Experts Converge In Abuja To Develop Framework For Transitional Justice In North East

Experts Converge In Abuja To Develop Framework For Transitional Justice In North East

Abuja – A group of Senior Legal Academics, Solicitor Generals/Permanent Secretaries, and Personalities from related fields have converged in Abuja to develop a suitable framework for a successful Transitional Justice Programme in North East Nigeria.

The Strategic Expert Meeting for the development of Transitional Justice Framework is one of the activities under a project titled “Promoting Transitional Justice and Reconciliation in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe State”. The project is being implemented by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Partnership with United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the European Union (EU).

The Executive Secretary of the Commission Chief Tony Ojukwu SAN while delivering a welcome address at the meeting said the Commission is pleased to host the highest level of experts as far as justice machinery in the three project states of Adamawa Borno and Yobe is concerned.
This is for the purpose of developing a suitable framework for the Transitional Justice, a project that we have introduced to some communities in the three states.

The Human Rights Boss was represented at the event by his Senior Special Adviser, Mr. Hilary Ogbonna who also doubles as the Project Coordinator.

He stated that “it is highly imperative to design a framework that will best suit the communities ravaged by insurgency” he emphasized that ” the framework should be in conformity with the values, beliefs, culture and tradition of the people, this will make it easy for the community to adapt” he added.

He also stressed that “the framework must be predicated on the principles of natural justice, fair hearing, victim justice, survivor justice, equality etc” .

In his remark, the representative of the UNDP Mr. Elia Von Rota applauded the effort of the Commission in bringing such caliber of intellectuals together to develop the framework, saying he will be pleased to be an observer at the meeting.

In his good will message, the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of Adamawa State Samuel Yaumande Esq, said the initiative is the first of its kind in the North East. He pointed out the need to have in place an effective justice system that would reconcile and reintegrate members of communities who have experienced gross human rights violations as a result of the insurgency. He advised that “in designing the framework, it is necessary to take into consideration the need of the victims to enable them pick up their pieces of lives and move forward”.

Similarly, his Yobe State Counterpart Hajiya Kadija Alkali said the programme could not have come at a better time than now, due to the recent massive surrender of many insurgents. She said “there is need for everyone to embrace the transitional justice and reconciliation approach, because it gives hope for peace to reign among the members of the community”. She called on the experts to make concerted efforts towards having a perfect framework that will serve as a guideline to achieve lasting peace in the region.

The representative of the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of Borno State who is also the Director of Civil Litigation B M Bukar Esq said “the justice system we adopt from the English people is alien to our culture, as such it is not suitable for us”. He described it as “unnecessarily long and boring to our people, it is not easy to enforce foreign culture on our people”. According to him, “this method of Transitional Justice and Reconciliation is the best thing that can happen to us in this region as far as making peace and reconciliation is concerned and we must all ensure that it works”.

At the event were Academics from different Universities as well as Civil Society Organizations and State Coordinators of the Commission.

Ralf Rangnick Departs Manchester United for Austria Job

Manchester United interim Manager Ralf Rangnick has officially left United with immediate effect, despite having a two year role as a consultant on the way.

Rangnick who has completed his tenure as the interim manager was set to become a consultant at United and work alongside new manager Erik Ten Hag.

Rangnick has now decided to step away from United with immediate effect to focus on his new commitments as manager of the Austrian national team.

In a statement released by United, they said “We would like to thank Ralf Rangnick for his efforts as interim manager over the past six months.

“By mutual agreement, Ralf will now focus solely on his new role as manager of the Austria national team and will not therefore be taking up a consultancy role at Old Trafford.

“We would like to wish Ralf the best of luck in this next chapter of his career.”

Ejike Ugboaja FC Embarks On Community Service In Abuja

Ejike Ugboaja FC Embarks On Community Service In Abuja

As part of their efforts to giving back to the society, the players and management of Ejike Ugboaja Football Club of Abuja on Friday embarked on a community service of cleaning Wuse market. They also donate money/provisions to the less privileges.

