NHRC Condemns Forced Evictions in Lagos, Raises Alarm Over Sit-at-Home Enforcement in Anambra

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has voiced serious concerns over recent forced evictions in Lagos State and the enforcement of sit-at-home directives in Anambra State, warning that both actions threaten citizens’ fundamental rights.

Executive Secretary of the Commission. Dr. Tony Ojukwu expressed alarm over the ongoing demolition of waterfront and informal settlements in Makoko, Lagos, which has reportedly displaced thousands of residents.

According to him, the demolitions were carried out without adequate notice, compensation, or resettlement plans, leaving many families homeless and livelihoods destroyed.

He said: “These actions contradict constitutional protections for dignity, housing, and family life, as well as international human rights standards to which Nigeria is committed,” while noting that court rulings prohibiting forced evictions are often ignored, undermining public trust in the rule of law.

The NHRC called for an immediate halt to all demolitions, urging authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with affected communities and ensure proper compensation and resettlement before any development projects proceed.

The Commission also weighed in on the situation in Anambra State, where traders complied with the illegal sit-at-home directive, prompting the closure of Onitsha Main Market. While praising the government’s efforts to address the sit-at-home enforcement.

Ojukwu cautioned against collective punishment of traders, which he said infringes on the rights to livelihood, freedom of movement, and due process.

He highlighted the economic impact of repeated sit-at-home days, with government estimates suggesting losses of up to ₦8 billion every Monday, and stressed the need for measures that balance security with protection of human rights.

Ojukwu reiterated that development, law enforcement, and economic regulation must respect fundamental rights. He warned that ignoring these principles could deepen social vulnerabilities and erode trust in government, calling for justice, fairness, and respect for citizens’ dignity to guide Nigeria’s growth and governance.

Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages at the NHRC, Fatimah Mohammedconfirmed that the Commission would continue monitoring both situations closely and engaging relevant authorities.

NHRC Condemns Forced Evictions in Lagos, Raises Alarm Over Sit-at-Home Enforcement in Anambra

Raymond Dokpesi Jr. Announces Bid for BON Chairmanship, Calls for Industry Reforms

By: Michael Mike

Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc (owners of African Independent Television (AIT and Raypower Radio), Raymond Dokpesi Jr., has declared his intention to run for the Chairmanship of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), outlining plans to modernize the country’s broadcasting sector through regulatory reforms, industry support, and collaborative growth.

Speaking at DAAR Communications’ headquarters in Abuja, Dokpesi Jr. described Nigeria’s broadcasting industry as being at a “critical crossroads,” facing economic pressures, digital disruption, and regulatory challenges.

He stressed the need for unity among broadcasters to ensure the sector’s sustainability.

Dokpesi Jr. highlighted the importance of BON’s principle of rotational leadership, which he said ensures inclusivity and representation for public, private, cable, satellite, and emerging broadcasters. “Rotation gives all operators, regardless of size, a sense of belonging and a stake in the industry’s future,” he said.

On regulation, Dokpesi Jr. called for a balanced approach, noting that while oversight is necessary for matters such as national security and emergencies, excessive control should not undermine press freedom.

He also advocated for revising the National Broadcasting Commission Act, which he described as largely a holdover from Nigeria’s military era, and suggested shifting from punitive measures to incentives and self-regulation to improve standards.

He warned that the economics of broadcasting in Nigeria have become unsustainable, urging government intervention and new funding models to support industry growth. Dokpesi Jr. proposed strategies to attract investment, promote digitization, and foster innovation to ensure long-term viability.

Dokpesi Jr. outlined five pillars for his BON agenda: safeguarding national information sovereignty, promoting ethical content, enhancing inclusivity and accessibility, driving innovation through technology, and ensuring sustainable growth. He cited reforms implemented at DAAR Communications as evidence that such strategies could create value across the industry.

He called on broadcasters to embrace unity, strategic engagement with government, and forward-looking innovation to secure the future of Nigerian broadcasting.

Raymond Dokpesi Jr. Announces Bid for BON Chairmanship, Calls for Industry Reforms

Acting Governor Kadafur Assents to 2026 Budget of N892.4 Billion, Local Government Amendment Law

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Acting Governor, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, has assented to the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N892.4 billion passed by the State Assembly.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum had initially presented a budget of N890.3 billion to the Assembly on 29 December 2025 for the 2026 fiscal year, which was subsequently reviewed upwards by the House.

In a brief but historic event at the Council Chamber, Dr. Kadafur commended the Assembly’s commitment to transparency and the public interest.

“I wish to appreciate the meticulous, diligent and sustained effort of the House, especially considering the prevailing economic realities and fiscal pressures,” he stated.

He praised the House for the expeditious consideration and timely passage of both the appropriation bill and the Local Government Amendment Law 2000.

The amended law extend the tenure of local government chairmen and councillors from two to three years, aiming to strengthen grassroots governance and improve service delivery.

Dr. Kadafur noted the occasion marked the administration’s financial roadmap for 2026. “This demonstrates the shared sense of responsibility and a clear understanding of the urgency of providing a sound financial framework for governance,” he remarked.

He assured the Assembly and the people of the state of the administration’s commitment to prudent implementation, accountability, and value for money.

This is the first time an Acting Governor has performed this constitutional duty in the state’s history, following Governor Zulum’s proceeding on annual leave and the subsequent constitutional transmission of power to his deputy.

The Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Honourable Abdulkarim Lawan, explained that the budget was reviewed after submissions from ministries, departments, and agencies, resulting in an increase of N2.37 billion.

“The budget size was increased by the sum of N2.37 billion, translating to the total sum of N892.4 billion. The increases were in the Health and Education sectors,” Hon. Lawan stated.

He detailed that “the sum of N1.774 billion was approved for the Borno State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), while the College of Nursing Sciences, Maiduguri, was added the sum of N400 million,” citing the importance of these sectors and concern for underprivileged members of society.

The event was attended by the APC State Chairman, Head of Serve, acting Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Special Advisers and other personalities.

Acting Governor Kadafur Assents to 2026 Budget of N892.4 Billion, Local Government Amendment Law