Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Sunday 21st June 2020
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 21/06/20
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Man Brutalises Wife In Ondo For Allegedly Refusing To Abort Pregnancy
A man identified as Bebu Abiodun has been accused of brutalising his pregnant wife, Aderonke Adeymi, in Ondo State.
Abiodun, 35, was said to have battered his wife out of anger following her alleged refusal to abort a three-month-old pregnancy she had for him.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening at Ode-Irele in Irele Local Government Area of the state.
SaharaReporters gathered that the incident threw the entire neighbourhood into confusion as the couple fought openly on the street.
The 33-year-old mother of one was said to have been rushed to a private hospital in the town for treatment.
Two younger brothers of the battered woman, Banjo and Ezekiel Adewole, confirmed the incident to SaharaReporters.
They both explained that there was no week in the nearly three-year-old marriage that a fight or quarrel didn’t occur.
“Our sister had been complaining to us for a long time about how her husband had been maltreating her over every single issue since they got married.
“We always settle issues for them because there is no perfect marriage but her sin this time around was her refusal to abort her three-month-old pregnancy which she had for Abiodun.
“The husband want her to terminate the pregnancy and since she refused, he went ahead to beat her up and left injuries all over her face and body.
“She told me that her husband even tried to remove the fetus himself and threathened to kill her. We don’t know what had gone over him this time around,” one of the brothers said.
They added that the case had been reported to the police while the family had resolve to take legal action against the alleged wife-beater.
Tee-Leo Ikoro, spokesperson for the police in Ondo State, could not confirm the incident when contacted by SaharaReporters.
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Lawyers Assisting Workers Urge Nigerian Government To Ratify International Labour Organisation Convention
The Nigerian Chapter of International Lawyers Assisting Workers has urged government to speedily ratify the International Labour Organisation Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment.
ILAW stated that the ratification provides a framework to prevent, remedy and eliminate violence and harassment in work places including gender-based violence and harassment.
In commemoration of the 2020 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, ILAW in a statement by a senior lawyer, Femi Aborisade, for and on behalf of ILAW (Nigeria), posited that Nigeria would be making history if the ILO Convention No. 190 was promptly ratified.
An adopted ILO Convention comes into force 12 months after ratification by two member states.
Convention 190 was adopted in June 2019.
Uruguay became the first country to ratify and as at today, it remains the only country that has ratified the Convention.
Ratification by Nigeria would make it the second country and would enable the Convention to come into force, 12 months after.
According to Aborisade, in the context of the combined provisions of Article 19(5) of the ILO constitution and Section 254C (2) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ratification of an ILO Convention is an executive function, which excludes the prescribed legislative role of the National Assembly under Section 12(1) of the 1999 constitution.
By Article 19(5) of the ILO constitution, an adopted Convention is to be brought “before the authority or authorities within whose competence the matter lies, for the enactment of legislation or other action”.
He said, “In other words, depending on the legal framework in individual countries, ratification may involve domestic legislation or, alternatively, “other action” by the Executive arm of Government. Under Section 12(1) of the Constitution, international treaties require domestication before they can be acted upon or enforced.
“However, Section 254C(2) of the constitution has made an exception for ILO Conventions by excluding the requirement of prior enactment into law before they can be enforced, provided they are ratified by “other action” of the Executive.”
He added that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria has given judicial approval to the provisions of Section 254C(2) of the constitution, which has neither been challenged nor set aside on appeal.
He noted that if ratified, Nigeria would be importing a framework that will prevent, remedy and eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work, including gender-based violence and harassment.
“The convention protects everyone who works, irrespective of gender (male or female) or contractual status, i.e. worker or employer.
“This convention protects workers and other persons in the world of work as well as persons working irrespective of their contractual status, persons in training, including interns and apprentices, workers whose employment has been terminated, volunteers, job seekers and job applicants, and individuals exercising the authority, duties or responsibilities of an employer Article 2(1).
“Given the phenomenally rising rate of conflicts, crises, violence, multiple forms of socioeconomic and political tensions, Boko Haram insurgency, abuses in Internally Displaced Persons camps, wanton and arbitrary police killings, and particularly the alarming incidents of rape and killing of rape victims, the most auspicious time to ratify Convention 190 is now,” Aborisade said.
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E2%80%99s-death Enugu State House Of Assembly Shut Down Over Lawmaker’s Death
Honourable Edward Uchenna Ubosi, Enugu State House of Assembly Speaker, on Saturday announced the closure of the Assembly Complex following the death of member representing Isi-uzo Constituency, Chijioke Ugwueze.
Ugwueze, according to his immediate younger brother, Ejike, died of heart failure on Friday.
He said that his late brother, who was 49 years old, was hypertensive before now and complained symptoms of malaria on Friday morning.