The exercise which took place in Wuse market attracted lots of attention as it’s served as the first in it’s kind.

Speaking on why the club embarked on such community service of cleaning the Wuse market and it’s surroundings, the chairman of the club, Ejike Ugboaja said, the exercise became possible in order to prepare the minds of the players on what to expect if they live the shore of this country to ply their trade abroad as professional footballers.

He also said, he introduced it because he felt it was right to start doing so having spent over 12 years playing basketball abroad and engaging in such activities on a regular basis

“I think what I am trying to achieve is that whenever the players are across the globe, they will always remember to return back to serve their community back here in Nigeria.
“The community service we embarked upon today (Friday) was good because most of us sports men and women who have played abroad this is exactly what we do there and so I felt Ejike Ugboaja FC should start doing it here.
“It’s not only representing the country in international competitions that matters but what we did was to also clean the capital city of Nigeria because that gives the upcoming players sense of patriotism and belonging,” he said.

2022 Children’s Day: Nigerian children face increased vulnerabilities, deserve more care, support – NHRC

2022 Children’s Day: Nigerian children face increased vulnerabilities, deserve more care, support – NHRC

Abuja – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government at all levels to prioritize the protection and care of children, especially those facing challenges like child labour and trafficking, no shelter, hunger, out-of-school situation, poor antenatal and postnatal care, orphans and vulnerable children syndrome, etc, to avoid further violation of the rights of this vulnerable group.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu SAN, who stated this as the Commission joins the rest of Nigerians to mark the 2022 Children’s Day cerebration, noted that the country has a lot to do in terms of protecting the rights of the children by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills that will enable them to realize and maximize their opportunities in life.

“We cannot allow our children to wander the street, face the challenge of kidnapping, malnutrition, trafficking, drug use and addiction, recruitment into terrorism, violent crimes, sexual and other forms of assault and forced/child marriages, if we really want the best for them”, Ojukwu said.

According to the Chief Human Rights Officer, our children have great potentials and can contribute to national actions for the common good of humanity and our country, and this will only happen when they are given the necessary care and support.
Incidentally, the theme of 2022 Children’s Day celebration, “Strengthening Supportive Systems for the Protection of the Nigerian Child; A Wake Up Call”, challenges the relevant authorities to put in place the necessary mechanisms that will enhance the protection of children in Nigeria.

“The Commission acknowledges the historic adoption by Member States of the United Nations of the Convention on the Rights of the Child ( CRC) which makes it an obligation for member states to take all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures to implement the core principles of non-discrimination, devotion to the best interests of the child, the right to life, survival and development”, Ojukwu stated.

The Commission therefore commends the federal government for the passage of the Child Right Act 2003 and its adoption across the country except in few States that are yet to adopt this legislation.

“The Act which states that the best interest of the child shall remain paramount in all consideration of issues affecting children. It also incorporates all the rights and responsibilities of children and consolidates all other laws relating to children and specifies the duties and obligations of parents and authorities”, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria added.

As a Commission, the Executive Secretary stated that a lot of interventions have been made in support of the Child’s Rights across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, aside from successfully handling complaints on violations of the rights of the child.

To this end, the Commission urges governments and all stakeholders to further commit themselves to addressing critical issues such as poverty, quality education, access to health care, sexual and gender based violence, child labor and trafficking and all harmful practices that affect our children.

The Commission further wishes to use the opportunity to call for the adoption of the child rights law in the outstanding states as well as the adoption of a policy for the protection of civilians including children especially in periods of conflict, insurgency, terrorism and large scale atrocities and criminalities like NIgeria is presently undergoing. It is also inevitable for all MDA’s to mainstream human rights and the interest of children into all migration issues as our commitment to achieving the objectives of the Global Compact on Migration, the Learned Senior Advocate further stated.

2023: Engineer Sule wins governorship primary election

2023: Engineer Sule wins governorship primary election

Abuja – Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has emerged winner of the 2023 governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Engineer Sule scored 698 votes to beat his rival, Dr Fatima Abdullahi, who got 3 votes.

