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UN Laments Decreasing Numbers of Elected Women to Political Offices in Nigeria

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UN Laments Decreasing Numbers of Elected Women to Political Offices in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations has lamented the decline in number of women elected into political offices in Nigeria during the last general elections, insisting that the country which pride herself as a giant on the continent has not lived up to the appellation in terms of women involvement in politics.

The body also condemned violence during the last elections, stating that it was one of the key obstacles to advancing women’s participation in public life.

Speaking at the Post-election conference in Abuja organised by UNWOMEN, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Government of Canada and European Union (EU), the UN Women Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Beatrice Eyong said it was so sad that the numbers of women voted into political offices continue to reduce with subsequent electoral season in Nigeria leaving the ratio of women to men political office holders nothing to be pride about.

She said while many countries in Africa are gradually getting to the universal ratio prescribed for women in politics, Nigeria that has been continuously described as giant of Africa continued to drop and is not dictating the pace.

Eyong, who decried that the situation in the country is not soul lifting for women, credited the downturn to violence targeted at women during elections.

She said: “Violent acts committed towards women are gender-based and they intend to discourage women from being politically active. It is often used to intimidate women from practicing their political rights in the first place.

Eyong while stating that it was an honour to welcome participants to the important event convened to assess where Nigeria stands regarding electoral gender-based violence and to agree on a coordinated national summary report on violence against women in 2023 elections of Nigeria, lamented that: “Women have been killed or have had to quit their positions after receiving death threats. Some women have also often withdrawn from public life citing abuse including online abuse and cyberbullying. Women candidates have faced various forms of targeted, gender-based violence.”

She noted that: “The agreed conclusions of the 65th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (2021), emphasized that the promotion of full and equal participation and leadership of women in public life and the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls are interconnected. CSW 65 also recognized that all forms of violence and discrimination, including in digital contexts, prevent women from exercising their equal right to participate in all spheres of public life and encouraged member states to take measures to create a safe and enabling environment so that women are protected from all forms of violence and discrimination for engaging in public life, including in digital contexts, and take practical steps to prevent and address violence, including by combating impunity and ensuring that those responsible for violations and abuses are promptly brought to justice.

“The Maputo Protocol also guarantees comprehensive rights to women including the right to take part in the political process, to social and political equality with men. It states clearly in article 9 the Right to Participation in the Political and Decision-Making Process.

“Undertaking firm measures to prevent violence including legal reforms is one of the most effective means to ensure women’s protection, participation and representation in public life including eliminating laws, policies and practices that discriminate against women.”

She however lamented that: “The Lack of data on violence against women in politics (VAWP) negatively affects evidence-based advocacy for influencing changes in laws and policies and for establishing comprehensive protection systems for women in politics.”

Eyong said: “I believe, today this interactive conference constitutes the right space for sharing information and experiences on data collection and how can we all together improve our methods and approaches in a more coordinated manner. We are also looking to a joint summary national report on violence against women in 2023 elections that we will use all together as an advocacy tool for action and protection.”

On her part, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mrs Samuela Isopi, said: “The European Union is delighted that UN Women, in collaboration with the Nigerian government, security services, traditional leaders, civil society, INEC IPAC, and the Canadian government is providing a platform to hold serious conversations on deepening the democratic space for women and addressing root causes for low women’s participation in the elections.”

She added that: “It is a well-known fact that women are underrepresented in Nigeria’s political environment, unfortunately, the 2023 elections show a trend in the wrong direction.

“Women candidates and women voters have faced violence and aggression, including in the online sphere.

“This is the moment for serious reflection about how to break cycles of gender-based violence affecting women, in the electoral process.”

Isopi noted that: “Because the active participation of women at all levels of decision-making and politics is not only a human right, but also essential to the achievement of equality, peace and democracy.

“The full and equitable participation of women in public life is essential to building and sustaining strong, vibrant democracies.”

She said: “There is strong evidence that as more women are elected to office, there is an increase in policymaking that emphasises quality of life, and reflects the priorities of families, women, and marginalised groups.

“This is why concerted efforts must be made to break the barriers to meaningful participation of women in leadership positions.”

She assured that: “The European Union remains committed to collaborating on this very important cause.”

The Emir of Fika and Chairman, Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Muhammadu Idrissa who declared the workshop with theme: “Where do we stand regarding Electoral Gender Based Violence?” opened: “On behalf of Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa COTLA and the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria NCTRN, I welcome you very much. On the dangers of GBV alot has been to address it, we hope that with this conference, we will get solutions to improve the course of Women in Nigeria.”

The traditional ruler added that: “Am happy to say that we in Yobe state, in my Local Government Area, Fatima Talba won the Federal House of Representatives for Nangere/ Potiskum constituency and another Woman Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim won the Damaturu, Gujba, Gulani, Tarmuwa constituency . We’re moving forward and we hope for a remarkable change by next elections with the efforts of our partners especially the UN Women, so I wish you a very successful conference, it is my honour and privilege to declare the conference open.”

UN Laments Decreasing Numbers of Elected Women to Political Offices in Nigeria

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Crime

BREAKING NEWS: 3 killed And 3,000 displaced as Devastating Fire Sweeps Through Kalari Settlement in Konduga, Borno State

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BREAKING NEWS: 3 killed And 3,000 displaced as Devastating Fire Sweeps Through Kalari Settlement in Konduga, Borno State

By: Zagazola Makama

A catastrophic fire has torn through the Kalari settlement in Konduga Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, claiming three lives and displacing over 3,000 people. The blaze, which erupted at approximately 1:00 PM, engulfed three villages, reducing more than 1,500 thatched houses to ashes.

Zagazola Makama gathered that In response to the disaster, the military, along with the Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF), mobilized swiftly to provide emergency assistance. Personnel from the 222 Battalion rendered first aid to the wounded and transported the injured to Maiduguri Specialist Hospital via Army ambulances.

The timely intervention of key local officials, including the Chairman of Konduga LGA, a Member of the House of Assembly, and the Commissioner for Environment, ensured immediate relief efforts for the affected families.

This incident comes on the heels of severe flooding that devastated Konduga LGA in September 2024, following the collapse of the Alau Dam. The flash floods from the dam’s collapse also affected Maiduguri and Jere LGAs, displacing an estimated 240,000 people. Many residents are still recovering from that catastrophe, and the latest fire disaster has further intensified the region’s humanitarian crisis.

An Official of SEMA, said the Borno State Government has made an urgent appeal for humanitarian aid to support the thousands affected by both the recent fire and previous flood disasters. Efforts are underway to provide shelter, food, and medical care to those impacted by these successive calamities.

BREAKING NEWS: 3 killed And 3,000 displaced as Devastating Fire Sweeps Through Kalari Settlement in Konduga, Borno State

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Six Die in Taraba Boat Mishap, Nine Rescued

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Six Die in Taraba Boat Mishap, Nine Rescued

By: Zagazola Makama

A boat accident on the Jole River in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State has claimed six lives, while nine other passengers were rescued alive, the Taraba State Police Command has confirmed.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

According to police sources, the boat was conveying 15 people when it capsized midstream. Rescue efforts led to the recovery of nine survivors, while the bodies of six passengers were later pulled from the river.

The deceased have been identified as Dadi Mallam Dotti (30), Mubarak Abdu (21), Bappa Mallam Dotti (20), Adamu Yayagardi (30), and one Madugu (22), all from Badabdi, Funakaye LGA of Gombe State, of the Terawa ethnic group. The sixth victim was Umar Gambo (34), of Zaura Ward, Damban LGA, Bauchi State, of the Karakare ethnic group.

The boat driver is currently at large, and efforts are ongoing to locate him.

The police sources said that search and recovery operations were conducted in collaboration with local divers and community volunteers.

Six Die in Taraba Boat Mishap, Nine Rescued

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Teenager Dies After Ritual Experiment by Native Doctor in Edo

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Teenager Dies After Ritual Experiment by Native Doctor in Edo

By: Zagazola Makama

The Edo State Police Command has arrested two men in connection with the death of a 14-year-old boy, Okonkwo Obina Emmanuel, following a failed ritual performance in Iyamon Village, Illushi, Ubiaja.

Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident was reported on April 2, 2025, by the deceased’s elder brother, Okonkwo Onyenbushi. According to the report, a self-acclaimed native doctor, Amechi Edozunor, in collaboration with one Kelvin Ugru, allegedly performed a charm ritual on the victim to make him “invulnerable to bottles.”

During the ritual, the suspects reportedly struck the boy’s head with a bottle in an attempt to prove the charm’s effectiveness, leading to a fatal head injury.

The victim was rushed to Wisdom Hospital and later referred to Ogbeide Hospital, where he died on April 5, 2025.

The sources said his remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy, while both suspects are currently in police custody pending further investigation.

Teenager Dies After Ritual Experiment by Native Doctor in Edo

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