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NHRC expresses concerns over rising cases of human rights complaints in April

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday expressed concern over the rising cases of human rights violations in the month of April.

Mr Hilary Ogbonna, senior Human rights adviser to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, raised the concerns at the presentation of the 4th edition of NHRC dashboard data which represented the month of April.

The  dashboard is a monthly analysis and graphical presentation of human rights situation in Nigeria while the Observatory is for monitoring, reporting and analysing the human rights violations.

NAN reports also that on February 14, the Commission inaugurated the maiden edition of human rights dashboard and observatory and presented the report of January.

In his analysis, Ogbonna pointed out that there was an increase of 337 complaints of human rights violations in February.

According to him in January, a total of 1,147 complaints were recorded against 1,484 recorded in February. March recorded a total of 1580 complaints.

” There was an upsurge in complaints recorded in April according to Ogbonna.

” Total Number of Complaints was 19,470 Against State Actors -5259 Domestic Violence 4317, Violation of Children’s’ Rights ,1457 Against Non-State Actors – 2877, Against Private Sector Actors – 106 , Economic, Social and Cultural rights(ESCR)- 3695, Right to life – 110, Persons with disabilities – 136, Others – 365 Referred Complaints – 191.

“Mass killings continue to be on the rise
across states, Media Freedom under attack, Killings of law enforcement and members of the Armed Forces, Rise in cases of violence against children
and minors Economic reforms impacting on the enjoyment of human rights.

“Issues in Focus, cultism & Human Rights over 20 deaths were recorded in April relating to activities of cultists in 3 states of Anambra, Edo and Enugu state” he said.

Accordingto him NHRC calls on the government and security agencies to protect lives and properties especially in educational institutions.

He lamented attacks on Press Freedom Over the last three months, five journalists have been arrested and detained beyond constitutional limits and Daniel Ojukwu is currently on his 10th day.

” Mr Lanre Arogundade was flagged off at the MMIA for being on a ‘watch list’ NHRC is concerned on these attacks on journalist and press freedom.

” NHRC condemns the indiscriminate arrests and prolonged detentions of Nigerians.

” The NHRC is grateful to the United Nations Development Programme, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and GANHRI for their support to the Tripartite Partnership Programme (TPP)” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Anthony Ojukwu SAN represented by Mr Harry Obe head ,Economic, Social and Cultural rights(ESCR) said the monthly dashboard is part of the commission’s mandate.

” The monthly dashboard on the state of human rights is borne out of the necessity by Commission to monitor , investigate and report on human rights in real time on a national scale in line with its mandate.

” The dashboard is a unique and distinctive I initiative of the Commission that presents an infographic report on where we stand on human rights in our country.

” These facts, statistics and analysis of human rights violations across broad and specific thematic areas provide policy makers international partners , law enforcement agencies civil society actors and the media with the opportunity of gaining insights into the evolving human rights landscape in Nigeria and exploring collaborative avenues for addressing emerging challenges” he said.

According to Ojukwu, beyond providing a graphic presentation of the human rights situation, the April dashboard also serves as a guide and a measurement of our progress realising the human rights of every Nigerian.

He noted that the dashboard provides information that will trigger a chain of multifaceted actions from every arm of government in tackling insecurity, poverty and Inequalities in our country.

Ojukwu speaking by himself later said he attended an UN human rights in Geneva and Nigeria was ranked high in reporting human rights violations.

“All eyes and ears were on Nigeria when we were sharing our experiences, the Commission has been vocal when it comes to violations of human rights.

” Everyone was impressed with this dashboard reports and the international communities wait for the monthly report.

” Thanks to the Media whose work is the brain behind bringing all these reports to the public ” he said.

Similarly , Nkechi Enubiaka, project officer Rule of Law and Human Rights, on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), extended their deepest appreciation to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), for their commitment to promoting human rights in Nigeria.

” The journey towards advancing human rights is often challenging, yet your dedication has provided invaluable expertise in navigating these complexities with determination.

“The Tripartite Partnership Agreement between UNDP and NHRC marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote and protect human rights in Nigeria.

