Justice - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Rabi'u Sani Ali
Dec, Thu, 2024

GBV: Don’t die in silence – Magistrate to men

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By Amina Ahmed

A Chief Magistrate in Bauchi State, Mrs Amina Garuba, has encouraged men to break the culture of silence and speak out to seek justice against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Garuba said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi.

”Men suffer emotional, physical and psychological violence from their spouses but they tend to remain silent.

”Most of them deny themselves access to justice due to culture and tradition,” she said.

Garuba said the Violence Against Person Prohibition Law (VAPP) was domesticated in the state to punish perpetrators of all forms of gender violence.

“The VAPP law is for all citizens of the state whether man, woman or people with special needs.

“Please speak out. There are case managers who will offer support services and follow up on cases when they go to trial,” she said.

Also speaking, a case manager with a civil society organisation who pleaded for anonymity, said that, ”men have begun to seek counseling and justice for SGBV.

”Women traumatise their husbands, especially for economic reasons. We are calling for safe space for men to access counseling,” he said.

Earlier, Alhaji Sulaiman Bashir, the community head of Daniya ward in Bauchi, said that the SGBV Network and Referral Committee has recorded cases from male and boys survivors of SGBV. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Philip Daniel Yatai
Nov, Tue, 2024

Oil & Gas , Politics

Group canvasses democracy that delivers peace, prosperity, justice

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By Naomi Sharang

Dr Kletsaint Akor, Chairman, Proponent Council, National Democracy Stakeholders Group (NDSG), has called on stakeholders to build a democracy that will deliver peace, prosperity and justice for citizens.

He made the call at the opening of Nigeria Democracy Week 2024, tagged: “Quarter of a Century of Sustained Democracy in Nigeria’s 64 Years of Statehood”, in Abuja.

Akor said that the occasion was a moment of reflection, celebration and renewed commitment to the ideals that had shaped the country’s democratic journey over the past 25 years.

“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the resilience, sacrifices and aspirations that have brought us to this significant milestone.

“Democracy, as we know, is not just a system of governance; it is a collective effort that demands our continuous dedication to equity, justice and inclusivity.

“As we celebrate 25 years of democratic governance, let us remember that the true measure of democracy is not in the number of years it endures but in the lives it transforms.

“Let us commit ourselves to building a democracy that delivers peace, prosperity and justice for all Nigerians,” he said.

Akor called on the country’s leaders to prioritise transparency, accountability and the welfare of the people.

“The strength of a democracy lies not in its institutions but in the trust that citizens place in their leaders,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Steering Board of NDSG, Morgan Okwoche, said the most significant achievements of Nigeria’s democracy had been the peaceful transition of power between administrations, particularly across party lines.

Okwoche, however, identified some challenges in Nigeria’s democratic journey, including insecurity, economic inequality, civic apathy, insurgency in the north-east, banditry and communal insecurity.

“These issues have disrupted governance and have also eroded economic development,” he said.

Okwoche called on stakeholders to renew their commitment to the ideals of democracy and the vision of a united, inclusive and thriving Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said that the past 25 years of uninterrupted democracy represented a triumph for Nigerians.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Egbetokun was represented by the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olatunji Disu.

He said that the uninterrupted democracy was a statement of an enduring commitment to the principle of governance, the rule of law and the freedom that underpinned democratic systems.

“For the Nigerian Police Force, this period has underscored our vital roles as custodians of peace and security, which are fundamental to the success of any democracy,” he said.

Similarly, the Controller-General of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Haliru Nababa, said that there were no fewer than 83,000 inmates in 265 custodial centres across the country.

Nababa, who was represented by Assistant Controller of Corrections, Ope Fatinikun, added that there were also a total of 53,000 awaiting trials.

“Democracy has given the NCS space to operate. Democracy has been a good journey so far,” he remarked. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

isaac aregbesola
Nov, Thu, 2024

Defence/Security

FG promises justice for victims of terrorism

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By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensure that victims of terrorism get justice.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, gave the assurance at the launch of the Model Legal Provisions (MLP) for Victims of Terrorism, at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), on Wednesday in Abuja.

The minister was represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Babadoko.

He said the event marked a significant step forward in the collective efforts to address the needs and rights of victims and survivors of terrorism.

According to him, Nigeria has been at the forefront of the global fight against terrorism.

“We have witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of terrorist attacks, which not only claim lives but also leave lasting scars on individuals, families, and communities.

“As Government, we recognise the importance of addressing the needs of victims, as the scourge of terrorism has cast a long shadow over the nation, leaving behind a trail of suffering, loss, and trauma.

“It is therefore imperative that we not only combat terrorism but also provide comprehensive support to its victims.

“As the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, I am committed to ensuring that the rights of victims are upheld and that justice is served,’’ he said.

Fagbemi said the government had taken significant strides in recent years to enhance its counterterrorism efforts like the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022, with its provisions for the Victim Support Trust Fund.

According to him, Section 91 of the Act establishes the Victim Support Trust Fund, which aims to provide financial assistance and other forms of support to victims of terrorism.

He added that Section 92 of the Act made provision for establishing the Trust Fund Committee for the purpose of administering the fund.

He gave assurance of his office’s commitment, as the custodian of the law, to ensuring the effective implementation of those provisions and the Model Legal Provisions.

“Today, we gather to launch a technical assistance project aimed at implementing Model Legal Provisions for Victims of Terrorism.

“We are confident that this technical assistance project will play a pivotal role in building the capacity of our legal and judicial institutions to effectively apply these provisions.

“By adopting and implementing these provisions, we will ensure that victims receive the necessary support, compensation, and rehabilitation they need to rebuild their lives,’’ he added.

The National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said that Nigeria had borne witness to the extreme consequences of terrorism since 2009, with women, children, and youth disproportionately affected over the years.

Laka said that children had been abducted and forcibly trained to fight, young girls used in suicide missions and exploited as sex slaves, and survivors left with deep scars of trauma and stigmatisation.

According to him, these tragic events have shattered families and left entire communities grappling with fear, loss, and a deep sense of insecurity.

“Beyond the immediate victims, the ripple effects are felt in the displacement of populations, the disruption of education, and the breakdown of social cohesion.

“Against this backdrop, today’s launch of the MLP Project to support the needs and protect the rights of victims and survivors of terrorism marks a significant step forward,’’ he said.

Laka said the project was aimed at building Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute terrorist offences, while ensuring robust support for victims. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza