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Panel to Probe Human Rights Violations in Ongoing Counter-Insurgency Operations in North-East Inaugurated

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Panel to Probe Human Rights Violations in Ongoing Counter-Insurgency Operations in North-East Inaugurated

By Michael Mike

The Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in North-East Nigeria (SIIP North East) has been inaugurated to probe the alleged allegations by the military in the ongoing operations in the region.

The panel is headed by a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Abdu Aboki, other members include Kemi Okenyodo, Azubuike Nwankenta, Maj. Gen. Letam Wiwa (Rtd.) Dr. Maisaratu Bakari, Dr. Fatima Akilu, Halima Nuradeen and Hilary Ogbonna as the secretary.

Inaugurating the panel at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu said the decision for the inauguration followed the allegations of gross human rights violations contained in the three-part report published in December 2022 on military operations in the north east by media group Reuters.

He said the National Human Rights Commission has invoked its inherent, express and incidental powers as contained in sections 5 and 6 of the NHRC Act as amended to constitute a special independent investigative panel.

He noted that the terms of reference include: Investigate allegations of gross violations of national and international human rights laws/principles alleged against the Nigerian Armed Forces in the three reports by Reuters. (Sections 5(a)(b)(j) and 6(1)(a) of the NHRC Act, 2010);
Receive memorandum from individuals and organisations with interest in the subject matter of the mandate of the SIIP North-East, especially human rights, security and humanitarian organisations working in the North-East; Make appropriate determinations as to culpability of individuals or institutions as may be deemed necessary in each circumstance. (Section 5(j) of the NHRC Act 2010).

Others include to make determination as to the damages or compensation payable in relation to any violation of human rights where it deems this necessary in the circumstances of the case (sec. 6(e) of the NHRC Act, 2010); Refer any matter of human rights violations requiring prosecution to the Attorney General of the Federation or of a State, as the case may be. (Section 5(p) of the NHRC Act, 2010); and to make recommendations to government on Institutional, Policy and Regulatory measures to be taken to integrate human rights principles and practices into military and counter-insurgency operations; Propose Remedial steps that may enhance the professional conduct of military personnel in counter-insurgency operations; and any other related issues that the SIIP North-East may be considered appropriate.

He disclosed that the SIIP North-East shall operate under the mandate of the National Human Rights Commission and shall enjoy its express and incidental powers under section 6(1) and (2) of the NHRC Act.

Ojukwu noted that membership of the panel was drawn from major professional backgrounds relating to the allegations contained in the report, which includes law and human rights, medicine and psychology, military intelligence and humanitarian affairs.

He said: “The National Human Rights Commission is honoured that these eminent Nigerians have agreed to share their time, talents and wealth of experience with the Commission. We are indeed grateful for your generosity. We want to thank the Nigerian Bar Association and the Nigerian Medical Association whose members are represented in the panel.

He added that “the allegations contained in the aforementioned reports are grievous and present a major concern to all of us in the human rights field. As I inaugurate this panel today, it is the hope of the Commission and indeed every Nigerian that this panel will work hard with all the human and other resources at your disposal to investigate and unravel the truth behind these allegations and ensure that justice is done in all appropriate cases. The Commission has given you the mandate and all necessary incidental powers to achieve the terms of reference and objectives for the establishment of this Panel. We are convinced that we have chosen the right team for this work.”

He appealed for cooperation from the state governments, the Nigerian Military, the United Nations System, international and local non-governmental organisations and the traditional and religious institutions in the North East and welcomed the pledge by the Chief of Defence Staff that the military institution will cooperate with this investigation and the subsequent deployment of a Military Liaison to the secretariat of the Panel.

He said that: “To protect human rights and ensure accountability for violations is a sacred duty which all of us as the human family have a mission to uphold.”

Responding, the Chairman of the Panel, Justice Abdu Aboki (Rtd.), expressed thanks on behalf of the members for their appointment to serve.

He said: “Protecting human rights and ensuring accountability and remedies for violations are cardinal principle of every democracy and civilised society. Human rights are God’s gift to humanity. They confer dignity to humankind and make us special beings. Their violations by any person or institutions, should be treated with all sense of justice and accountability.”

He promised that: “Our Panel will endeavour in every respect to abide by the rules of natural justice. We will be fair and just to all manner of persons who appear before us as victims, witness, respondent, Officer, Counsel and citizens. This panel has been constituted to bring justice to investigate human rights violations and bring justice to victims where appropriate. We will be guided by this throughout our sittings and will strive to do substantial justice devoid of technicalities.”