In a victory speech shortly after he was declared winner at the Lafia City Hall, Thursday, the Governor thanked God for the peaceful nature of the exercise.

He expressed satisfaction that Nasarawa State has once again demonstrated the ability to carry out such exercise peacefully, hopping that the forthcoming general election will also be conducted peacefully throughout the state.

Engineer Sule thanked the delegates for not only taking part in the exercise but for their patience.

He particularly thanked his rival, Dr. Fatima Abdullahi, for her performance during the primary election, especially against the rumour that she was stepping down from the contest.

Engineer Sule commended her for making a move that will serve as encouragement especially for women in the North, to seek to occupy elective positions.

“My happiness is that you have gone through the exercise and have gained the experience. And now I have no doubt in my mind that should you come out in 2027, the performance will be different,” he said.

The Governor equally thanked the chairman of the election committee, Ambassador Ahmed Isa Ibeto and members of his team, for the smooth conduct of the governorship primary election.

A visibly excited Engineer Sule, thanked the people of Nasarawa State, promising to continue with the laudable development initiatives of his administration.

“My number satisfaction is that Nasarawa State has again proved that we can carry out any exercise in peace. And I am hoping that the general election will also be conducted peacefully,” he stated.

Earlier, Dr Fatima Abdullahi, ex-wife of the National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, congratulated Engineer Sule on his resounding victory at the polls.

Dr. Abdullahi acknowledged that, through the exercise, the people of the state, have decided that the incumbent should continue with the good work that he started.

She explained that she joined the race as a face of hope for the youth and women, especially the Northern Nigerian woman whose participation in politics has been poor and whose involvement in governance has been low, despite being the highest voters especially in Nasarawa State.

Dr Abdullahi declared her support together with that of her teeming supporters, towards the victory of the Governor during the general election.

Announcing the result shortly after the votes were counted, Chairman of the 2023 APC Governorship Primary Election Committee in the state, Ambassador Ahmed Isa Ibeto, declared Engineer Sule winner having polled 698 votes.

With this development, Engineer Sule has cleared the path for a second term in office, ahead of the coming general election, where he will recontest against Hon David Ombugadu of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Killing Of Fatima, Four Children Worst Forms Of Criminality And Human Rights Violation – NHRC

Killing Of Fatima, Four Children Worst Forms Of Criminality And Human Rights Violation – NHRC
  • … Calls on Police, Others to Apprehend Killers and change The Narratives

Abuja – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned in strong terms, the killing of a pregnant woman, Fatima, and her four children in cold blood in Anambra state, describing it as one of the worst forms of criminality and human rights violation, which has needlessly portrayed Nigeria in a very bad light.

The Executive Secretary (ES) of the Commission Chief Tony Ojukwu SAN stated this in Abuja while reacting to the unfortunate killing of the innocent woman and her children in their fatherland.

According to the statement signed by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the E.S noted that the country for some time now has been replete with negative stories of killings, kidnappings, armed banditry, rape, etc, “all happening on a daily basis as if the perpetrators do not have human conscience or feeling anymore”.

Mr. Ojukwu further decried that the incessant killings as gross violations of the right to life and dignity of human person, all guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other national and global regional human rights instruments which Nigeria has enacted or is a party.

“These senseless killings are not acceptable and we as a Commission condemn it and urge the that citizens must engage and collaborate with the law enforcement agents, by providing them with the necessary information that will assist them to fish out those behind these heinous and dastardly acts and ensure that they are prosecuted and possibly punished in accordance with the law”, Ojukwu stated.

He further tasked the Police, to as a matter of urgency, carry out a comprehensive investigation into the killing of Fatima and her children with a view to serving justice on all the parties involved. “We are keenly monitoring the Police investigation in this case to ensure that those who are behind this inhuman and wicked act are quickly prosecuted and consequently punished in accordance with the relevant national, regional and international laws.

