advocacy and communication in Pakistan and around the globe.

She used the opportunity to place on record that Gulf countries are the largest jailers of Pakistans even when the alleged culprits are arrested for non-lethal crimes such as drug trafficking theft and violation of immigration laws.

Specifically, she said that Saudi Arabia remains the largest executioner of Pakistanis for non-fatal crimes, adding that one out of every ten persons executed in Saudi Arabia between 2016 and 2019 were convicted for carrying narcotics in the Kingdom.

In the same vein, Consular of Australian Embassy, Katie Mead,in her closing remarks, stated that this event has raised the profile of death penalty and condemned in its entirety the practice of death penalty, while urging every country to consider abolishing the same, emphasizing that death penalty should be abolished absolutely.

NHRC Ready to Fight for Rights of Drug Offenders

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FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day

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FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 12th June, 2025 as Public Holiday to commemorate this year’s democracy day celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, congratulated Nigerians on this occasion of 26 years of an uninterrupted civil rule.

He said: “June 12 represents our historic journey to building a nation where truth and justice reign and peace is sustained and our future assured.

“The last 26 years tells the story of our resilience, strength and courage and a hope Renewed than ever.”

The Minister while noting that Democracy is sustained with open doors for further improvement, reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to the universal value of democracy that is based on freely-expressed will of the people in determining Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural systems.

FG Declares Public Holiday on June 12 to Mark Democracy Day

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Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger

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Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger

By: Zagazola Makama

A renewed chieftaincy tussle in Muye village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State, has sparked violent confrontations between rival supporters, prompting swift intervention by security operatives.

Zagazola Makama gathered that the crisis began around 6:20 p.m. on Thursday when the deposed village head, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir Maigari II, forcefully returned to Muye and broke into the palace.

The incident provoked tension among residents, especially after supporters of the current Dakachi confronted the deposed monarch. The situation was immediately brought under control by a team of security personnel from Lapai.

However, Zagazola learnt that the situation escalated on Friday morning when supporters of both camps clashed again, leading to a free-for-all fight that disrupted public peace in the community.

Security sources were swiftly deployed to Muye to restore normalcy.

“The combined security teams have brought the situation under control. Monitoring and surveillance operations are ongoing to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” the source said.

No casualties or arrests have been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Chieftaincy dispute causes chaos in Muye village in Niger

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Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony

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Eid-el-Kabir: IPCR Calls on Nigerians to Peace, Harmony

By: Michael Mike

Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has called on Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress.

The advice was given by the Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, in his message on Eid-el-Kabir.

The Institute, while extending warm greetings to Nigerians, wished them a joyous and peaceful celebration, marked by love, compassion, and unity.

The Institute while noting that Sallah is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, symbolizing the values of sacrifice, gratitude, and community, emphasized that the spirit of Sallah should guide Nigerians in their interactions with one another, fostering a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding.

The IPCR urged Nigerians to promote peace and harmony in their communities, recognizing that peace is essential to national development and progress, while
encouraging individuals to embrace the values of Sallah, including forgiveness, empathy, and kindness, in their daily lives.

According to IPCR, peace is critical to promoting national stability and cohesion.

The Institute also urged Nigerians to use this period of Sallah celebration to address conflicts and promote dialogue, which could help to build trust and understanding among Nigerians and also contribute to a more peaceful society.

It recognized that the country’s many ethnic and religious groups can work together to build a more harmonious society, celebrating their differences and promoting a culture of tolerance.
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