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NHRC, ROLAC, Other Stakeholders Begin 16-Day Activism Against GBV
NHRC, ROLAC, Other Stakeholders Begin 16-Day Activism Against GBV
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with stakeholders, has launched this year’s 16-day activism against gender-based violence, which is part of the 2024 International Human Rights Day.
This year’s celebration, themed, “Equality – reducing inequality and Advancing Human Rights,” aims to highlight the importance of promoting equality and addressing the barriers that hinder the realisation of fundamental human rights.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, said there is the need for collective action to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
He revealed that the campaign would focus on raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and advocating for policy reforms to prevent and respond to GBV, particularly violence against women and girls.
He disclosed that the NHRC, in collaboration with civil society organisations, government agencies, and other stakeholders, has planned various activities across the country to amplify its message.
Ojukwu said the activities include roadshows, advocacy visits to key officials such as state First Ladies, state assemblies, and judiciary leaders, as well as engagements with youth and women’s groups, religious and traditional leaders, and health workers.
He also disclosed that students in schools would be involved in the activities of the days, using creative approaches like drama and songs to raise awareness about the dangers of GBV and the importance of gender equality.
Ojukwu explained that the significance of this year’s activities aligned with the broader objectives of International Human Rights Day.
He said the commemoration will feature a range of impactful events, such as debates and quizzes for students to deepen their understanding of human rights, forums for civil society and lawmakers to discuss legislative gaps, and exhibitions showcasing the contributions of human rights defenders in Nigeria.
Ojukwu said NHRC’s efforts will culminate in a symbolic Human Rights Walk and an awards dinner on December 10, celebrating individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the promotion of human rights in Nigeria.
He said the commission has also planned a high-level forum to explore the intersection of human rights and corporate responsibility, as well as a town hall meeting to discuss innovative approaches to litigating human rights cases.
Dr. Ojukwu expressed gratitude to the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme for its support.
The event was organised in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), funded by the European Union and implemented by International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
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This year’s campaign is particularly crucial in Nigeria, where gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue. Last week, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said it received 427,606 complaints of human rights violations in October 2024 from its 38 offices across the country.
According to UN Women, nearly one in three women experience violence in their lifetime, and girls are at particular risk of violence, with one in four adolescent girls being abused by their partners.
NHRC, ROLAC, Other Stakeholders Begin 16-Day Activism Against GBV
Police arrest INEC officials, recover election materials in Taraba by-election
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Taraba has arrested some Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and recovered election materials allegedly diverted during the by-election for Karim Lamido I Constituency of the State House of Assembly.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that on Sunday that the arrests followed credible intelligence provided by party agents.
The sources said the incident occurred on Aug. 16 at about 2:20 p.m. when a team of policemen intercepted the suspects at a private residence in Angwan Sarkin Panya village.
Those arrested included Gideon Amos, 49, an Assistant Presiding Officer II assigned to Polling Unit 16, Angwan Yusuf Dogo, Bikwin Ward, and two others identified as Matthew Jayi, 47, and Tiasama Mathias Musa, 32.
The suspects allegedly diverted materials meant for three polling units PU 005 Gandara, PU 016 Angwan Yusuf Dogo, and PU 029 Angwan Sarkin Primary School — to the residence.
Items recovered from them included three ballot boxes, two BIVAS machines, 19 booklets and 20 pieces of ballot papers, two stamp pads with ink, one marker, and two result sheets.
The sources also disclosed that in the process of resisting the diversion, a police officer on election duty, PC Christian Garba, had his uniform forcibly removed by hoodlums who fled with it.
The sources added that voting had ended in most polling units and collation of results was in progress while investigations into the incident were ongoing.
End
Police intercept 107 suspected thugs, recover arms during Kano re-run elections
By: Zagazola Makama
The Kano State Police Command says it has intercepted 107 suspected political thugs and recovered arms and dangerous weapons during the ongoing re-run and by-elections in the state.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted on Aug. 16 at about 11:00 a.m., followed credible intelligence and was carried out jointly with the military, DSS and other security services.
It was gathered that 20 vehicles conveying the suspected thugs, believed to have been imported from neighbouring states, were intercepted across the affected local government areas.
Items recovered from the suspects included four locally fabricated rifles, axes, cutlasses, daggers, swords, and sticks.
Security sources said the elections in the affected areas were marred by violence, thuggery, stuffing of thumb-printed ballot papers, threats, and intimidation of voters, as well as alleged inducement of electorates by government officials.
The sources added that operations were still ongoing to restore peace and ensure the credibility of the electoral process.
Police intercept 107 suspected thugs, recover arms during Kano re-run elections
Zulum, Others Present as Borno Acting Chief of Staff Buries Mother
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, and Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Bukar Tijani, among many dignitaries, attended the funeral prayer of the mother of the acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mallumbe, Hajja Bintu, in Maiduguri.
Late Hajja Bintu Mohammed died on Friday at a hospital in Abuja after a brief illness at the age of 75, leaving behind five children.
The funeral prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Borno, Zannah Laisu Ibrahim, on Saturday evening.
Governor Zulum, accompanied by his deputy Umar Kadafur, were among the family members and associates at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport to receive the body of late Hajja Bintu earlier before the funeral prayer.
The funeral was also attended by various officials, including National and State Assembly members, cabinet members, heads of government agencies, local government officials, friends and family members.
Zulum, Others Present as Borno Acting Chief of Staff Buries Mother
Police arrest INEC officials, recover election materials in Taraba by-election
Police intercept 107 suspected thugs, recover arms during Kano re-run elections
Zulum, Others Present as Borno Acting Chief of Staff Buries Mother
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