By Maureen Okon

The European Union (EU), has called for more global action against human rights abuses.

The EU Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Zissimos Vergos, made the appeal during the presentation of a play on human rights violation titled, `Lurk in the Dark’, directed by Agozie Ugwu, on Saturday in Abuja.

The event was part of activities marking the 16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence in commemoration of the 2023 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

He said that the bloc stands against any violation of human rights of citizens, including women and girls.

Vergos expressed concern that the violation of human right has become a big hole in the heart of the world that requires key priority action.

According to Vergos, the day is to raise awareness and demand actions to eradicate the violations, including those perpetrated against women and girls.

“We should move and turn the volume higher and louder to discuss crime against what we call epidemic that keeps spreading if not stopped,” the envoy said.

Mrs Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, Country Director, Avocats Sans Frontieres, said lack of accountability for perpetrators of human right abuses accounts for its prevalence.

She noted that Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights said no one should be subjected to torture, inhumane and degrading treatment.

According to her, people need to see that these offences are properly accounted for, and no abuser go unpunished.

She said Nigeria should deploy the legal tools available in the country to punish human righ abusers.

“Lack of implementation of legal tools that seek to end torture is another serious issue of concern, the Anti-Torture Act of 2017 continues to experience a low-level of implementation.

“We urge all the relevant authorities to continue to work to improve the implementation rate of the anti-torture act in the country.

“Disobedience and lack of implementation of court orders and directives must also be put to an end.

“We must monitor the level of compliance of court directives and hold erring individuals and organisation accountable,” Uzoma-Iwuchukwu said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Maureen Okon

The Friends of the Earth Africa (FoFA), has urged the ECOWAS Parliament to adopt legislations to stop the massive deforestation and pollution in the region.

The NGO also urged the parliament to develop regional-wide policies to stop the expulsion of communities by companies setting up industrial plantations, the destruction of local food systems, and land grabbing.

The appeal was made by an eight-man delegation of FoFA, who visited the ECOWAS Parliament on Thursday in Abuja.

Ms Rita Uwaka, FoFA’s Coordinator, Forest and Biodiversity Programme, said that the regional body should also take measures to end the harassment of environmental rights activists, violations of workers’ rights, and gender-based violence.

“We call on the ECOWAS Parliament, through the International Development Bank, and the relevant committees of the ECOWAS Parliament to examine the role of financial institutions.

“Companies and investors, both national and regional, conducting activities that lead to deforestation, destruction of forest ecosystems and human rights violations.

“Develop regional-wide policies for international financial institutions, development banks and portfolio investors to stop financing agricultural commodity expansion projects at the expense of communities and the environment.

“Instead, policies and a financing system should be put in place that are supportive of people-centered solutions, such as community forest management and agroecology, which respect and protect the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities.”

She added that the parliament should “ensure that any economic partnership agreement is respectful of the rights of local communities and indigenous peoples, in particular the right to self-determination and the right to prior.
“Free and informed consent, as well as the protection and restoration of the environment. Reject pseudo-solutions such as voluntary certification systems, carbon trading and carbon offsetting.

“Also green solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis that commodity nature, mask bad practices and fossil fuel emissions, condone deforestation and violate human rights”.

Uwaka added that there was need to adopt policies that have zero-tolerance to the criminalisation and harassment of human rights defenders engaged in environmental protection.

She said appropriate legislation should be enacted to allow activists and affected communities to seek justice.

In her contribution, Mariam Bassey, Coordinator Food Sovereignty Programme, FoFA, said that the Friends of the Earth International (FoFI), has offices in 74 countries around the world.

She added that it also has nine national groups in Ghana, Liberia, Togo, Mozambique, Nigeria, Cameroon, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.

“Our main thematic programmes are, forests and biodiversity, food sovereignty, climate justice and energy, economic justice and resistance to neoliberalism, as well as two inter- dependent areas, gender justice and international solidarity systems,” she added.

Richard Sam, the Regional Programme Officer for FoFA from Liberia, urged ECOWAS to promote regional policies that establish a moratorium on the expansion of industrial monocultures.

“Also, to retreat from trade or investment agreements that give companies the power to influence legislation by granting them special rights and provisions that harm the forest and the people,” Sam said.

Others who spoke on the issues were Wisdom Koffi from Ghana, and Gladys Uzoigwe from Nigeria.

The 1st Deputy Speaker of the parliament, Ahmed Wase, appreciated the delegation for the enriching presentation, which highlighted the enormous environmental devastation faced by the region.

He assured that the parliament would take appropriate steps to enact policies and laws that are friendly to the environment.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Maureen Okon

Parliamentarians from Niger Republic attending the 2023 Second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, have called for the lifting of sanctions on the country.

