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State supervised jungle justice reason for ‘unknown gunmen’— HURIWA

Published

2 years ago

September 8, 2022

By Ogaga Ariemu

Civil Rights Advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has blamed pervasive and intractable violations by armed security forces of rules of engagement as fundamental origin of the phenomenon of ‘unknown gunmen’ and the wanton attacks on strategic national security assets in parts of Southern Nigeria.

HURIWA spoke against the backdrops of the alleged armed invasion by Nigeria Army in Rivers community to avenge colleagues killings by hoodlums stated that in as much as there is no lawful justification for the emergence of ‘unknown gunmen’ or attacks targeting armed security operatives.

According to a statement released on Wednesday to Nigerian NewsDirect by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, lamented that for years, soldiers and police operatives responsible for illegal executions of detainees in their facilities have often been protected officially which is a breach of the clearly established legal rules of engagement binding on the armed security forces carrying out internal security operations across the Country.

HURIWA is advocating swift changes by security chiefs and the relevant government agencies to ensure that murderers in military or police uniforms are brought to justice to pay for such despicable crimes. The Rights group said violations of the statutory rules of engagement for internal security operations should be seen as a severe crime that most be penalised because if this isn’t done and seen to have been done, those who lose loved ones may inevitably decide to take the laws into their hands and this tendency could give rise to anarchy.

HURIWA cited Section 217 (2) (c) of the 1999 Constitution and Section (8) (1) and (3) of the Armed Forces Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, (LFN) 2004 as laws that ground and provide code of conduct and rules of engagement for the armed forces in internal security which are constitutional binding.

HURIWA said for instance, no officer or soldier must be found aiding or abetting any act of arson, vandalism or unprofessional conduct; and troops are duty bound to intervene in any situation to avoid a breakdown in peace, stability or law and order of an area where they are deployed.

Besides, Section 217 (2) (c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that Nigeria’s armed forces shall suppress insurrection and act in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to do so by the President, Commander-in-Chief reinforced by Sect (8) (1) and (3) of the Armed Forces Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, (LFN) 2004, it stressed that this presupposes that troops have to use necessary force to quell crisis resulting in deaths, injury and damages to properties.

HURIWA recalled that the principle of minimum force and proportionality must be applied at all times; whenever operational situation permits, every reasonable effort shall be made to control the situation through measures short of using force, including personal contact and negotiations; the use of lethal force shall only be resorted to if all other means to control the situation have failed or in case of unexpected attack or suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack during which a delay could lead to loss of life or serious injury to personnel; and that any force applied must be limited in its intensity and duration; it must also be commensurate with the level of threat posed.

Also, HURIWA recalled that Force shall be used only when absolutely necessary to achieve an immediate aim; the decision to open fire shall be made only on orders and under the control of on-scene commander, unless there is insufficient time to obtain such order. Fire can however be opened if the life of a soldier, any law-abiding member of the public and/or property of which it is our duty to protect is in grave danger; fire must be aimed and controlled. Indiscriminate firing is not permitted.

HURIWA continued thus, “Fire may be opened to forcefully stop any vehicle that fails to stop at a checkpoint or roadblock when ordered to stop for search; automatic fire will only be opened as a last resort; avoid collateral damage; after fire has ceased, render medical assistance and record details of incident both in writing and using audio/visual equipment whether or not casualty has been recorded; and whenever in doubt, seek clarification from higher headquarters.”

The Rights group however said regrettably, there are no empirical evidence to demonstrate the resolve of government and heads of security services to comply with these laws and to bring defaulters to face the strong arm of the laws which amounts to impunity and persistent impunity births anarchy and the phenomenon of unknown gunmen.

HURIWA recalled that landlords and residents of the Bille community, in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, have reportedly abandoned their homes after soldiers invaded the community over the killing of some soldiers by suspected pirates.

HURIWA recalled that armed soldiers and police have on many occasions in the past few years in Imo State invaded communities in which armed hoodlums killed their opetatives just as the Rights group said a plethora of reports of extra-judicial execution of civilians by soldiers and police compiled by reputable groups including Amnesty International are never acted upon and those indicted are still operating within the systems if they are above the law. HURIWA said this posture must change and seen to have changed if we ever hope to sustain constitutional democracy.

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Fuel scarcity: MEMAN confirms availability of 300 million litres of petrol, works to end delivery glitch

Published

20 hours ago

May 1, 2024

NewsDirect

…As Reps summon Petroleum Minister, other stakeholders over rising petrol prices

The Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) has announced that Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, is now available and that it is working with key stakeholders to resolve the current product delivery issues.

In a statement issued in Lagos, MEMAN revealed that its members in Apapa and other locations in Lagos are receiving product from 8 vessels this week, totaling over 300 million litres of PMS, which is significantly above normal levels.

According to the statement, “We are actively coordinating with our member companies through swaps and other supply arrangements to ensure that our member stations remain stocked and that the product is delivered to consumers without any further disruptions.

“We are actively coordinating with our member companies through swaps and other supply arrangements to ensure member stations remain stocked.

“Our depots will extend their loading times to ensure we load out as much as we can including tomorrow the 1st of May 2024.

“Our partners in NARTO & PTD have assured us of their support in ensuring the product gets to the retail outlets safely and quickly. We also will extend the opening times of selected retail outlets to ensure we can service our customers as long and as safely possible.

“Independent marketers (depots and stations) are being allocated additional PMS to alleviate the situation.

“We expect the situation to improve in the coming days as supply chains adjust and stabilise.”

“Despite the challenges posed by the return of fuel queues, MEMAN assures the public of its unwavering commitment to keeping them informed and providing regular updates.