According to him, the late lawmaker was rushed to a private hospital in Enugu on Friday morningand was later transferred to Enugu State Teaching Hospital, Parklane, where he died in the evening.
His death came three days after that of Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Omeje.
In a statement on Saturday, the Speaker said the Assembly had been shut down because of the development to enable the government fumigate the whole complex.
He said, “However, in order to err on the side of caution while the remote and immediate cause of his death is been ascertained, the Speaker Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Uchenna Ubosi, has ordered the immediate shutdown of the Assembly complex for decontamination and also suspension of all activities in the complex till further notice.“Our heartfelt sympathies to the Ugwueze family, the wife and children, the people of Isi-Uzo Constituency, all our distinguished colleagues in Enugu State House of Assembly and Enugu State Government for this irreparable loss.”
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Hasty Generalization Fallacy In The Classification Of Nigeria Into Three Ethnic Nationalities And The Wazobia Acronym By Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo
It is an undisputed fact that the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups are the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria.
It is a fact that the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba languages are widely spoken in Nigeria aside English language.
It is a fact that the official language of Nigeria is English and in special circumstances Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba.
It is a fact that Nigeria as presently constituted has 36 Federating Units divided into six geopolitical zones namely: the South-East, the South-South, the South-West, the North-Central, the North-West and the North-East plus the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
It is a fact that the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria consists of the Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo State and is made up of the Indigenous peoples of Igbo.
It is a fact that the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria consists of the Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states and is made up of amongst others the Indigenous Peoples of Abayon, Abua (Odual), Adim, Adun, Agbo, Akaju-Ndem (Akajuk), Anang, Andoni, Anyima, Bachere, Bahumono, Bekwarra, Bette, Bini, Boki (Nki),Kalabari,Ebana (Ebani), Ebirra (lgbirra), Ebu, Efik, Egbema, Ejagham, Ekajuk, Eket, Ekoi Engenni, Epie, Esan, Etche, Etsako, Etung, Etuno, Gokana, Ibeno, Ibibio Ikorn, Isoko, Itsekiri, lyala, lzondjo, (Ijaw) Mbembe, Mbube, Nkim, Nkum, Ododop, Ogoni, Okobo, Okpamheri, Olulumo, Opobo, Oron, Owan, Qua, Ukelle, Ukwani(Kwale),Uneme (Ineme), Urhobo, Uyanga, Yache and Yakurr.
It is a fact that South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria consists of Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Osun states and is made up of the Indigenous Peoples Yoruba.
It is a fact that the North-Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria consists of Benue, Abuja, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and is made up of amongst others the Indigenous Peoples of Afizere, Afo, Akweya-Yachi, Alago (Arago), Amo, Anaguta, Angas, Ankwei, BadaBaruba (Barba), Bashir (Bashirawa), Bassa, Baushi, Birom, Bkkos, Boko( Bussawa, Bargawa),( Buduma, Buji, Bunu, Burma (Burmawa), Bwall, Challa, Chip, Chokobo, Dakarkari, Doemak (Dumuk), Egede (lgedde), Eggon, Etolu (Etilo), Fyam, Fyer, Gade, Qanawuri, Gbedde, Geruma, Goernai, Gurmana, Gusu, Gwandara, Gwari, Idoma, Igalla, ljumu, Irigwe, Jere, Jidda-Abu, Jukun, Kambari, Kantana, Kenern (Koenoem), Koro (Kwaro), Kulere (Kaler), Kurama, Kwalla, Kwanka, Kwaro, Kwato, Laaru (Larawa), Limono, Lopa, Mabo, Mada, Mama, Memyang (Meryan), Miango, Miligili (Migili), Montol. Munga (Mupang), Mushere, Mwahavul, Ninzam (Ninzo), Nokere, Nunku,Nupe, Ogori, Owe, Oworo, Pai, Pongo, Pyapun (Piapung), Reshe, Rindire, Ron, Rubu, Rukuba, Shangawa, Shan-Shan, Sikdi, Sura, Tarok, Tiv, Yagba,Ufia, Uncinda, Ura (Ula), Utonkong,Yalla,Yergan (Yergum), Yumu, Yuom and Zabara.
