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SERAP Calls For Legal Framework For Human Rights
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has advocated the establishment of a legal framework that recognises and respects human rights.
The group also called for the review of the Official Secrets Act, Criminal Code Act and Cybercrime Act free in line with international human rights standards and agreements.
Dr Bunmi Afinowi, a lecturer in the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, said this at the presentation of a report titled: “State of Civic Space in Nigeria.”
Afinowi, presented and launched the report on behalf of SERAP, yesterday in Lagos.
The lecturer equally called for the strengthening of the independence of regulatory bodies such as the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) to ensure impartial regulation and promote self-regulation within the media.
According to her, the recent decision of the Federal High Court on the powers of the NBC was a step in the right direction.
Afinowi also said the government should ensure a diverse representation in the NBC, the NPC, including journalist unions, civil society and academia.
She said: “The judiciary has a role to play in this regard by ensuring that it upholds the rule of law and safeguards fundamental human rights as recognised and enshrined in the constitution.
“Bodies like the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and relevant civil society groups must ensure prompt and thorough investigations into the attacks on journalists and hold perpetrators accountable.
“There is also a need for professional bodies and civil society groups to encourage coalitions and ensure adequate funding, capacity building and technical support for civil society organisations working on media freedom and human rights issues.
“Federal and state governments should be tolerant of criticisms and perceived critical views expressed by Nigerians,” she said.
The lawyer also said the Nigerian government should prevail on law enforcement agencies to refrain from arbitrary arrests and frivolous charges based on exercise of the right to freedom of expression.
She also urged the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to push for the immediate amendment of the Cybercrimes Act and other repressive legislation to bring the laws in line with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended).
In a welcome address, Mrs Funmi Falana (SAN) who was represented her husband, Femi Falana (SAN), remarked that democracy was not just about voting but also entailed the right of the people to determine how they want to be governed as provided by the law.
Falana added that the law was provided for the people to express their minds when they were not being governed properly without fear of being detained, harassed or subjected to any restrictions.
She listed all laws and conventions to which Nigeria was a signatory and which recognised freedom of expression and assembly.
According to her: “In spite of these laws and conventions, people are still being harassed while police detain journalists indiscriminately.
“The government also failed to pay damages imposed by the court and some judges are afraid to make declarations on public interest litigations while hiding under locus standi.
“The idea of locus standi is no longer applicable in our laws on public interest matters.”
Mr Simon Shingu, the representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in his keynote address, said the promotion and protection of civic space were regarded as special prerequisite for increasing growth, good governance, rule of law and sustainable development.
He said: “As we gather here today, we are reminded of the fundamentals principles of our democracy which are freedom of association, assembly and expression.
“These rights are not just enshrined in our constitution but are the bedrock of our striving democracy.
“With a vibrant civic space, we can hold our leaders accountable but without a vibrant one, we cannot address the pressing issues facing our nation.
“We cannot also fulfill the aspirations of our people but amidst these challenges, there is hope as we have seen the resilience of Nigerians and the encouragement of various activists.”
Honourble Akin Rotimi Jnr, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, in his keynote address, said that no amount of introspection on the civil space could be described as too much or too little.
Rotimi said that civil society could be improved in numerous ways and one aspect to address was inclusivity and diversity in broader society.
He noted that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) must ensure that their structures, leadership and key decision making reflected the diversity of the communities they served.
He said: “Organisation advocating for women should ensure that women engage in leadership positions.
“CSOs should also be very intentional about building successors generations of civil society actors that will be able to take it to the higher heights we all desire.
“CSOs must also look for ways to counter threats in order to attain full autonomy and also the worrisome issue of proliferation of organisation that taint the reputation of of actions needs to be checked.
“CSOs should also involve in advocacy campaigns to raise the awareness of their work and the need for freedom to operate.”
News
We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
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?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
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?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
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?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
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?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
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?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
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?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
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?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
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Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has announced a N100 billion annual education support programme aimed at keeping financially vulnerable Nigerian students in school.
Speaking at the launch of the national scholarship scheme in Lagos, yesterday, Dangote said too many brilliant young people were being forced out of classrooms because of poverty.
He described education as the “strongest engine of social mobility” and a critical foundation for national development.
The initiative, funded by the Aliko Dangote Foundation, will run for ten years beginning in 2026, costing over N1 trillion in total.
Dangote said the scheme would support 45,000 scholars each year at inception, expanding to 155,000 beneficiaries annually by its fourth year, and maintaining that level for the rest of the decade.
By 2036, he said, the programme is expected to have reached at least 1,325,000 students.
“We cannot allow financial hardship to silence the dreams of our young people, not when the future of our nation depends on their skills, resilience and leadership,” he added.
A major component of the fund is the Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars programme, which will provide annual scholarships for 30,000 undergraduate students pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics in public universities and polytechnics.
Each beneficiary will receive tuition support aligned with the fees of their institution and course of study. Dangote said the goal is to expand access to higher education, empower innovation, and give young Nigerians the tools to compete globally.
“STEM drives development. If Nigeria must compete globally, our young minds must have the tools to learn, imagine and innovate,” he said.
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