“MEMAN deeply empathises with Nigerians facing the challenges occasioned by the current availability of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and the resulting queues at many retail outlets.

“We can see the frustration and difficulties this situation is creating. The Downstream Regulator, NMDPRA and other key stakeholders across the supply chain are fully engaged and supportive to eliminate the queues as swiftly as possible.

“Our top priority is to restore stability and ensure that fuel supplies reach all depots and retail outlets across Nigeria promptly. While the current situation has been challenging, we want to reassure the public that there is an adequate supply of PMS available,” the association confirmed.

…Reps summon Petroleum Minister, other stakeholders over rising petrol prices

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has taken decisive action in response to the ongoing fuel scarcity gripping Nigeria, summoning the Minister of Petroleum Resources and other key stakeholders within the petroleum industry.

The move comes after the adoption of a motion titled “The Need To Address The Lingering Fuel Scarcity And Rising Retail Prices Of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) Across Nigeria,” presented by Rep. Umar Shehu Ajilo during Tuesday’s plenary session.

The summoned stakeholders are expected to provide comprehensive briefings to the Assembly, outlining the measures in place to mitigate the existing crisis and prevent similar situations from arising.

“Concerned that this fuel scarcity is coming at a time when the adverse economic effect caused by subsidy removal and soaring inflation is yet to be addressed by the government, not to mention the deteriorating income of the Nigerian masses.

“Further concerned that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd is yet to address this perennial and persistent fuel scarcity problem faced by Nigerians despite the volume of resources at its disposal.

“Most worrisome that all these economic quagmires have made the lives of average Nigerians unbearable with a litre of fuel selling as much as N1,200 in some states of the Federation.

“This 10th Assembly must rise to the occasion to ensure that lasting measures are taken to address this unfortunate and embarrassing situation permanently in the interest of all Nigerians.”

However, Mr. Ajilo appealed to the House to extend invitations to the Minister of Petroleum Resources and pertinent stakeholders in the petroleum sector to convene before the assembly.

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NANS to embark on nationwide protest on May 7 over fuel scarcity, electricity crisis

Published

20 hours ago

May 1, 2024

NewsDirect

By Sodiq Adelakun

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to stage a nationwide protest on May 7, to demand urgent action from the government to address the persistent fuel scarcity and electricity crisis plaguing the country.

According to a statement issued by the Senate President of NANS, Akinteye Babatunde, the student body has been left with no choice but to take to the streets due to the government’s inability to effectively tackle these pressing issues.

The association expressed its deep disappointment and frustration over the continued hardships imposed on students across Nigeria due to the ongoing energy crises.

The protest, scheduled to take place in major cities and towns across the country, aims to amplify the voices of the student community and pressure the government to find lasting solutions to the fuel scarcity and electricity crisis, which have severely impacted the academic and social lives of students.

“We are mobilising for a nationwide protest to demand the removal of key officials responsible for exacerbating these issues,” Babatunde stated, highlighting the urgency of their demands.

NANS has launched protests targeting high-profile figures. Specifically, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mele Kyari, and the Minister for Power, Bayo Adelabu, are under fire for their alleged mismanagement contributing to the energy woes.

NANS accuses Kyari and Adelabu of overseeing a leadership marked by severe mismanagement of crucial energy resources, exacerbating the nation’s turmoil.

The student body’s strategic protest plan spans various zones across the country, ensuring widespread participation and visibility.

Designated protest locations include Abuja Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Airport Road in Abuja, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Onitsha-Asaba Head Bridge, and Wuntin Dada along the Bauchi-Jos Road.

Babatunde added, “This is a collective stand against the systemic failures and neglect that have perpetuated a cycle of hardship and suffering among the populace.”

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Reps halt implementation of new electricity tariff

Published

20 hours ago

May 1, 2024

NewsDirect

The House of Representatives has urged the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to suspend the implementation of the new tariff.

The call was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Nkemkanma Kama (LP-Ebonyi) at plenary on Tuesday.

It would be recalled that NERC had one April 3, approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers who enjoyed 20 hours of electricity daily classified as Band A users.

Moving the motion, Kama said that the aim was to restore public trust, protect consumer rights, and ensure regulatory accountability in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

He said that facts presented showed that the approval granted by NERC resulted in a staggering 300 per cent rise for certain consumers.

“What is more concerning are the reports indicating discrepancies in customer categorisation and widespread complaints regarding inadequate service despite increased charges.

“This situation has not just sparked national anxiety, but it also threatens regulatory certainty and investor confidence in the sector, demanding immediate attention.

“This motion argues for legislative intervention, underlining our constitutional and moral obligations to address the crisis and alleviate the burden on Nigerian citizens.

“It places a strong emphasis on the legislative oversight role over NERC and the electricity utilities, stressing the need for fair and just pricing and consultation with stakeholders in tariff determination processes.

“This is not just a responsibility, but a duty we owe to our constituents,” he said.

The lawmaker alleged failure of due process in approving the tariff increase which raised concerns over discriminatory practices, and disputed the nature of government subsidies to Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs).

Sequel to the adoption of the motion, the House ordered the Nigerian electricity regulatory commission (NERC) to suspend the operation of the recently announced tariff increases and other conditions in the newly issued review of the MYTO.

The House resolved to set up a special committee made up of the Committees on Power, Commerce and National Planning to convene a public hearing on price regulation.

The lawmaker resolved to appoint a well-regarded former regulator as technical consultant to the house to develop templates for determination of the legality, reasonableness of the procedure adopted by NERC in approving the tariff increase and establishing the performance benchmarks for the Discos.

In his ruling, the Speaker of the house, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas said that the relevant committees should ensure compliance.