News
Gaddafi Should ‘Ve Been Spared –Zuma
President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, says the slain former Libyan leader, Col. Muammar Gaddafi should have been captured alive to face prosecution.
Zuma told newsmen last Friday in Pretoria at the reception for the visiting President Obiang Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea that Gaddafi had been on the warrant list of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
He said,”given that there was a warrant of arrest against Gaddafi, those who found him should have arrested him and handed him to ICJ.
“There is a trend across the world where former leaders accused of injustice are not given an opportunity to stand trial in a court of justice.
“That is surprising. I think even those who accused him would have wanted to see him become answerable.”
He expressed the hope that the death of Gaddafi would lead to a cessation of hostilities and the restoration of peace in Libya.
He urged the Libyan National Transitional Council to begin in earnest, the process of building national unity and reconciliation, disarmament of all combatants and their reintegration into society.
In his remark, Mbasogo who is also the Chairperson of African Union (AU), said Africa was concerned with further political developments in Libya.
“The AU was looking forward to a situation where it would play a major role in helping to create a government that will be totally inclusive.
“It is believed that the lasting solution is possible through an all-inclusive political process that will culminate in the holding of the first ever democratic elections,’’ Mbasogo said.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu in his comment, said, “the manner of the killing of Muammar Gaddafi last Thursday totally detracts from the noble enterprise of instilling a culture of human rights and democracy in Libya.
“The people of Libya should have demonstrated better values than those of their erstwhile oppressors’’.
Mr Jackson Mthembu, the Africa National Congress spokesperson, said Libyans needed help in rebuilding their country after the devastation caused during the conflict.
“We are as convinced now as we were then that a peaceful approach would have saved many lives in Libya,’’ he said.
The Congress of South Africa Trade Unions also decried the way the media reported and broadcast the images of Gaddafi’s body.
The congress spokesperson, Mr Patrick Craven said, “this `triumphalism’ is an example of imperialist barbarism at its worst.
“The only force which has the right to overthrow a dictatorial regime are the Libyans, not the military might of imperialist powers whose sole concern is to safeguard and promote economic interests.
“Gaddafi should have been charged to ICJ, he should not have been executed in a manner that resembled cold-blooded murder.’’
In a related development, the African Union Commission Chairperson, Dr Jean Ping, urged the new Libyan authorities to immediately commence efforts that would ensure the fulfillment of the aspirations of all Libyan people.
Ping made the call in a statement issued in Addis Ababa in reaction to the killing of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
“Today, more than ever before, there is the need for the new Libyan authorities to spare no effort in ensuring that those aspirations are fulfilled.
“From the onset of the crisis in Libya, the AU has called for, and tirelessly worked towards a solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Libyan people for democracy, respect for human rights and good governance’’, Ping said.
He reiterated AU’s conviction on the need for national reconciliation among all Libyans, in line with the stated commitment of the new Libyan authorities.
He said this would ensure stability and the establishment of viable, democratic and accountable institutions.
Ping further stressed the continuing commitment of the AU to support the Libyan people and to work with the new authorities towards genuine national reconciliation, respect for human rights and an inclusive transition leading to the establishment of a new democratic dispensation.
He said the Commission would soon establish a liaison office in Tripoli to be headed by a Special Representative.
“In line with the decision adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) on 20 October 2011, the AU is taking steps for the early establishment of a liaison office in Tripoli to be headed by a Special Representative.’’
Ping said the step, together with the effective participation of Libya in the work of the AU organs, including the PSC, would go a long way in assisting the country to step up efforts aimed at completing all actions needed to bring about lasting peace, stability, security, development and democracy to Libya.
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
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