It is a fact that the North-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria consists of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states and is made up of amongst others the Indigenous Peoples of Affade, Babur, Bachama, Bade, Bakulung, Bali, Bambora (Bambarawa), Bambuko, Banda (Bandawa), Banka (Bankalawa), Banso (Panso), Bara (Barawa), Barke, Batta, Baya, Bele (Buli, Belewa), Betso (Bete), Bilei, Bille, Bobua, Bole (Bolewa), Botlere, Boma (Bomawa, Burmano), Bomboro, Buli, Bura, Burak, Buru, Buta (Butawa), Bwatiye, Bwazza, Chama (ChamawaFitilai), Chamba, Chamo, Chibok (Chibbak), Chinine, Chukkol, Daba, Dadiya, Daka, Dangsa, Daza (Dere, Derewa), Deno (Denawa), Dghwede, Diba, Ouguri, Duma (Dumawa), Palli, Ga’anda, Galambi, Gamergu-Mulgwa, Gavako, Gengle, Geji, Gera (Gere, Gerawa), Geruma (Gerumawa), Gingwak, Gira, Gizigz, Gombi, Gornun,(Gmun), Gonia, Gubi (Gubawa), Gude, Gudu, Gururntum, Gwa (Gurawa),Gwamba, Gwom, Gwoza (Waha), Gyem, Higi (Hig), Holma, Hona, Ichen, Jahuna (Jahunawa), Jaku, Jara(JaarJarawaJaraw -Dutse), Jero, Jibu, Jimbin (Jimbinawa), Jirai, Jonjo (Jenjo), Kaba(Kabawa), Kadara, Kaka, Kambu,Kamo, Kanakuru (Dera),Kanembu, Karekare (Karaikarai), Karimjo, Kariya, Kenton, Kilba, Kirfi (Kirfawa), Koma, Kona, Kubi (Kubawa), Kudachano (Kudawa), Kugama, Kunini, Kurdul, Kushi, Kuteb, Kutin, Kwami (Kwom), Kwanchi, Lakka, Lala, Lama, Lamja, Lau, Ubbo, Longuda (Lunguda), Mambilla, Mandara (Wandala), Manga (Mangawa), Margi (Marghi), Matakarn, Mbol, Mbula, Mbum, Miya (Miyawa), Mobber, Muchaila, Mumuye, Mundang, Ndoro,Ngamo, Ngizim, Ngweshe (NdhangNgoshe-Ndhang), Ningi (Ningawa), Njayi, Nyandang, Pa’a (Pa’awaAfawa), Panyam, Pero, Pire, Pkanzom, Poll, PolchiHabe, Potopo, Rebina (Rebinawa), Sakbe, Sanga, Sate,Saya (SayawaZa’ar), Segidi (Sigidawa), Shomo, Shuwa, Siri (Sirawa),Sukur,Tangale, Teme,Tera (Terawa), Tigon, Tikar, Tula, Tur, Vemgo, Tikar, Tula, Tur, Vemgo, Verre, Vommi, Wagga, Waja, Waka, Warji, WulaWurbo, Wurkun, Yandang, Yott, Yungur, Zaranda, Zayam (Zeam) and Zul (Zulawa).
It is a fact that the North-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria consists of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kastina , Kebbi , Sokoto and Zamfara states and is made up of amongst others the Indigenous Peoples of Achippa, Angas, Attakar (Ataka), Auyoka (Auyokawa), Ayu, Bassa, Bina (Binawa), Dakarkari, Danda (Dandawa), Duka (Dukawa), Fulani, Gure, Hausa, Gwandara, Jaba, Kafanchan, Kagoro, Kaje (Kache), Kajuru (Kajuruwa), Kamaku (Kamukawa), Kambari, Kanikon, Kanuri,Katab, Kiballo (Kiwolo), Koro (Kwaro), Kurama, Kyenga (Kengawa), Manchok, Moruwa, Nimzam (Ninzo), Reshe, Rishuwa, Rumada, Rumaya, Shanga (Shangawa), Shira (Shirawa), Surubu, Uncinda, Warja and Zama (Zamawa).
It is a fact that the over 500 ethnic nationalities in Nigeria except the Fulani ethnic group who are settlers have existed from time immemorial predating the colonial era in Nigeria are to date in existence; and none of them has become extinct.
It is a fact that each of these ethnic nationalities have proudly retained their identities, languages, cultures, traditions, civilizations and religions which they have with pride, passed on from one generation to the other.
It is a fact that the indegenous peoples within Nigeria speak over 520 languages.
It is a fact that none of over 500 ethnic Nationalities have moved away from their homeland of inheritance or from their fore bearers/ancestral land.
It is a fact that these indigenous peoples subject to the Nigerian constitution and the Land Use Act have exercised unfettered and inalienable sovereignties over their respective homelands and own their land, their water ways and natural wealth and resources.
It is a fact that none of these ethnic nationalities have conquered the other or forced the other to assimilate the others language and culture excepts perhaps the Islamic factor in the Northern part of Nigeria
It is a fact that when Great Britain decolonized Nigeria it did not formally hand over the sovereign powers of Nigeria to any of the indegenous ethnic groups or the the one and only settlers in Nigeria, that is Fulani ethnic group.
It is a fact that none of these 500 indegenous peoples including the Fulani settlers are superior to the other before God and man.