They also called for a political solution to the impasse, so as get the military junta to return the country to constitutional governance.

One of the parliamentarians, Mr Amadou Djibo presented their position while tabling the country’s 2023 Report to the parliament, on Wednesday in Abuja.

“The sanction has left the citizenry and neighboring countries that share borders with Niger in dire condition,” Djibo told the ECOWAS Parliament.

“We are here by the will of ECOWAS which do not recognise the coup and still accepts Mohamed Bazoum as the democratically elected President of Niger.

“Our plea is for this house to help in lifting the sanctions to help the people of Niger and environs to have access to their basic livelihood.

“The political situation in Niger is that there’s a military leadership, and the way to go is to address the military presence in the country so that democratic process can be restored,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the military ousted Bazoum from power in July, and detained him and members of his family.

The Interior Minister Hamadou Souley was also arrested after the coup led by Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, whom Bazoum had planned to relieve of his position as commander of the presidential guard.

NAN reports that the plea to lift sanctions was supported by Ali Ndume and Dr Balarabe Salame from Nigeria, and Saa Lamina of Sierra Leone.

They argued that lifting the sanctions would allow the masses in Niger and neighbouring countries to breath.

During Wednesday’s sitting, the parliament also received reports on the state of affairs in Benin and Guinea-Bissau.

The Guinea-Bissau report focused on the rights of women and men, indicating that the gender situation has not evolved since the 2022 country report.
On free movement of persons, goods and the right of residence and establishments, the report said it was being implemented in a minimally satisfactory manner.

It added that, this was in spite of some difficulties at border checkpoints with Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Guinea and Senegal.

In its report, the Republic of Benin amplified the situation relating to the protection of women’s rights which President Patrice Talon’s government has addressed.

It stated that a strong commitment was shown in 2021 with the revitalisation of the National Institute for Women, responsible for promoting and respecting women’s rights.

The report further addressed issues of harassment by teachers from primary to higher institutions, adding that exemplary sanction had been imposed for such acts.

“Furthermore, the government extended its policy exemption from school fees for female students in the second cycle of secondary education in 20 municipalities out of the 77 municipals in the country.”

After deliberations, the parliament adopted the reports of the three countries during plenary presided by the 1st Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Maureen Okon

The Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC), has hailed 10 Technical Aid Corps (TAC) Volunteers who served in Sierra Leone, for their meritorious services.

The DTAC Director-General (DG), Dr Yusuf Yakub, said that the TAC volunteers were recognised by Sierra Leone for being the best set to serve in that country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DG made the commendation on Wednesday in Abuja during a debriefing exercise conducted for the volunteers.

NAN also reports that the TAC volunteers from Sierra Leone were honoured with a certificate of service by the DTAC.

They include; Mr Abdullahi Ulaira, Mr Umar Baba, Mr Jakada Bulus, Mr Dachollom Chong, and Mr Izuka Nnaemeka.

Others are, Ms Bosindo Buluembelemere, Mrs Uchendu David, Mr Madalla Aliyu and Ms Deborah Omorere.

“The debriefing exercise is important in the life of this corps, because when you go out and come back intact, it is important some professionals worked with you so as to prepare you for the next task ahead.

Yakub applauded the volunteers for making Nigeria proud in their host country, saying that the TAC was part of Nigeria’s soft power diplomacy in countries in Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific.

The Director of Programme, Mr Mohammed Mohamed said that the debriefing was aimed at collating feedbacks from the volunteers with regards to their experiences and challenges.

He added that it was also to “assess recipient countries’ obligations with a view to improving the Scheme and level of engagement between DTAC and the benefiting countries’’.

One of the volunteers, Omorere, told NAN that the opportunity had helped to enhance their professionalism and experience.

She said that the experience had improved her interpersonal relationship as an educator and would apply it in her lecturing skills.

On his part, Chong thanked God, the Nigerian government and DTAC for the opportunity to serve Nigeria in another country as ambassador.

He said that he was elated that Sierra Leone recognised their efforts for the two years they served in the country.

Chong appreciated the government for supporting them in diverse ways, including the prompt resolution of the initial challenges they faced with their host community. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Hadiza Mohammed

Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister and Chairman of the 51st Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council (MSC) has described the persistent political instability in West Africa as a threat to democracy.

Tuggar said this at the ministerial-level meeting of the council in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said the recently foiled military takeover of governments in Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau were indicators of the threat to democracy, a situation that underscores the importance of the meeting of the council.

According to the minister, the proliferation of arms, the prevalence of terrorism, and violent extremism continue to pose significant threats to peace, stability, and development in the African region.

He, therefore, urged members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to collectively proffer solutions to the current challenge to engender sustainable peace and stability in the continent.

