Nation
IHRC, NGO Organise Empowerment Programme For IDPs
About 200 women and young girls have benefitted from a skill acquisition and empowerment programme at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, Malaysian Garden, Apo, in the Federal Capital Territory.
The programme was organised by the International Human Rights Commission and the Broken But Mendable Life Foundation (BBML) to commemorate this year’s 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.
The Tide’s source reports that the campaign with the theme: “Unite! Activism to end violence against women and girls”, calls for action against one of the world’s most persistent violations of human rights, which is, violence against women.
The Zonal Coordinator, IHRC, Abuja Chapter, Mr Adeoye David, said the training was organised to equip the women and young girls with means to function in the society.
“As we are aware that we are in the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence and the theme is to end violence against women and girls.
“Basically, we in IHRC deemed it fit to collaborate with Broken But Mendable Life Foundation, to bring the initiative here.
“We looked at it from the fact that if we can empower women, then they will be independent, because if a woman is not empowered, then the abuse will be more intensed.
“But once they are empowered, they will be able to take decisions by themselves and there will be less abuse on them.
“We have specifically trained them on three things that is, soap making, cream making and adire making, of which we are going to empower those that are serious and willing to go into it,” he said.
Also, Mrs Adaku Akpokodje, the Vice-Coordinator, IHRC, Abuja Chapter, added that viiolence against women haf been on an alarming rate not only in Nigeria but the the world at large.
She added that the issue which had been seen as an acceptable and normal behaviour must be curbed, as such, empowering them was one way to prevent the menace.
“The truth is when women are financially empowered, it will be difficult for men to be violent against them or to bring them down.
“It is not only physical violence, we are also talking about emotional violence, but if these women are empowered, they will be as to source for themselves and take care of their own needs.
“At that time violence against them will reduce, though it may take a long while to be eliminated, but gradually, we will get there,” she added.
The Chairman of the camp, Mr Chakule Lawal, appreciated the organisations for training them on the various skills, stressing that it would assist them to be financially independent.
“I feel very happy for this skill acquisition programme brought by the International Human Rights Commission and the NGO. It is a good development to the entire camp.
“I want the women to also continue practising what they have learnt so that they can continue with the business and it will help their future and future of their children,” he said.
A beneficiary who learnt tie and dye fabric making, Ms Fatima Mohammed, appreciated the groups for the training.
“We learnt very well and we are happy to learn tie and dye, we thank them and God bless them.
“I do not have a job before but now, I have learnt something to use to feed myself”, she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Biski Hauwa, who spoke in Hausa language, also appreciated the organisers for their kind gestures.
“I have learnt vaseline making and I appreciate them for teaching us, once I sell the vaseline, I will see money to feed myself and my children,” she said.
The source reports that the beneficiaries who were shared into various groups learnt vaseline production, liquid detergent and tie and dye fabric making.
Nation
Rivers State Judiciary Counters NBA National Position over Contempt Ruling, Says Judge Acted Within the Law
The Rivers State Judiciary has faulted the Nigerian Bar Association National over its March 26, 2026 press release condemning the jailing of a lawyer for contempt, insisting the trial judge acted lawfully to protect the court’s integrity.
In a rejoinder issued by Chief Registrar High Court,David D. Ihua-Maduenyi, Esq., the judiciary said it was necessary to “set the records straight” following reactions to the NBA’s statement on the contempt conviction of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin.
Titled: “JUDGES MUST NOT BULLY LAWYERS OR
ABUSE POWER TO PUNISH FOR CONTEMPT AS A TOOL
FOR INTIMIDATION OF LAWYERS”
RE: IN THE MATTER OF CONTEMPT OF COURT BY MRS.
LOVINAH UGBANA BENJAMIN
IN SUIT NO.
PHC/301/2016 CORAM C. NWOGU J., OF THE HIGH
COURT OF RIVERS STATE.
The state judiciary explained that case in question is Suit No. PHC/301/2016 before Justice Chinwendu Nwogu of the Rivers State High Court, where Mrs. Benjamin served as defence counsel.
The statement read thus
“We are compelled to make this rejoinder regarding the
incident of the conviction for contempt and subsequent
unconditional discharge of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin,
Learned Counsel for the Defendants in the above suit by Hon.
Justice Chinwendu Nwogu of the High Court of Rivers State in
order to set the records straight, and not allow the
misinformation, misconception and reactions arising from the
NBA National Press Release in the matter to fester as reality or
truth.”
In the suit under reference wherein the said Learned
Counsel appeared for the Defendants, the Learned Counsel
attempted to mislead the Court by her signed and filed final
written address, by knowingly and falsely presenting non-
existent facts and evidence of a witness. When confronted by the
Court, she admitted that what she stated in her final written
the address was not true and she was unapologetic.”
“The to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Court, which the
said Learned Counsel treated with clear and brazen contempt, the
Court after following due process, convicted her for contempt and
sentenced her to prison for 3 days only, instead of the 3 months
statutory term due to passionate plea from the Bar.”
“According to the statement the suggestion of the NBA National in paragraph 10 of the
Press Release under reference that “where a court considers
counsel’s conduct improper, the proper course is to invoke
recognised disciplinary mechanisms, including referring
counsel to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee
(LPDC), rather than resorting to summary punitive measures”,
is not an invariable rule because the act of the Defence Counsel
constitutes contempt in facie curiae which the Court can punish
instantly, hence the action of the Judge is not an abuse of power
or an act of intimidation.”
“Nevertheless, due to the numerous calls from respected
members of the Bar to the offices of the Chief Registrar and the
Honourable Chief Judge for the release of the said Learned
Counsel, and the intervention of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch
delegation led by its Chairman, Mrs. Cordelia U. Eke to the Judge.
in his Chambers in the morning of 26/03/2026 where the
delegation upon learning the true facts of the incident, apologised
and pleaded for the release of the said Learned Counsel.
“The Judge
having accepted the apology signed a production warrant and
upon her production in court and oral application by Mrs. Cordelia
U. Eke, discharged her unconditionally that same morning.”
The statement further stated that It is therefore shocking to read later that day the NBA
National Press Release signed by its President and Secretary, Mazi
Afam Joseph Osigwe (SAN) and Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara respectively,
fiercely threatening and hastily advocated the following ultimata and
the immediate release of the affected
Counsel.
:That the Hon. Chief Judge of Rivers State
immediately investigate the circumstances
surrounding this incident and take
appropriate administrative action.
That appropriate disciplinary steps be taken
by the National Judicial Council, where
necessary.
That the remand of Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana
Benjamin under the circumstances be
condemned and set aside”
“That all NBA branches in Port Harcourt and
its environs and all legal practitioners
boycott the proceedings before the Court of
Hon. Justice Nwogu for a period of 7 days if
Mrs. Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin is not
released within 24 hours.
“It seems to us that it is either the NBA Port Harcourt Branch
leadership did not relate the true position to the NBA National or
if they did, the NBA National decided to speak daggers, not peace
to impugn the Judge as a villain.
“We find the position of the NBA National on this subject very
offensive and embarrassingly raising a feeling of acrimony against
the Judge in particular, and the High Court bench of Rivers State
in general. We categorically state that the Hon. Justice Chinwendu
Nwogu is one of our respected and respectful Judges with
unblemished integrity.
We view this Press Release as an isolated departure from the
enterprising and amiable leadership of the NBA National,
especially its President, whom we hold in high esteem and
admiration.”
“Whilst we appreciate the concern of the NBA National in
bringing attention to the event of 25th March 2026, we assure that
the Bench and the Bar in Rivers State remain veritable partners
in the administration of justice.
“We firmly restate that the Bench in Rivers State holds the Bar
in high esteem and this event would not disrupt the cordial
relationship between the Bench and the Bar.”