It is a fact that by virtue of the Nigerian constitution all the over 500 indegenous peoples and the settlers within Nigeria are equal.
If all the above facts are true then why are we classifying all the over 500 ethnic nationalities under three umbrellas namely Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo ? Why are we classifying their languages into three with the popular acronym, WAZOBIA?
At this point in time , I know some of us would like to know why and how we came about this classification and the Wazobia acronym and whether is there a law backing them up ? Briefly then in 1950s, with house -to -house or rediffusion Radio speaker boxes in vogue , the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, was faced with the challenge of how to bring news to the grass root level by translating it into the several indigenous Nigerian languages. Consequently,they decided to translate the hourly News bulletins in nine different Nigerian languages, Viz : Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Edo, Izon, Tiv, Efik, Kanuri and Fulfulde. This took a lot of time and was cumbersome to end the vernacular news broadcast and those whose languages were not included were not interested listening to the news and those whose languages are amongst the nine language refuse to listen to news after hearing the news in their language.
When the military junta’s took over power, they decided to cut the number of languages down to three, namely: Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba languages only and tagged it “WAZOBIA”, meaning: “Wa” (come) in Yoruba language; “Zo” (come) in the Hausa language; and, “Bia” which also meant (come) in Igbo language respectively. In other words, (come, come, come).
From there onwards Nigeria embarked on radio and television translation of news in what they called the three major languages, and relegated other languages to the background as if they have no stake in Nigeria. This is genesis and cynosure of the “Federal Character syndrome”, in Nigeria today. If you are not a WAZOBIAN you cannot be heard, recognized, employed or given reasonable political appointment on merit. WAZOBIA to a large extent encouraged and natured mediocrity, favouritism, nepotism, tribalism, corruption, godfatherism and the maginalination and oppression of the minorities in Nigeria.
I humbly submit that this classification and acronym is wrong , faulty and a fallacy of hasty generation that must be stopped forthwith for our own elightment and for the interest of our unborn generation. I am proudly an Urhobo man, but before the eyes of other Nigerians I am classified as an Igbo man whether I like it or not. It remains uncontroverted fact that many Nigerians from the Eastern, Western and Northern regions of Nigeria were killed, maimed, raped, brutalised and got their properties destroyed just for the mere fact that they were mistaken for Igbos during the 1966 and 1967 pogrom because of this fallacy. It is this same fallacy that makes us as a country belief that the people killed in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State and Kadisau village in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State are Hausas and that the North are killing themselves so what is our business in the South if they decide to finish themselves when in actual fact it a case of the Fulani settlers and their invading cousins from the Sahel that are systematically ethnically cleansing the original owners of the land in the North and dispossessing them of their ancestral homes. It is this same fallacy that is making us belief that the millions of helpless and despondent Nigerians in IDPs camp (Internally displaced persons camps ) in the North-East Zone of Nigeria and refugees scatter all over our neighboring countries are Hausas when in actual fact they are not but a clear case of the systematic invasion, dispossession and extermination of the original land owners by the Fulanis and their cousins from Niger, Senegal, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Benin, Cote d’ivoire, and Cameroon.
Enough is Enough. Let us do away with this classification and acronym. While retaining our allegiance to Nigeria let us not forget who we are and where we come from. Let us stand by our various nationalities and defend our ancestral home land, culture, language and heritage from the marauding and rampaging Fulani settlers and their cousins in the guise of farmers/herdsmen clash, Boko haram and bandits.
Let our brothers in Western Nigeria stop calling any Nigerian that is not an Hausa or Yoruba man Omo Ibo. Let our Northern brother stop calling any Nigeria that is not an Hausa or Yoruba man Iyamiri. Let us learn to know that it is diverse people that make up Nigeria and also learn to tap on the greatness and potentials of our diversity. Let us lay to rest the spirit of WAZOBIA by protesting just like, the protests that started following l the police killing of George Floyd that lead to the defacing, pulling down or out right removal of statues with racist legacies in Europe, the United States of America and world wide. The WAZOBIA syndrome and the fallacy of classifying , Nigerians as Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo is cancerous to the unity, peace and posterity of our dear country Nigeria and must be excised from our polity like the status of Christopher Columbus, Wilson Churchill, Edward Colston, Belgian King Léopold. Adolf Hitler etc.
After reading this article and you disagree with me, I implore you to imagine having one representative each of the various over 500 ethnic nationalities in Nigeria in a hall and try to communicate with them in only Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo and see if you will not get the Tower of Babel situation in your hands.
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Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo
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E2%80%98insulting-intimidating%E2%80%99-president-buhari-governor-yahaya-gombe-state Police Arrest Man For ‘Insulting, Intimidating’ President Buhari, Governor Yahaya In Gombe State
A man, who identified himself as Usman Mohammed, has been arrested and charged to court for allegedly ‘insulting’ President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State.
Mohammed had appeared in a video that went viral on social media where he attacked President Buhari and Governor Yahaya.
He also threatened to lead a team to attack the duo.
He said, “I swear to God, I am Usman Mohammed. I was born in Bambam, Balanga LGA Gombe State. O Allah, destroy Buhari and Inuwa Yahaya into pieces.
“If I can get one million persons like me, I will lead them to attack and deal with them. Go ahead and put it on the Internet, let them come and arrest me if they wish.”
Video of Police Arrest Man For ‘Insulting, Intimidating’ President Buhari, Governor Yahaya In Gombe State
Police Arrest Man For ‘Insulting, Intimidating’ President Buhari, Governor Yahaya In Gombe State
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Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, Mary Malum, confirmed Mohammed’s arrest to SaharaReporters.
She said he has been charged to court for insulting and intimidating President Buhari and Governor Yahaya.
“The suspect has been charged to court for intentional insult and intimidation,” she said.
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Ending Witch Persecution And Gender-based Violence In Nigeria By Leo Igwe
Leo Igwe
There has been a nationwide protest against gender-based violence in Nigeria. This protest has been used to raise awareness about rape, and to mobilize all sections of the society against sexual and gender-based abuses.
Protests have been held at state capitals-in Calabar, Ibadan, Jos, and Umuahia. While these demonstrations have overwhelmingly emphasized rape and domestic violence, and understandably so, due to reported cases across the country, violence that people perpetrate against women who are alleged to be witches has largely been ignored. In fact it was only in Calabar that the protest has so far visibly included the topic of witch persecution. Some of the participants carried placards with inscriptions: “JUSTICE FOR OKU-BOKI BURNT WOMEN”; WE ARE POOR WIDOWS, NOT WITCHES”; “WE ARE INNOCENT CHILDREN NOT WITCHES AND WIZARDS”. The inclusion of the topic of witchcraft in the protests in Cross River may not surprise anyone given the recent case of witch-hunting in the state. In May, a lynch mob led by an aide to the state governor set ablaze over 14 persons who have been suspected of witchcraft in Boki in central Cross River.
Leo Igwe
One of the victims of the incident, Delia, has been transferred to a specialist hospital where she is battling for her life. According to a local source, on that fateful day, Delia returned from her farm at about 5 pm. She was sitting outside her house when some thugs wielding machetes and sticks arrived her compound. They told her: “We have come for you”. She replied, “For what? What have I done? They commanded her to follow them. She was holding her rosary. They threw the rosary away and started dragging her. They hit her on the right hand and broke the arm. The thugs also hit her on the head and at the back. They dragged her to the place where they had set up some fire. The thugs collected her wrapper and threw her into the fire. The fire burnt her bottom, the two hands, and at some point, she became unconscious and collapsed. Fortunately she did not die but had serious burns. Some relatives later came and took her to a nearby hospital.
This form of gender-based violence is not peculiar to Cross River or Akwa Ibom. Witch persecution is a nationwide disease and is highly gendered. Although males are accused and persecuted as wizards, witchcraft has a female face. Women are predominantly accused, attacked, or killed as witches. Females are usually scapegoated as perpetrators of occult harm. Thus the topic of violence against women who are alleged to be witches should be integrated into the ongoing protest against gender-based violence nationwide. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Witch persecution has not been sufficiently integrated and highlighted in the ongoing campaign against sexual and gender based violence nationwide.
Surely anyone who understands the religious climate in Nigeria would not be surprised at the reluctance or lack of interest in highlighting violence linked to witchcraft belief at these protests and demonstrations. Belief in witchcraft is widespread in the country. Christianity and Islam have reinforced the notion that people could harm others through occult means. Thus many Nigerians do not want to campaign against violence linked witchcraft accusations and persecution because they still believe that witches exist and could harm them or others. Many Nigerians are not keen about highlighting this category of gender-based violence because they do not want to be seen to be supporting harmful activities of ‘witches’.
But this orientation must change. Nigerians need to abandon this superstitious belief that human beings could harm others through magical means. Nigerians need to get rid of their occult fears and anxieties. If this form of gender-based violence must stop, a critical mass of Nigerians must become advocates against witch persecution. A significant number of Nigerians must become critical thinkers, skeptics and rationalists. As in the case of the protest in Calabar, campaigns against gender-based violence must feature inscriptions that categorically disapprove and denounce violence linked to witchcraft belief. Protesters across the nation should mainstream advocacy against the persecution of women and girls who are accused of witchcraft.
Part of the reason why witch persecution persists is because witch hunters know that they would get away with their crimes and atrocities. They know that nobody would hold them to account. Nobody would bring them to justice. For instance, the aide to the governor and others who assaulted and lynched alleged witches in Boki have not been arrested. There has not been any move by the state government to support and compensate victims of this mindless violence. Is that how we are going to end sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria? No. Look, if pressure is not brought to bear on the state government and police authorities, Thomas Obi Tawo and other suspected perpetrators of these heinous crimes will not be held responsible or accountable. They would go scot-free. This has always been the pattern when it comes to witch persecution and other forms of sexual and domestic violence. The suspects are not arrested and if they are arrested, they are later released without charge. The victims are not compensated. They are usually advised against taking their cases to the police or seeking redress in courts because nothing would come out of these processes.
Victims are made to resign to their fate and to quietly leak their wounds. Victims of witch hunts and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence fear that they could suffer worse consequences if they tried to seek justice. There is institutional indifference and conspiracy against victims of gender based violence. The government does not care for the victims. The police do not case. In fact, as in most cases that are reported to the police, officers are usually more interested making money from cases of gender-based violence that are reported to them. They demand bribe or mobilization fees from victims and their families before they could make arrests or conduct investigations. So to avoid suffering further abuse and exploitation, victims of sexual and gender-based violence usually do not take their complaints to the police. They hand the matter over to God!
Now as long as this pattern of impunity, lack of access to justice, state apathy and a dearth of empathy continues, witch persecution and other forms of gender-based violence in Nigeria would not stop.
Protests or no protests…the daughter and younger
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Nigerian Government Urged To Use Part Of Abacha Loot To Tackle Rape, Other Crimes In Society
Executive Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, Dr Abiola Akiyode, has called on the Nigerian Government to deploy repatriated late General Sani Abacha’s loot in fighting rape and other crimes in the society.Akiyode stated this in Gombe at a retreat for Bauchi State House of Assembly members on Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law.She blamed lack of political will and priority as major reasons why rape issues fester in the country, adding that government across all divide must increase funding to end the rape scourge.She said, “Government can dedicate a part of the Abacha loot, which is meant to contribute to social welfare of the people, they have done it before with the MDG. Now that rape has become a national embarrassment, such funds can be directed to that to strengthen the police. They need to see prevention of rape and prosecution of rape as important, so also the mechanism to address rape.
“Government must increase funding to sectors working on rape, make rape a national emergency, meaning that all sectors will be made to do the needful in terms of prevention and response as well as mechanism built around the scourge of rape not only in rape but in sexual violence.”
Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, hinted that the bill on Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law has passed second reading in the Assembly, adding that Governor Bala Mohammed has adequate political will to domesticate the law in the state.
He said, “Because of its importance, we have all agreed to give it speedy passage.
“We decided to partner with WARDC to end violence against people in the state, we can safely say we have declared war on rape.
“Remember that most of these victims are our constituents, we had to wake up to see that we protect them.
“Victims should see reason in exposing these ‘animals’ (violators) who perpetrate such ugly acts. If they don’t come, the offenders will go unpunished.”
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Oshiomhole Remains Suspended, Etsako Ward Chairman Insists
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Etsako Ward 10, Edo State, Mr Oshawo Stephen, has dismissed claims that the suspension of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as a member of the party had been lifted, insisting that the ward executives stand by their suspension of the erstwhile National Chairman of the APC.
In a statement, Stephen said the ward executives, who were elected into office in 2018, remain intact and had not been displaced by anybody, describing the claims of the lifting of the suspension as a charade.
He said, “The suspension of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole by the ward executives remains valid. The statements to the contrary in the media are false and should be disregarded. We stand by our decision and have no reservation on the action as it is in the best interest of the party.
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BREAKING: Edo APC Ward Executives Lift Suspension Of Oshiomhole
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“The ward executives as well as our counterparts at the Etsako West Local Government level stand by the suspension of Comrade Oshiomhole for his divisive role in the crisis rocking the APC in Edo State.”
Chairman of the APC in Etsako West LGA, Ezolomhe Rabiat, also affirmed that the local council executives were still members of the party in the state and stand by the suspension of Oshiomhole.
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Insecurity: The Sleeping President! By Adbullahi D Mohammed
These are indeed turbulent times for the entity called Nigeria. One cannot wrap his head around the myriad of issues confronting the nation, and, making a case for each of the problem(s) would be an exercise in futility because each problem is uniquely and distinctively complex that it awed even the most meticulous policy scholars.
In the preceding weeks, we had witnessed horrific spate of violence perpetrated by humans on fellow humans. The carnage can best be described as something out of a movie script.
Incessant bandits attack on communities in North-West Nigeria, a once peaceful agrarian region has spiralled out of control. Scores were killed and communities sacked across Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kaduna states.
In the North-East, Boko Haram and ISWAP, attacks in Faduma Kolondi community killed 81 persons among them women, children and the community head. It was reported that,the terrorist had a field day when they spent about six hours, killing maiming and setting homes ablaze. This left many wondering where were thousands of soldiers deployed to the area, including the Army Chief, Gen. T Y Buratai, at the time of the attack that shocked the world. Major news media around the globe reported the horrific attack, which led many questioning the approach and conduct of the Nigerian Government in bringing to an end the senseless killing of Innocent individuals.
Last April, Idris Deby joined his country’s soldiers at the frontline, appearing in military fatigues, he exudes confidence and inspired his soldiers in an operation that decimated and rid it’s territories of Boko Haram. The success of the Chad operation threw a national debate in Nigeria about its modus operandi in executing the war against insurgency, the sincerity of purpose, corruption in top military hierarchy, heist in defence and other military spending as well as welfare of front line soldiers.
The bigger culprit in this whole saga is unarguably the President Muhammadu Buhari. His competence, integrity and commitment has come into question.
Assuming office through popular electoral victory in 2015, and reelected in 2019, most Nigerians hinged their hopes on his self-assumed integrity, zero tolerance for corruption, coupled with his military background as an ex Head of State and General. Many see him as a reformer, a champion needed to redefine leadership in Nigeria and change the status quo. Five years on, that hope has been dashed.
Buhari’s incompetence became glaring when he couldn’t bring to an end Boko Haram insurgency which formed part of his three cardinal campaigns promise. In fact, a more dangerous monster had emerged-banditry, cattle rustling, kidnappings, armed robbery, and resurgence of farmer-herders clashes are characteristics of the present administration.
Katsina State, the home-state of President Buhari has been under siege as bandits and terrorist have engaged in wanton destruction of lives and properties.
In a pathetic and disgusting twist, in February, villagers in Akata community in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State paid a heavy levy imposed on them by the bandits inorder to avoid being attacked. This alone had shown government’s failure to protect lives and properties as enshrined in the constitution.
The North for decades is alien to crimes of this magnitude, now, it has become the epicentre of violence and destruction. The North-West is bedevilled with resurgence of armed banditry, cattle rustling and kidnappings. North-East has since become Boko Haram/ISWAP enclave, while the North-Central is the breeding ground of conflict between farmers/herders, ethic militias and rampaging Fulani gun men. Other regions across the country has its own share of insecurity, though on a different scale and proportion.
A lot of questions are raised, the most resounding is, has government run out of ideas and security forces overwhelmed? Attacks of this magnitude are mostly visible and likened in failed states like Somalia, South Sudan and other semi-autonomous entities in the Horn of Africa and Central Africa.
According to Fund For Peace, FFP, an American Think Tank that specializes on the prevention of violence and conflicts, and promotes sustainable peace and security across the globe identified three steps in recognizing a failed state.
Inability of state to control it’s territory, inability of state to effectively provide security and public services to its citizens, inability of state to interact with other states as member of the international community.
While Nigeria has not exhibited all three traits to be branded a failed state, many concurred it had features of the first two. President Buhari has failed to provide security and basic public services his citizens (we can’t boast of constant power and portable water). Second, it failed to effectively take control of its territories especially on the fringes of the Lake Chad.
Agreed, the major global challenge of the 21st century is that of terrorism and other form of insecurity. However, some leaders had demonstrated dexterity in confronting headlong such challenges. Western nations with the aid of sophisticated technology, Artificial and Human Intelligence were able to curb such challenge. Developing nations in sub Saharan Africa and the Sahel who are prone to attacks had equally demonstrate prowess in defending their countries. Chad’s exploit is a stark reminder. In Niger Republic, President Muhammadu Yusoufou had sacked his Army Chief after 70 soldiers were killed by Boko Haram in March, he also ordered investigation into defence spendings and arms contract. These two leaders whose countries share boundary, and some affinity with Nigeria had demonstrated to the “sleeping giant” how to confront insecurity.
Experts in security and policy are lost on the approach and strategy adopted by Nigerian Government that failed to bring to an end insecurity .
Could the President truly suffering from dementia? Is this the Buhari we (including myself) massively voted for, due to his past military exploit in the Civil War, Maitastine Crisis, and leading an onslaught on Chad militias supported by Hissene Habre who took Nigeria’s territory in Borno during the presidency of Shehu Shagari? Is the Jubril Al-sudani fairytale theory true? Are the Merchants of War involved? Are the service and other security chiefs benefiting from the needless war? Is Buhari under a spell resulting from Voodooism, Jaz, Tsafi, African/Black magic which prevents him from acting fearlessly and ruthlessly pushing insurgents into extermination? Are foreigners and international collaborators involved?
These and many more are questions begging for answers. How else can a president refuse to heed calls from Nigerians to sack the service chiefs whom had obviously run out of ideas and outlive their usefulness. There is a grand rule in football- never change a winning team. But, Buhari’s security team aren’t winning, therefore, it would be counterproductive to still maintain them in their respective capacity.
There is an urgent need to adopt an Artificial and Human Intelligence as the number one strategy in executing a 21st century technology-base war.
The use of drones for reconnaissance and attacks has not been effectively explored by the government so far. Drone attacks has a 90 per cent precision rating on target, and human causality is zero,and cost effective. The Nigerian Defence Industry Corporation should not be reduced to a furniture making industry. Now is the moment to test it’s efficacy and justify millions spent since its inception which to among others things is, production of military hardware.
The NDA should review its admission policy to technology based,where first-class graduates of Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and other science based courses are given priority.
Whatever gains this administration could attribute to itself had been blurred by insecurity. Agriculture which would have been a major catalyst for reinvigorating the economy has been worst-hit by insecurity. Farmers can no longer access their farmlands, as either they are taken over by bandits, or, fear of being kidnapped. As a show of policy misplaced priority, the Buhari government has proposed to spend N12bn in fighting pest destroying farmlands,that humongous amount, when channelled to fighting insecurity could be more appropriate. Insurgency and insecurity are more dangerous to agriculture than pest.
The major catastrophe about Buhari administration is, they are not open to criticism in whatever guise. Once an attempt is made to call out a specific government’s policy, as usual, a brigade of its hirelings, propagandists and foot-soldiers will be quick to brandish such a person, group or individual an enemy of state and other unprintable names
When residents of Katsina heed the call of a Coalition of Northern Groups for a peaceful protest,shortly after, security operatives whisked the convener to Abuja and detained him. Ironically, Buhari and other notable persons in his administration had in the past participated in protests against ex-President Jonathan. Infact, those who criticized and call out ex president Jonathan had lost their voice in this administration. Those who dared speak out are either rounded off,or called names,eg Northern Elders Forum’s Prof.Ango Abdullahi.
Nigerians has been fair to President Buhari, many had ignored his flaws in other sectors, like economy, infrastructure and education etc. The central focus is on security.
The infighting between the first family, and gunshot in Aso villa had proven that the President had lost it. Furthermore, the endless crisis in his Party, the APC, his inability to broker peace in the Edo chapter and settle the rift between Mr Oshimohle and Governor Obaseki signaled the President cannot be a peace maker and that to some extent explain the continued insurgency and insecurity in the country.
However, propagandists were quick to spurn a narrative that his detractors within are undermining his efforts.
But like Dr Naja’atu Mohammed posited, posterity and history will judge Pres.Buhari solely, not some imaginary persons whom stalked, sabotage and stagnated his regime. Because Nigerians voted for him.
Less than three years to the end of the administration, much can still be done to salvage the security challenges. Sack the service chiefs,inject new blood, with new zeal, vigour, strategy and passion. Set out a target and timeframe, for them-end insecurity of get fired! That’s how a serious C-in-C discharges his duty, authoritatively. You don’t keep doing same thing over and over, and expect different results. If President Buhari wants to leave behind an enduring legacy so that posterity would be kind to him, he needs to act now. As it were, he has failed to secure the lives and property of Nigerians,bloodletting has become common place. Little wonder, many has dubbed him the sleeping president.
Abdullah D Mohammed is with the Department of Political Science and International Studies at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He writes from Kano.
abdullahkidnyce@gmail.com
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APC Picks Worgu Boms To Replace Giadom
The leadership of the All Progressives Congress in River State has recommended former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Worgu Boms, to fill the vacant post of the Deputy National Secretary of the party.
He is to replace Victor Giadom, who resigned in 2018 to contest the 2019 governorship election as a running mate.
Giadom had resigned to be running mate to Tonye Cole, Rivers governorship aspirant in the 2019 election.
National Vice Chairman, South South, Hillard Eta, disclosed this to journalists in Abuja on Saturday at the National Secretariat of the party.
He said, “You are aware that on Friday a competent court of jurisdiction declared Chief Victor Giadom as not being a member of the National Working Committee and should never parade himself as such.
“Even before then, there was a resolution by the NWC asking the South South zone of the party which I head to transmit a name for his replacement or filling of the vacancy made possible by his resignation to contest as deputy governorship candidate of our party in Rivers State.
“I want to announce to the world that I am in receipt of the name of a distinguished member of this party from Rivers State to the zone for ratification in the person of Nwogu Bond Esq, a former Attorney-General of Rivers State.
“His name has been transmitted to my good office and I want to announce that in the earliest time possible, the South-South zonal executive committee will meet and ratify that name and send his same to the NWC of our great party.”
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