” As we continue our journey towards a just and equitable Nigeria, we remain grateful for the invaluable partnership and look forward to further strengthening our collaboration for the advancement of human rights and sustainable development” she said.

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Rivers crisis: Wike causing confusion against Fubara – Edwin Clark

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The leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Edwin Clark, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, of causing confusion against Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State.

Clark said Wike was dancing naked in the open market in the politics of madness in Rivers State.

He accused the minister of controlling both the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.

This was contained in a letter dated May 20, 2024, and addressed to both the chairmen of the APC and PDP.

Clark’s letter reads partly: “As a patriotic old statesman, I strongly believe that I should address this letter to you to call to order FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, because he is dancing naked in the open market in the politics of madness in Rivers State with one leg each in the two parties.

“I know both of you are fully aware and involved in the political crisis in Rivers State, which is caused by Wike, who is controlling the two parties in Rivers State, particularly the PDP.

“I strongly advise both of you to withdraw from the madness of politics of Rivers State to avoid the dangerous crisis facing Rivers State, one of the most important states producing the resources used to sustain the economy of this country.

“I hope you do not forget that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) and the deep seaport of Onne are very well established in Rivers State.

“How can the Federal Government and the two main political parties allow an individual to disrupt and cause confusion, harassment of the democratically elected Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on the guise that he alone and not the people of Rivers State made Fubara Governor, in his provocative and inciting statement?”

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Adeleke seeks Auditors-General cooperation for transparency in governance

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The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on the Auditors-General working with states and the Federal Government to collaborate with various heads of government where they serve in building more accountable and transparent administrations for the benefit of Nigerians.

Adeleke made the call in Ede, Osun State on Monday at the opening session of the 53rd biannual Conference organised by the Office of the Auditor General, Osun State in collaboration with the Body of Federal and State Auditors-General, Nigeria attended by Auditors-General of states across the federation.

He said, “Your presence here underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and open governance in our beloved nation. As the Governor of Osun State, I stand before you with a firm commitment to these principles.

“Our government believes that transparency and accountability are not just buzzwords but essential pillars upon which good governance stands. We understand that fostering an environment of openness is crucial for building trust between government and citizens.

“In Osun State, we are committed to providing the necessary resources and support to enable the auditor-general’s office to function autonomously and with the highest level of professionalism. We believe in upholding the integrity of our financial systems and institutions, and we recognize that this begins with a strong and independent audit function.”

The governor urged the participants to take full advantage of the conference to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative ideas that would further enhance the effectiveness of audit processes in the country.

Represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, the governor, assured the participants of the unwavering dedication of his administration to empowering the Office of the Auditor-General in the state to carry out its statutory duties independently and effectively.

He urged, “I urge all participants to take full advantage of this conference to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative ideas that will further enhance the effectiveness of our audit processes. Together, we can work towards building a more accountable and transparent government for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

Earlier, the Auditor-General for the Federation, Shaakaa Chira, whose speech was read by Busayo Fawale, a director of Audit, Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, declared that his office was ready to collaborate with Auditors-General of other tiers of government for more efficient service delivery.

Chira, the incumbent Auditor-General for the Federation was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on October 20, 2023, following the retirement of Adolphus Aghughu.

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Police begin 24-hour bike patrol on Third Mainland Bridge

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The Commander of the Lagos State Police Command’s Rapid Response Squad, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, has directed the squad’s motorcycle riders to begin a 24-hour patrol on the Third Mainland Bridge.

The RRS disclosed this in a statement on X.com on Monday, stating that the initiative aims to safeguard the bridge’s infrastructure and prevent harassment of road users by miscreants.

The statement read, “The Commander Rapid Response Squad (RRS), CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, has directed the squad’s bike riders to commence a 24-hour patrol of the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos as a way of protecting the infrastructure on the bridge as well as prevent incidence of harassment of road users by miscreants.

“This is in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, to the squad for protection of lives, property and public infrastructure on the newly renovated bridge.”

In the statement, Egbeyemi urged motorists and road users to cooperate with the RRS bike riders for a more efficient operation.

t added, “CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi appealed to motorists and road users to co-operate with the riders so that they can serve them better.”

The Third Mainland Bridge resumed full operations in April following extensive repairs.

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