“Your presence here reaffirms our collective commitment and dedication to promoting peace, security, and socio-economic development as well as political stability in the West African sub-region.

“As we convene here today, we are acutely aware of the pressing challenges facing our region and the need for collective action to frontally address them,’’ he said.

Tuggar noted that there have been significant initiatives undertaken to find lasting solutions to the political and security situation challenges confronting the sub-region.

He said one of such initiatives “is the launch of the Joint Platform for Advancing Cyber Security in West Africa to protect the region’s critical infrastructure in the fight against economic sabotage.

“In the spirit of inclusivity, I also appreciate the support of member states in tackling the political challenges confronting the sub-region, in particular, and our collective efforts to create more channels of communication and negotiation with the countries under transition.

“Together, we will overcome these challenges,’’ he added.

The minister said the meeting would allow countries to exhaustively discuss collective existential challenges and devise strategies to tackle the emerging threats for the overall well-being of the various communities and citizens.

“It is through these discussions that we can effectively shape the policies for our collective response while ensuring comprehensive and coordinated actions that align with the needs and aspirations of our member states.

“As we proceed with deliberations, I urge us all to engage in constructive dialogue, embracing diversity of thought and fostering an atmosphere of friendly exchanges.

“Our decisions must be guided by the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and the promotion of democratic values.

“ I am confident that with a sense of shared purpose and unwavering dedication to the ideals of peace and prosperity, we can emerge from this session with a clear path toward building a more secure, stable, and prosperous ECOWAS, for the benefit of our community citizens,” he stated.

He added: “Together we can overcome any obstacle that stands in the way of our collective vision and shared progress.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

By Maureen Okon

A Ghanaian Parliamentarian, Ms Laadi Ayamba, said Ghana has been taking measures to avert the infiltration of terrorists and violent extremists into the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ayamba made this known on Tuesday while presenting her country’s annual report at the ongoing 2023 second Ordinary Session of the Fifth Legislature, holding in Abuja

She said that the threat of terrorism has continued to be an issue of grave concern for not only Ghana, but the whole of the West African Sub-region.

According to her that, the deteriorating security situation in neighboring countries owing to a surge in terrorist attacks, remains a major security concern for Ghana.

This, she said, has made the country to prioritise security, so as to safeguard its integrity.

“Intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries has also been enhanced to avert the possible infiltration of terrorist elements into Ghana.

“Cognizance of the pull and push factors of terrorism and violent extremism, the government of Ghana continues to embark on projects in communities that are vulnerable to terrorism radicalization,’’ Ayamba added.

The report covered prohibition of abuse against children;, early and forced marriage; freedom of expression, press freedom, political and security situation, human rights, and healthcare, among others.

On press freedom, the report quoting Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index for 2023, indicated that Ghana ranked 62nd out of a total of 180 countries as against 60th in the world in 2022.

“It is worth mentioning that Ghana has witnessed some incidents relating to attacks on journalists with the investigation of some cases pending.

“A 2023 study by the University of Ghana and the Media Foundation for West Africa reported that the military and police are considered the main culprits of attacks on journalists.

“Other perpetrators of such attacks include political party affiliates.

“A case in point is the May 3 attack on a Dagbon Radio host by a former Regional Deputy Communications Officer of a party, amongst others.

“These attacks underline the democratic credentials of Ghana. There is the need for journalists to be protected in their line of duty while offenders are made to face the full wrath of the law,’’ it stated.

NAN reports that parliamentarians from Sierra Leone, Liberia and Togo also presented report on their respective countries, which largely centered on political, security, human rights, health and others.

The parliamentary sitting was presided by the ECOWAS Parliament Speaker, Mr Sidie Tunis. (NAN)(www.nansnews)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Mauritania’s former president, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, has been sentenced to five years in prison for money laundering and “illicit enrichment”.

Abdel Aziz led the West African country for a decade after coming to power in a 2008 coup and was an ally of Western powers fighting Islamist militants in the Sahel region.

He had been on trial since January and denied corruption allegations.

The court found Abdel Aziz guilty of two of 10 charges late on Monday, following an inquiry into allegations of embezzlement of public property and corruption.

One of his lawyers called the ruling “a political verdict targeting a man and his family”.

Prosecutors said the former head of state’s conviction was historic.

The court, which specialises in corruption and economic crimes, acquitted some of Abdel Aziz’s associates who had also been on trial, including two former prime ministers.

Abdel Aziz was succeeded in 2019 by a political ally, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, who remains president, but Abdel Aziz’s government quickly came under scrutiny over actions including deals on offshore oil projects.

Abdel Aziz has the option of appealing his sentence at the Supreme Court. (Reuters/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

By Fortune Abang

Charge d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Nigeria, Mr David Greene, says both countries are working closely as partners to strengthen security and ensure stability in West Africa.