The Chief Human Rights Officer tasked the law enforcement agencies, particularly the Police and DSS to rejig their strategies and deploy intelligence-led security to get to the root of this instant killing and lots of other killings, such as Deborah Samuel’s among others.

The NHRC Boss is using the opportunity to advise the citizens against any form of ethnic or religious intolerance and divisiveness which he noted are enemies of inclusiveness, national cohesion and development, recalling that Nigeria has had a regrettable history of civil war that came with unimaginable loss in terms of human and material resources, “so we must collectively say no to violence to sustain our unity as a country”

In the same vein, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria warned those championing different ideological and political causes, to always put the security of Nigeria first above any other considerations, saying that “we must first of all be alive peacefully as citizens before we agitate for one interest or another, and always bear in mind that setting the Country on the path of violence and disunity will rather worsen or complicate our problems”.

Lastly, he expressed the heartfelt condolences of the Commission to the family of the victims and urged them and their community members to remain calm and never resort to taking laws into their hands, believing that justice will be done at the end.


Texax Elementary Shooting: Gunman Walked in Unobstructed by Francisca Ogar

Texax Elementary Shooting: Gunman Walked in Unobstructed by Francisca Ogar

A gunman who attacked a primary school in Texas on Tuesday was able to enter the building unobstructed, police say.

Texas Ranger Victor Escalon said no armed guard challenged the teenage attacker and it is unclear if the school door was even locked.

Mr Escalon defended the police response amid mounting criticism of an apparent delay in confronting the gunman.

Reports quoted witnesses saying police were hesitant to confront the killer inside Uvalde’s Robb Elementary School.

Mr Escalon said at Thursday’s press conference that initial reports the gunman had shot a guard were incorrect.
He said officers entered the school four minutes after the gunman.

“They [didn’t] make entry immediately because of the gunfire they were receiving,” Mr Escalon told reporters.

But an hour lapsed before the gunman was killed in a shootout after US Border Patrol tactical teams arrived.

The attacker shot dead 19 students and two teachers, and injured at least 17 more people.

Videos have emerged of police being urged by onlookers and family remembers to storm the building immediately.

A father whose daughter died in the attack told the Associated Press news agency he had considered running into the school with bystanders out of frustration with the alleged police inaction.

Mr Escalon – a Texas Ranger and spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety – said that during the time officers were outside the school they were calling in reinforcements and “also evacuating students, teachers”.

“An hour later US Border Patrol tactical teams arrive, they make entry and shoot and kill the suspect,” he added. “Immediately… it turns into a rescue operation.”
After crashing his truck into a ditch near the school, the gunman emerged and began firing at two people across the street.

He then jumped a fence and began firing “multiple, numerous rounds” at the building, Mr Escalon said.

As he approached the entrance to the school he “was not confronted by anybody”, the ranger said.

According to Uvalde County Independent School District Officers protocol, campuses are required to have staff “who patrol door entrances, parking lots and perimeters”. Teachers are told to keep doors locked at all times.

“We will find out as much as we can why it was unlocked,” Mr Escalon said. “Or maybe it was locked. But right now, it appears it was unlocked.”

Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro has written to the director of the FBI to ask that agents investigate the law enforcement response to the attack as it was unfolding.

“Onlookers allege that parents unsuccessfully urged law enforcement to enter the building during this time and confront the shooter,” Mr Joaquin said in a statement, noting the “conflicting accounts” offered by police and witnesses.

President Joe Biden and the US first lady will visit Uvalde on Sunday, the White House announced.

Across the country, students from primary to high school staged class walk-outs to protest against gun violence in schools on Thursday. The leaders of the country’s two largest teacher unions are also planning to travel to Houston, Texas, this weekend to demonstrate outside an annual conference of the National Rifle Association, a pro-gun lobby group.

A father has told the BBC how his two terrified children hid as the massacre unfolded inside Robb Elementary.

“My son ran up to me and said he didn’t think he was going to make it out – that he didn’t think he was going to see me or his mother again,” Jesse Jimenez said. “My daughter was lost, she didn’t know what was going on, she didn’t know if it was a drill or if it was real.”

On Thursday, the husband of one of the two teachers killed in the attack died from a heart attack.

Joe Garcia “passed away due to grief” two days after his wife of 24 years, Irma Garcia, family members said.
Source: BBC News

PDP congratulates Uba, Ortom, applauds Benue over success of state congress

PDP congratulates Uba, Ortom, applauds Benue over success of state congress

Markurdi – Benue State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has congratulated Rt. Hon. Titus Tyoapine Uba, over his emergence as Governorship Candidate of the party at its State Congress held in Makurdi.

The Benue State House of Assembly Speaker won the majority of votes cast by delegates at the gubernatorial primary election of the party held at the Aper Aku stadium on Wednesday and was declared candidate for the governorship election scheduled to hold in 2023.

In a statement signed by the state publicity secretary of PDP, Bemgba Iortyom Wednesday night, the party described as credible, the result of the election in which Engr. Uba scored 731 votes out of a total of 851 accredited votes to emerge victorious over the incumbent deputy governor, Engr. Benson Abounu with 81 votes, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar 2 votes, Barr. Paul Angya and Rt. Hon. Dominic Ucha with a vote each, and Engr. Benjamin Akaakar with no vote in the field of 6 aspirants.

“The party acknowledges and deeply appreciates the sacrifice and magnanimity shown by the other aspirants who stepped down from the race to fast-track a rancour free process of nominating a Guber Candidate.

“Those noble party stalwarts who sacrificed their ambitions and at the venue of the primaries openly professed deference to the supremacy of the party, include, Chairman of the Forum of PDP Governorship Aspirants, Barr. Chille Igbawua and 7 others, among them Mrs. Susan Nguveren Waya.

“Our great party specially appreciates its leader, His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom, national chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, former Senate President, Dr. David Mark, Senators Gabriel Suswam, Emmanuel Orker-Jev and Abba Moro, BoT member, Mrs. Margaret Icheen, Members of the House of Representatives, the State Assembly, the G-14 and G-9 groups of elders as well as stakeholders of the party.

“We hail the resilience and undying faith of our teeming members in the state, being it the spine of the party, which has seen it emerge victorious from one election year to another in the state since it was founded in 1998”, the statement added.

It further stressed that PDP in Benue state remained reliant on the unity of purpose among its leaders and members, “such as has engendered a mature internal democracy culture, the sort that gave birth to the free, fair and transparent primary election today which, surely is the envy of our opponents, yet unattainable to them”.

Obi Dumps PDP, Begins Coalition Talks With Kwankwaso, Others

Obi Dumps PDP, Begins Coalition Talks With Kwankwaso, Others

Presidential hopeful and former Governor of Anambra State Peter Obi, has dropped out of the presidential race of the PDP amid talks with the Rabiu-Kwankwaso-led New Nigeria Peoples Party, the Labour Party and the Social Democratic Party.

It was learnt that Obi’s defection was part of a grand plot to form a coalition that could defeat the All Progressives Congress and the PDP.

In a letter of resignation addressed to the National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, the former governor said he was happy to have contributed to the growth of the PDP.

He further stated that recent developments within the party had made it impossible for him to continue in the race.

The letter read in part, “I am writing to intimate you of my resignation from the PDP which was conveyed to the Chairman of Agulu Ward 2. Anaocha LGA Anambra, effective Friday 20 May, 2022. Consequently, I am by this letter informing you of my withdrawal for the PDP Presidential Primaries.

“It has been a great honour to contribute to nation-building efforts through our party. Unfortunately, recent developments within our party make it practically impossible to continue participating and making such constructive contributions.

 “Our national challenges are deep-seated and require that we each make profound sacrifices towards rescuing our country. My commitment to rescuing Nigeria remains firm, even if the route differs. I wish to thank you personally for your graciousness and leadership. I wish you well and best of luck in the service of country.”

Obi, who enjoys massive support from the youths, had purchased the N40m form of the PDP and was screened to participate in the primary against 14 others on Saturday.

However, it had been difficult for him to bring many of the delegates to his side.

“We are in talks with Labour Party, SDP and a few others. We will announce our new party in the next 24 hours. It will be a party that is also youth friendly since we have discovered that the youths form the bulk of our supporters,” said an associate of the former governor.

Another source, however, told The PUNCH that the plan was to form a coalition that could defeat the two major parties.

“There is a plan for some major parties to form a mega party although this is coming quite late. Discussions are still ongoing but Obi is expected to be the Presidential candidate. Kwankwaso is also part of the discussions. Everything will be clear by Thursday,” said a chieftain of the PDP.

Attempts to get a reaction from the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Debo Ologunagba, proved abortive as he did not respond to repeated calls.

Texas Elementary Shooting Victims: The Sweetest Little Boy I’ve Ever Known by Francisca Ogar

Texas Elementary Shooting Victims: The Sweetest Little Boy I’ve Ever Known by Francisca Ogar
Texas Elementary School Teacher

Nineteen children and two teachers have been killed in a shooting at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

The children who died were aged between seven and 10. Some of them had just received awards for great school work.

One victim was a 10-year-old boy who loved to dance. Another was a girl who died while trying to call the police.

It is the deadliest shooting at a US elementary school since 20 children and six adults died at Sandy Hook school a decade ago.

There are unconfirmed reports that two children from the same family were killed.

‘The sweetest little boy that I’ve ever known’
Some parents were at the school hours before the shooting, watching with pride as their children held up their honour roll certificates at an awards ceremony. Hours later, they were back there.

Amerie Jo Garza was one of the first children to be confirmed dead. She had celebrated her 10th birthday just two weeks ago, and was shot while trying to call emergency services, her grandmother Berlinda Irene Arreola told The Daily Beast.

Amerie was “super-outgoing” and a “teacher’s pet”, she added.

A family member wrote on Facebook: “Please don’t take a second for granted. Hug your family. Tell them you love them.”


Xavier Javier Lopez, aged 10, was remembered as a “sweet, playful” boy by his cousin, 54-year-old Lisa Garza.

Amerie

Speaking to the BBC, Ms Garza said she and her family were devastated when they learnt of his death.

She saw Xavier over Easter and said he seemed so happy to be enjoying the holidays with his family.

Xavier loved to dance, she said, and was an avid user of TikTok.

Ms Garza added she had other cousins studying at the same school, some of whom were injured but survived. One of them was being treated at a hospital in San Antonio, she said.
Uziyah Garcia, 8, was remembered by his grandfather, Manny Renfro, as the “sweetest little boy that I’ve ever known”.

Mr Renfro recalled the last time he had seen his grandson during the school holidays, saying that they had practised football passes together.
Such a fast little boy and he could catch a ball so good,” Mr Renfro said. “There were certain plays that I would call that he would remember and he would do it exactly like we practised.”

‘The worst nightmare ever’
Eva Mireles, 44, was the first teacher to be confirmed killed. Trained in bilingual and special education, she had taught fourth-grade students in the Uvalde school district for 17 years.

In a short biography posted on the school district’s website, she described her love of running and hiking. She also said she had “a supportive, fun, and loving family” – her husband, her college graduate daughter and “three furry friends”.

According to media reports, Ms Mireles’ husband Ruben Ruiz, a police officer in the same school district, had held an active shooter drill at Uvalde High School just two months ago.

In a post on Twitter, her daughter Adalynn Ruiz described her as the “half that makes me whole” and hailed her for having “selflessly jumped in front of her students to save their lives”.

“I want everything back,” she said. “My heart will forever be broken.”

Ms Mireles’ aunt, Lydia Martinez Delgado, expressed her grief in a Facebook post, saying she was “furious that these shootings continue”. Her cousin, Cristina Arizmendi Mirelez, said “it’s unimaginable… the worst nightmare ever”.

One grief-stricken parent paid tribute to Ms Mireles on Twitter.

Source: BBC