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NHRC Says Gubernatorial and House of Assembly Elections Fraught with Irregularities

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NHRC Says Gubernatorial and House of Assembly Elections Fraught with Irregularities


…To Invite Yahaya Bello, MC Oluomo over Hate Speech,

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has lamented that Saturday’s Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections across the nation was fraught with so many irregularities ranging from attacks on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, vote buying, violence at polling units, attack on journalists, and cases of death.

Presenting a preliminary report on the election, the Executive Secretary, Chief Tony Ojukwu on Sunday said both Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and Chairman of Chairman of Lagos State Parks Management Committee, Musiliu Akinsanya popularly known as MC Oluomo
would be invited to explain their roles in alleged hate speech shortly before the election.

Ojukwu who also disclosed that the Commission was going to investigate the attack on Arise News TV crew in Lagos, called for investigation and prosecution of cases of electoral crime across the country during the election

The Executive Secretary said as part of its mandate to promote and protect human rights, NHRC deployed 600 staff Human Right Monitors across the 36 states for the Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections, and also through the Human Rights Situation Room closely monitored the elections and received real time complaints on human rights violations during the elections from across the country.

He said: “Our preliminary report highlights key findings from monitoring over 1300 polling units by our staff and reports and complaints received from Nigerians in our Human Rights Situation Room. The Commission during the elections process monitored among others issues relating to the conduct of law enforcement and security personnel, hate speech, election related Sexual and Gender based violence (SGBV) and vote buying.”

He added that: “The environment before the elections was fraught with tension arising from reports and allegations of threats from different political parties and their supporters concerning the elections. ethnic division and hate speeches were rife in many states, including Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Kaduna and Rivers. This led to the publication by the NHRC of an Advisory on Hate Speech Based on Ethnic and Religious Sentiments and 2023 General Elections in Nigeria on the 16th of March 2023.

“In Lagos, Enugu, Ebonyi and a few other states, there were threats of violence on opposition supporters, including the use of traditional institutions, schools and the public service. The advisory highlighted areas of concern for the Commission and recommended steps to be taken by the various agencies to address the issues before, during and after the elections.”

He said compared to the Presidential and National Assembly Election of February, the Governorship and House of Assembly elections witnessed a low voter turnout. in states like Niger, Kwara, Benue and Kogi, the turn out was abysmally low and in almost all the south eastern states, low turn out was also recorded.

He said: “It is important to note that the NHRC in its monthly Review Forum on Human Rights and the 2023 Elections has warned that the consequences of the hitches and irregularities recorded in the Presidential election were capable of increasing voter apathy. It is also important to note that threats of violence prior to the elections may also have played a major factor.”

Ojukwu said: “Our monitors reported incidents of violence, including cases of assault, vandalism, destruction of election materials and polling units in 16% of the polling units monitored.

“There were reports from Rivers state of hoodlums attacking the INEC officials and stealing the BVAS device and election materials. There was also reported cases of abduction of INEC Officials in Isu LGA of Imo state and attack on INEC officials in Odoakpu Ward 7, Onitsha in Anambra state

“There were also various reports of attacks on polling units from Lagos, Rivers, Nasarawa and Enugu states. In Kano state there was a report of violence in Rogo ward of Sabo Gari Local Government Area that led to the death of one person. The Commission also received reports of disruption of elections in Ogbia Constituency 2 in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa state. This resulted in no elections in fours wards and 94 polling units. There was also a report of ballot box snatching in Enugu East LGA.

“The Commission received with great concern, the attack on the ARISE News crew at Elegushi Palace. We call on law enforcement to investigate these and other incidents of violence and bring perpetrators to book.

“The Commission received reports of the killing of thugs in Lagos, Katsina and Benue states, Labour Party agents in Lagos. Elections are not war and no life should be lost in the process of elections.”

He said the Nigeria Police Force should arrest and prosecute all verified cases of political violence including attacks and snatching of ballot boxes and materials, calling on all law enforcement and security agents in the remaining unconcluded ongoing elections to maintain political neutrality and impartiality, while urging
INEC in conducting future off-cycle elections to continue to ensure transparency and integrity in the electoral processes.

He said the Commission will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available, asking all relevant authorities to take necessary actions to address the issues raised in the preliminary report to ensure that future elections are free, fair, and peaceful.

NHRC Says Gubernatorial and House of Assembly Elections Fraught with Irregularities

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Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

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Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

By: Zagazola Makama

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.

The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.

“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.

He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.

According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.

“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.

The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.

“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.

He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.

The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

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Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

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Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

By Hamza Suleiman

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Boko Haram insurgency remains one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.

Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).

He said that unlike previous crises in Nigeria such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious violence, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external connections, extremist ideology, and advanced weaponry.

“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.

The former President noted that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no form of cosmetic remedy could erase it from the nation’s collective memory.

He recalled his personal engagement with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, saying that his decision to personally visit their camps without armed escorts was borne out of the conviction that dialogue must complement military action.

“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.

Jonathan, however, emphasised that Boko Haram presented a different challenge. According to him, the insurgency must be tackled through a holistic strategy that combines security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.

He said: “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.”

According to him, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.

He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, saying the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping policy responses.

“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” he added.

The event attracted dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

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Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

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Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.

Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.

She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.

According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.

She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.

“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.

“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.

While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.

She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.

The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.

“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.

Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.

Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.

She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.

The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

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