Panel to Probe Human Rights Violations in Ongoing Counter-Insurgency Operations in North-East Inaugurated

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APC Affirms One-China Principle, Lauds Nigeria-China Partnership

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APC Affirms One-China Principle, Lauds Nigeria-China Partnership

By: Michael Mike

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has affirmed its unwavering commitment to the one-China principle, recognising Taiwan as an integral part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Speaking in an interview in Abuja on Wednesday, the APC National Vice-Chairman (North-East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, said the party is in full alignment with the federal government’s diplomatic stance.

He said: “Nigeria is unequivocally committed to the One-China Principle. Consequently, the policies and principles of the APC will mirror those of our federal government in diplomatic matters.

“China is a significant partner for our nation; they regard us as equals rather than a lesser nation. This perspective fosters a relationship of mutual progress. Therefore, it is wise for the government to support the one-China principle.”

Salihu reiterated the APC’s firm support for the government’s diplomatic policies, stating, “As a party, we stand resolutely behind the one-China principle.”

He praised the positive outcomes of Nigeria-China diplomatic relations, particularly in trade, investment, and infrastructural development.

He said: “Our partnership with China has yielded substantial results. We have witnessed the construction of extensive roads, bridges, and railways by Chinese companies, with counterpart funding from the Chinese government.

“In addition, projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) natural gas pipeline and various free trade zones in Nigeria have been funded, in whole or in part, by Chinese institutions. Chinese enterprises are eager to establish factories and businesses in Nigeria, and many are already contributing to our economy,” he noted.

He attributed the influx of foreign investment in Nigeria to the APC administration’s business-friendly policies, including amendments to the Companies and Allied Matters Act, which have streamlined processes for investors.

He expressed the party’s readiness to strengthen ties with the Communist Party of China (CPC) through collaboration in cultural exchange, trade, education, and human capital development.

He said: “We are dedicated to fostering mutual growth and reinforcing our historic partnership.”

APC Affirms One-China Principle, Lauds Nigeria-China Partnership

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VP Shettima Departs For Taraba Investment Summit

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VP Shettima Departs For Taraba Investment Summit

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for Jalingo, Taraba State, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Taraba International Investment Summit 2025.

The summit, themed “Unlocking Taraba’s Investment Potentials – Advancing Agriculture, Energy, Mining and Industrialisation (AEMI) for Sustainable Growth and Development,” is taking place today in the state capital. VP Shettima is also scheduled to commission several key development projects during his visit to the state.

The Vice President is accompanied by Senator David Jimkuta, representing Taraba South Senatorial District; Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, former Deputy Senate Minority Leader; Hon. David Abel Fuoh, member representing Sardauna/Kurmi/Gashaka Federal Constituency; Hon. Prince Ayuba Zaku Dampar, member representing Ibi/Wukari Federal Constituency; Hon. Mohammed Abdullahi; H.E. Uba Maigari, Minister of State for Regional Development and Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

The Taraba International Investment Summit is expected to showcase the state’s vast agricultural, energy, and mineral resources to potential investors from across Nigeria and abroad, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision of expanding economic opportunities beyond major urban centres to include all parts of the country.

VP Shettima Departs For Taraba Investment Summit

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ActionAid Study Shows Nigeria, Five Other African Countries Have Workers Struggling for Essentials

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ActionAid Study Shows Nigeria, Five Other African Countries Have Workers Struggling for Essentials

By: Michael Mike

A new study by ActionAid has revealed that deep cuts to public spending in education and health across six African countries including Nigeria have seen workers struggling to afford essentials like food and resulted in overcrowded classrooms and failing healthcare.

Published on Tuesday, the Human Cost of Public Sector Cuts in Africa surveyed over 600 healthcare workers, teachers and community members in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, and Nigeria. The study highlights that teachers’ salaries have plummeted by between 10% and 50% over the past 5 years, with an alarming 97% of health workers reporting insufficient wages for basic needs like rent, food and household expenses.

The study painted a bleak picture of failing public systems – especially for women and girls. It showed how governments’ inadequate investments in education and health sectors have left workers struggling to make ends meet and communities failing to access quality public services.

ActionAid said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is to blame for its advice to governments to cut spending on public services in order to service foreign debts. With the accelerating debt crisis in the Global South, over three-quarters of all low-income countries in the world are spending more on debt servicing than they spend
on health.

The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria Andrew Mamedu, said: “The debt crisis and the IMF’s insistence on cuts to public services in favour of foreign debt repayments have severely hindered investments in healthcare and education across Africa. For example, in 2024,
Nigeria allocated only 4% of its national revenue to health, while a staggering 20.1% went toward repaying foreign debt.

“This is not only absurd but unsustainable in the long run. The time for change is now. Governments must shift from unsustainable economic policies based on cuts and debt repayments to those that prioritise human
rights. The lives of millions depend on it.”

Governance Specialist, ActionAid Nigeria, Judith Gbagidi, said: “Behind every budget cut is a woman frontline worker picking up the pieces by teaching without materials,
healing without medicine, and caring without rest. The IMF’s austerity playbook is not just a financial strategy; it’s a human rights failure. We urgently need to mobilise political will to prioritise people over
payments and restore dignity to Africa’s public workforce.”

The research highlights how insufficient budgets in the healthcare system have led to chronic shortages and a decline in service quality. Community members in all six countries revealed deep dissatisfaction with the public healthcare system and noted rising costs of services, shortage of healthcare workers, and poor infrastructure.
What’s also clear is the disproportionate impact on women, as Maria, a healthcare worker from Kenya, explained:

“In the past month, I have witnessed four women giving birth at home due to unaffordable hospital fees. The community is forced to seek vaccines and immunisation in private hospitals since they are not
available in public hospitals. Our [local] health services are limited in terms of catering for pregnant and lactating women, as a result, most women must seek services in Mombasa, which is expensive.”

Medicines for malaria are now ten times more expensive at private facilities. Long travel distances, rising fees and a dwindling medical workforce are leaving millions without healthcare as Marym, a community member from Muyakela Kebele, Ethiopia, reveals: “Now malaria is an epidemic in our area [because medication is now beyond the reach of many]. Five years ago, we could buy [antimalarial medication] for 50 birrs (USD 0.4), but now it costs more than 500 birr (USD 4) in private health centres.”

Rose, a community member from Taita Taveta in Kenya, said: “We are referred for diagnosis tests 40 km away from the [local] dispensary. Doctor’s consultation has [doubled] at the referral hospital, making it difficult for the community to access services.”

In education, the toll is equally severe. Budget cuts have resulted in failing public education systems crippled by rising costs, a dire shortage of learning materials and overcrowded classrooms. Some 87% of teachers said they lacked basic classroom materials, with 73% shelling out for equipment themselves. Meanwhile, teachers’ incomes are falling: 84% of teachers surveyed reported a drop in real income of between 10 and 50% over the
past five years. “I now believe teaching is the least valued profession. With over 200 students in my class and inadequate
teaching and learning materials, delivering quality education is nearly impossible. Monitoring individual performance and supporting struggling students has become a daunting task,” said Maluwa, a primary
school teacher in Malawi’s Rumphi District.

Four of the six countries covered by the research are spending less than the recommended one-fifth of the
national budget on education and exceeds the ratio of one teacher per 30 pupils, as reported by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics.

Kasor, a teacher from Liberia, with 80 pupils in his class, said: “The ministry doesn’t provide teaching aids or textbooks. I feel stressed and hopeless. We need better infrastructure and resources to cope with these changes.” On a personal level, due to reduced income, Kasor said, “I often struggle to put enough food on the table.”

The research shows that the consequences of these policies are multi-faceted and far-reaching. Workers are stretched beyond their limits and communities’ fundamental rights to healthcare and education are severely impacted. Governments and the IMF must work to reverse this damaging trend of cuts to essential services
while prioritising debt repayment.

the Global Economic Justice Lead at ActionAid International, Roos Saalbrink, said: “The debt crisis and drive for austerity is amplified for countries in the Global South and low-income countries, especially due to an unfair global economic system held in place by outdated institutions, such
as the IMF.

“This means the burden of debt falls on those most marginalised – once again. This must end. She added: “It’s crucial that governments agree on new international rules on global economic governance that shift important decisions away from the IMF and towards democratic institutions, such as the United Nations, to shape a fair and inclusive global economy for all.”

ActionAid called on education and health ministries to work with finance ministries to allocate sufficient resources to meet global benchmarks, ensure fair remuneration for workers, and improve infrastructure to
deliver quality services.

It said additionally, governments should explore fair and just ways of raising income, such as progressive taxation, rather than imposing spending cuts to essential public services.

ActionAid Study Shows Nigeria, Five Other African Countries Have Workers Struggling for Essentials

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