Greene, who said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, described Nigeria as a strategic partner to the U.S. given its top position as a regional power in Africa.

“Security is something we partner on with lots of countries.

“Nigeria is a strategic partner because of its weight in the African region and the challenges in the Sahel and West-Africa.

“This is in terms of dealing with violent extremism and stability. More broadly, Nigeria has been a key partner.

“Some of such cooperation involves the systems that we provide to it for it to be able to protect its coastal waters and to carry out its counter-terrorism measures.

“Some of that involves the equipment that Nigeria buys from the U.S,

“The Nigerian government bought a dozen A-29 super canon planes two years ago.

“It is a precision munition that allows them to tackle terrorism problems.

“We do not just work with the military; we work with civilian security services very effectively in addressing illegal drug issues.”

The envoy further said that the U.S. “is providing support to Nigeria in furtherance of its police reform and capacity building” aimed at delivering justice transparently.

“We are working with Nigeria on a programme to reduce the number of individuals that are in pre-trial detention looking at the rights of those individuals in prisons and correctional facilities in Nigeria.

“We have a vast array of programmes that are attempting to support the Nigerian government’s goals in terms of enhancing the security and quality of life of individual Nigerian citizens.

“So, we are all aware of the challenges that Nigeria faces, in terms of its security, and also the strength of the systems that should allow for the continued improvement in the situation.

“This is a partnership that we are proud of and one that we will continue,” he added.” (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

By Fortune Abang

The United States has applauded Nigeria for the efforts it is making to bolster its economy towards ensuring sustainable growth and development.

Mr David Greene, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, who gave the applause, acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said although the Federal Government is putting measures in place to stabilise the nation’s economy, more should be done to create an environment that would attract investors to the country.

He observed there has been great enthusiasm from American investors toward Nigeria, saying that such interest was a testimony to the commitment that the President Bola Tinubu administration has made toward strengthening the economy.

“We support the fact that the Tinubu administration is trying to create the fundamentals that will allow foreign direct investment, attract investors, and drive economic growth.

“We are also doing our part as the U.S. government to observe and understand the challenges, see how we could help, and presumably, talk up Nigeria a little bit in the global market and international markets.

“When Tinubu was in New York at the UN General Assembly, where he rang the closing bell at the world’s second-largest stock exchange, the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (NASDAQ).

“His visit attracted officials of the Commerce of Cooperation of the U.S. Trade and Investment.

“They demonstrated a high level of interest in Nigeria. Sponsored by Prosper Africa Programme, a major institution of investors in the U.S., set to manage billions of dollars of Pension Funds.

“They were there because everybody knows Nigeria is a place of great potential. So, I think that potential is visible; I think people are excited. There is a high level of interest.”

He assured Nigeria of the U.S. government’s commitment to doing all it could to draw investors to the country to see the opportunities available and possibly, rely on partner businesses.

He emphasised the need for the Federal Government to create an environment conducive for businesses to thrive, saying that as the largest economy in Africa with 60 per cent of its population under the age of 25, such an environment could contribute dramatically to transforming its economy.

The envoy also gave an assurance of the U.S.’ commitment to deepening ties with Nigeria to help the country realise its economic diversification goals.

“One of the things to note is that the President Bola Tinubu administration must create an enabling environment to address the challenges that are facing Nigeria.

“This is crucial so that business operators and investors will feel more able to take advantage of the opportunities that Nigeria presents.

“When you are talking about creating opportunities and helping in supporting Nigeria, last fiscal year the U.S. provided 1.2 billion dollars to assist Nigeria across all areas.

“This includes humanitarian assistance, an enormous health programme, work to strengthen the availability of power and electricity to Nigerian citizens, transition to green energy, and up to climate issues, and improving the education system.

“The U.S. government is investing a lot in Nigeria because of the importance of these issues and to help Nigeria over the challenges,” he added.

According to him, although the U.S. does not directly invest in Nigeria, its private sector companies’ investments are not just driven by the opportunity they find, but by the enabling environment.

Greene said such companies are responsible for the in-flow of cargo investment that has positioned Nigeria as the recipient of 25 per cent of all venture capital into Africa in 2022.

He identified the companies as Microsoft, Cisco, Meta Starlink, and Google, among many others operating in Nigeria, saying they create jobs and sell products.

Also, that they make investments and train unemployed, underemployed, women and youths to find good jobs in that sector.

“U.S. has long been one of Nigeria’s leading partners. We are the largest foreign investor in Nigeria, and this is about investment in every sector of the economy.

`This is a reflection of the vast potential that Nigeria has shown economically, in terms of providing opportunities for trade, investment for profit, and job creation to improve people’s lives,” he added. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim