2023 Elections: NHRC Deploys Over 800 Election Observers Across The Federation

2023 Elections: NHRC Deploys Over 800 Election Observers Across The Federation

As the voting hours get closer, the National Human Rights Commission has deployed over 800 Election Observers to monitor the general conduct of the 2023 Elections with specific focus on the conduct of the security personnel.

The Executive Secretary made this disclosure on the eve of the commencement of the general elections saying the commitment of security personnel to discharge their statutory mandates effectively before, during, and after the elections will determine the peaceful outcome of the elections.

It could be recalled that in preparation for the general election, the Commission embarked on several activities to ensure it delivers on its statutory mandate of promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.

For instance, the commission monitored PVC collection and access across the 36 states and FCT, collated and treated complaints on PVC access, monitored hate speeches and established hate speech register, conducted presidential and Gubernatorial town halls and held consultations with law enforcement and security agencies, educated the public to come out and exercise their franchise with the launch of the MOVE (mobilization of voters for election) project which was aimed at increasing citizen participation and integrating human rights principles into the electoral process.

The Commission also recently held a consultation with law enforcement personnel on their role in promoting voter access to participation in the 2023 general elections. At the forum, the NHRC Boss said “the Commission will not spare any effort in deploying its protective mandate in putting in place accountability platforms that will bring to justice any law enforcement or security agents who commit any violation of human rights in the course of election operations”.

Furthermore, less than 24 hours to the polls, the Commission launched a “2023 General Elections Human Rights Situation Room”, located at the Commission’s headquarters to work 24 hours for the purpose of receiving complaints of human rights violations including hate speech, vote buying, violations by security agencies, and gender-related violence and other human rights election related violations before, during and after the elections.

The human rights situation room is equipped with toll-free lines and shortcodes, 08006472428 and 6472 for easy and cost-free access to complaints by members of the public. Election Observers from the Commission and other civil society organizations are requested to report any elections related violations to the NHRC Election situation room for collation, solutions and referrals to appropriate security authorities.

Fatimah Agwai Mohammed
Deputy Director Public Affairs.

2023 Polls: NHRC Launches Human Rights Situation Room

2023 Polls: NHRC Launches Human Rights Situation Room

The Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN has on Friday launched a Human Rights Situation Room to address cases of human rights violations and other forms of electoral infractions that may occur before during, and after the 2023 general elections.

According to the human rights Commission’s Boss, the Human Rights Situation Room is a hub inside the Commission which will enable the Commission to monitor the conduct of elections across the 36 States of the Federation.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria said the focus of the Situation Room will be to report human rights issues around the elections, for instance monitoring closely the activities of law enforcement and security agencies during the elections, adding that the law enforcement agencies have the responsibility to protect the security of voters when they cast their votes, including protecting voter access and participation.

While assuring Nigerians that the Commission will not leave any stone unturned in addressing the issues raised by voters all over the Country, the Chief Human Rights Officer is also using this opportunity to call on eligible voters to confidently go out and exercise their fundamental right to vote. “Ours is a participatory democracy and Nigerians should participate and take an active role in deciding their future “he added.

The human rights situation room is equipped with toll-free lines and shortcodes, 08006472428 and 6472 for easy and cost-free access to complaints by members of the public.

Chief Tony Ojukwu noted that free and fair elections are key tenets of a democratic system of governance saying, “The right to participate in the governance process including the right to vote and to stand for elections is central to a democracy”.

“Every person has the right to vote and be voted for and should enjoy the right to equality and non-discrimination irrespective of any ethnic, tribal or political differences during the entire process without intimidation” he admonished.

The NHRC also used the occasion to issue various Statutory Guidelines on the Role of Law Enforcement and Security Agencies in the Protection of Voters’ Access and Participation in Elections. This is aimed at protecting the rights of Nigerians, particularly vulnerable groups, during and after the elections.

Honourable Nnaji Mourns Barr. Oyibo Chukwu

Honourable Nnaji Mourns Barr. Oyibo Chukwu

The member representing Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency of Enugu State in the House of Representatives, Honourable Nnolim Nnaji has expressed sadness over the horrible murder of his constituent, Barrister Oyibo Chukwu.
Barrister Chukwu, a Senatorial candidate of the Labour Party for Enugu East Senatorial Zone was dastardly murdered by hoodlums on Wednesday night.

Five other persons believed to be his supporters were also murdered.

The hoodlums burnt their remains inside the vehicle they were in.

Hon. Nnaji also extends his condolences to his colleague, Hon. Offor chukwuegbo for the killing of one of his supporters on the same night.

Honourable Nnaji condemned the gruesome murder and urged the police and other relevant security agencies to hunt down the killers and ensure that they are brought to justice.

Honourable Nnaji, the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Aviation equally appealed to the security agencies to be more vigilant and proactive to avert further destruction of lives and properties in the state,

He expressed his heart felt condolences to the families of Barrister Oyibo Chukwu and other victims.

Late Barrister Oyibo Chukwu who hailed from Umuigbo Amurri autonomous community in Nkanu west Local Government Area of Enugu State was said to be returning from a campaign rally along with five of his supporters when the hoodlums attacked and killed them.

Edeoga expresses worry Over Attacks On Labour Party Supporters In Enugu

Edeoga expresses worry Over Attacks On Labour Party Supporters In Enugu

The Labour Party gubernatorial candidate for Enugu State, Honourable Barrister Chijoke Edeoga has raised alarm over the targeted attacks on the party’s stalwarts in the state.

Barrister Edeoga who was reacting to the brutal murder of the party’s Senatorial candidate for Enugu East District Barrister Oyibo Chukwu, Wednesday night,
challenged the police and the security agencies to fish out the killers.
Late Barrister Chukwu who was returning from a campaign rally was allegedly killed along with four of his supporters.

Reports further revealed that the victims were burnt with the vehicle they were riding in after their assassination.

The Labour Party Governorship candidate consequently urged the Federal Government to immediately deploy more security forces to the state to save further destruction of lives and property in Enugu.

Since the commencement of political activities in September 2022, the Labour Party has been target of several attacks in Enugu State.

NDA Commandant bemoans Reuters Report, Says Nigerian Military Deserves Commendation Not Condemnation

NDA Commandant bemoans Reuters Report, Says Nigerian Military Deserves Commendation Not Condemnation

Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) who was also the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Maiduguri, Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf has said that the Reuters report of allegations of gross human rights infractions by the Military in Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East is completely false, malicious and ill-intended, adding that the Nigerian Military deserves commendation and not condemnation or distraction.

Testifying before the Hon. Justice Abdu Aboki led Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East (SIIP-NE), the former GOC said those allegations contained in the news report are weighty, arguing that the military operates in a community where it interacts with different categories of stakeholders including personnel of United Nation Agencies who could have noticed and reported any human rights violations from the onset.

Continuing, the Commandant of the NDA said the people in the communities will also not keep quiet and watch such atrocities happen without hinting the appropriate authorities. “We have had to answer questions simply because we closed down markets following intelligence information we got on planned attacks by insurgents, if this can happen do you think such alleged crimes reported by Reuters will go unnoticed without any questioning before now?” he asked.

The former leader of the Joint Multinational Task Force further stated that the Military is a regimented institution that pays particular attention to every detail in relating with people “when you throw away the rule of law, you have lost it, you cannot win the hearts and minds of the people you are protecting, they will also not trust you, and it will be difficult for you to operate in their territory”.

Expressing disappointment in the Reuters report, the army officer said it is unimaginable for anyone to think that the military can kill rescued children for any reason. He pointed out that the military has celebrated the naming ceremony of children fathered by Boko Haram “we have on our own provided rams and bought clothes for the celebration of naming ceremonies of children of Boko Haram born in our custody, and some of these children were named after us as a way of expressing excitement over our goodwill. If we want to exterminate them, we would have done so by killing the pregnant women even before they gave birth, we won’t have go through the headache of conducting the said abortions”.

Describing the allegations as painful and irrational, the Commandant said no military formation keeps women and children when they are rescued; they are immediately handed over to the camps, if you keep them they become a threat and distraction to you.

On his part, the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary Borno State Ministry of Justice Barr. Garba Musa Chibok, who earlier appeared before the 7-man panel, said it is very unreasonable for anyone to fabricate stories that are baseless. He challenged Justice Abdu Aboki (rtd) led panel to invite Reuters for questioning, saying Borno State as at 2013 (the period referred to in the Reuters report) was in turmoil, people were busy running for their lives and seeking hiding places from the insurgents while the military was bothered about neutralizing the terrorists. “Tell me, in this situation who has time to think of anything like abortion?”

On the issue of the massacre of children, the Solicitor General also debunked the allegation saying “I am from Chibok and I am seriously affected by this problem, all the children rescued from the frontline are alive, I know them some of them are my relations, you can call them to come here and talk to you. None of them was killed; some of the girls released at that time came with one baby or more. Where did Reuters see those ones that they claim have been killed? Please invite them, let them come here and tell us” he appealed.

7 Division Military Hospital Maiduguri manages miscarriages not abortions – witness tells SIIP North-East

7 Division Military Hospital Maiduguri manages miscarriages not abortions – witness tells SIIP North-East

A Specialist Registrar attached to Maimalari Military hospital at the headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai, 7 Division, Maiduguri, Borno state, Dr. Chika Joachim Maduka told the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Allegations of Human Rights Violations in the Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East (SIIP-NE) that the hospital only manages miscarriages and not abortion of pregnancies.

The testimony of the doctor followed his examination by the Secretary of the panel, Mr. Hilary Ogbonna when he responded to the allegation of abortion of 10,000 pregnancies of women and girls in the course of counter insurgency operations in the North East, as alleged in the Reuters’ report.

The witness who is also an obstetrics gynaecologist stated that although the hospital carries out medical termination of pregnancies when the need arises, it abides by the standard practice.

Besides, he told the 7-Member panel chaired by Justice Abdu Aboki (rtd) that in his three-year practice in the hospital he never carried out any abortion of pregnancies of women and girls as alleged in Reuters’ report.

Also in his testimony before the panel, the Chief Nursing Superintendent and Head of Nursing Services at the hospital, Lt. Colonel D. Tumaka said that the hospital does not have any record of abortion.

According to the Chief Nurse, every medication administered to patients is prescribed by Doctors, and they are documented in nurses’ drug charts as a routine practice.

He said that most of the patients they treat are wives of military personnel even as he conceded they offer some assistance to women and children rescued by the troops by way of providing them with water and food and ensuring they take their bathe before the appropriate military authorities hand them over the state government.

He also said that they ensure that the medical professional ethics which is also similar to that of the military profession has strictly adhered to in all ramifications at all times. The military is highly law-abiding and no military medical facility will subject itself to illicit medical practice, he added.

The panel also took turns to interrogate Corporal Micheal Babatunde, the mortuary technician, LT. Nuhu Danjuma Koro, the custodian of medical records, and Sgt Nelson Meture, the pharmacy Technician, all serving at the military medical facility.

Alleged Violations Irabor Pledges Cooperation With Investigative Panel

Alleged Violations Irabor Pledges Cooperation With Investigative Panel

The Nigeria Military has assured the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the Counter Insurgency Operators in the North East (SIIP-NE) of its readiness to cooperate with the panel, including making available officers that might be needed in the course of the investigations.

It also assured Nigerians of the security and safety of the members of the panel and other persons who may be involved in the course of the proceedings at the panel.

The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor who stated this at the Defense Headquarters when the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, and the Members of the SIIP-NE paid him a courtesy visit commended the Commission for undertaking to investigate the Reuters’ allegations of human rights violations against the Military.

According to the CDS, Reuters’ allegations of abortion of pregnancies in the North East is false and a ploy to dampen the spirit of the troops in the field of operation.

The Military Chief stated that with Reuters’ report “Our professional standing has been put to question”, adding that the Armed Forces has continued to display high level of commitment in national service

Despite the sacrifices by the troops, he said that a few individuals, territorial or extra-territorial have decided to malign the image of the military.

According to him, other Independent media organization have carried out some investigation into Reuters’ allegations and suggested it could be useful for the panel to review other media reports on the counter insurgency operations in the North East.

Continuing, he noted that Reuters’ report is regrettable having alleged that organized abortion of pregnancies was instituted by the federal government , implying that it was sanctioned by the Government and superintended by the military.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary told the CDS that the purpose of the visit was to formally seek the cooperation of the military in investigating allegations of human rights violations by the military in the North East.

The NHRC Boss also thanked the CDS for quickly acceding to its request in sending a liaison officer to assist the panel in reaching out to the military in the course of the panel’s Inquiry.

Also in his remarks, the Chairman of the panel, Justice Abdu Aboki on behalf of other members thanked the CDS for granting them audience and requested the cooperation and support of the military to enable the panel unravel the truth concerning the allegations of human rights violations by the military.

The retired Supreme Court Justice told General Irabor that the investigation is in the interest of the military and Nigeria in general and that the panel will be fair to all parties and adhere to the rules of natural justice.

Human Rights Protection: NHRC Holds Gubernatorial Townhall Across 18 States

Human Rights Protection: NHRC Holds Gubernatorial Townhall Across 18 States

Ahead of the February 2023 general elections, the National Human Rights Commission is organising a town hall for gubernatorial candidates in 18 states beginning from 1st to 3rd February 2023.

The Commission will be organising the town hall in collaboration with Civil Society Organisations, United Nations System in Nigeria and the Media. This is targeted at making human rights issues part of the election discussion, improving citizens’ participation in the general elections, deepening our democracy and the overall safety of citizens before, during and after the elections.

Mrs Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Deputy Director Public Affairs, stated this in a statement she personally signed and made available to Newsmen on Tuesday.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN who made this disclosure in Abuja Monday stated that the town hall will provide an opportunity for governorship candidates of all the political parties in the country to highlight their plans and views on key issues of promotion and protection of human rights of citizens in their respective states.

According to Ojukwu, since the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of citizens, it is important to engage governorship candidates to clearly state what they have to offer to the people, particularly their plan on human rights protection. It is important to extract commitments from these candidates to close the widening gap in healthcare services, education, food security, potable water, sanitation, electricity, good road networks, brutality and impunity, civil protests and most importantly, the shrinking of civic spaceetc.

The NHRC Boss said that the effort is a part of the larger project, Mobilising Voters for Election (MOVE) designed to improve the overall electoral process in the country.

It would be recalled that a similar event was held for presidential candidates on the 10th December 2022 and each candidate at the town hall spoke on how he will fulfil and promote human rights in the country.

The Commission’s helms man notes that as elections draw near, political parties and their candidates should focus their campaign on human rights issues and not hate speeches, while presenting their manifestoes to Nigerians. “This will further serve as a self-assessment of the commitment to social contract of democracy”, the Executive Secretary added.

The town hall is scheduled to take place in the following States: Akwa Ibom, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Niger, Delta, Rivers, Nassarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Kaduna, Cross River, Kano, Kwara and Bauchi.

NHRC Appoints Special Independent Investigation Panel On Counter Insurgency Operations In North East

NHRC Appoints Special Independent Investigation Panel On Counter Insurgency Operations In North East

The National Human Rights Commission Commission (NHRC) will on Tuesday (7th February 2023) inaugurate a Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the Implementation of Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East (SIIP-North East).

The inauguration will take place at Bukhari Bello Auditorium, NHRC Headquarters at 10am.

Mrs. Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, the Deputy Director Public Affairs of the Commission, disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.

According to the statement, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, who made this disclosure in Abuja Monday stated that the panel will among other things focus on investigating Reuters report which alleged that Nigerian Military was involved in abortion of many pregnancies in the North East in the last 10 years.

Besides, the international media organisation had alleged that the Military was involved in massacre of children as well as other Sexual and Gender Based Violence(SGBV) in the North East.

However, the Military has refuted the allegations saying that it was a ploy to malign the image of the Nigerian Armed Forces which has been at the forefront of the counter insurgency efforts in the North East.

It would be recalled that the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor during his visit to the Commission in December 2022 told the Executive Secretary that the Military is willing and ready for any probe, particularly as it relates to Reuter’s report as stated above.

Members of the panel are Honourable Justice Abdu Aboki, retired Justice of the Supreme Court ( Chairman), Ms Kemi Okonyedo, representing Women Rights Organisation, Barrister Azubuike Nwankenta, representing NBA, Major General Letam Wiwa rtd (Military Law and Intelligence Expert), Dr. Maisaratu Bakari (Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital Yola), Dr. Fatima Akilu (Humanitarian Expert, representing Civil Society), and Ms. Halima Nuradeen (Psychologist, representing Youths).

Arochukwu wards rally for Sen. Kalu, Pass vote of confidence for his reelection

Arochukwu wards rally for Sen. Kalu, Pass vote of confidence for his reelection

Constituents of Aro, Isu and Ututu wards of Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia-North have unanimously adopted the candidature of Senator Orji Kalu representing the district at the National Assembly to run for another term at the Senate.

Kalu candidate of the All Progressive’s Congress (APC) had just concluded touring the entire 21 wards in Isuikwuato LGA where he received unanimous endorsements.

Subsequently on Sunday ,Kalu touched the following wards ; Aro Ward 3, 2 , 1 and 4 , Ututu ward A, B, C and Isu he was accorded solidarity commitments by the people for his reelection.

Projects facilitated by Kalu were listed at Aro Ward 3 and other wards, where he was treated to Massive reception of endorsements by constituents led by APC Arochukwu LGA Chairman, John Million.

Constructed and ongoing roads at Arochukwu, Isu , Ezeakuma were mentioned by the APC Chairman as Kalu’s achievements during his address in which he lauded the Senate Chief Whip and urged the people to back his reelection inorder to consolidate on his works.

In the aspect of education John also highlighted the construction of Eze Akuma and Agbaagwu primary schools as Kalu’s gains in their community including the reconstruction of three blocks of classrooms at Ututu.

Kalu’s party candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Dan Okeke gave more reasons the electorates should vote for the Chief Whip and himself saying with both of at the National Assembly he ( Daniel) will tap from Kalu’s influence and legislative experiences to bring Democratic dividends to his constituents.

Daniel outlined an array of projects which he facilitated for the community in his private capacity, assuring them that he’ll do more when elected.

Daniel canvassed for votes in favour himself and Kalu;

“Orji Kalu has constructed roads at Isu, Isuochi, Abam , Ihechiowa. In my private capacity I have built a customary court, ICT centres, gave out cash to entrepreneurs and so on.

“I have proven that I have the zeal to impact your communities but I can’t do more if I’m not in Government, where I can use my office to influence projects and empowerments that will better your lives.

“It’s important that you vote for our Senator so that he’ll put me through on how to attract more development, being a two time former Governor, member of House of Representatives and now Senator he has all the connections in government to bring good tidings to you all.

While acknowledging their votes of confidence and appreciation, Kalu expressed that the projects he attracted to communities in the course of learning the processes of Senate chambers stating that now that he had fully understood the workings of the Senate, they could imagine the avalanche of projects that would come their way when he gets re-elected.

He said; “Some have been there for 12 years and did nothing. I’ve just done a little over three years and I have been able to construct over 61 roads. In addition to schools, streetlights, boreholes and the rest of them.

“This is just the beginning , because I achieved all these under tutelage being my first time at the Senate , you can only imagine what I’ll do for your communities when I return because I have fully learnt the job.

“I have put in words in action by giving you what I promised in 2019, vote wisely for the APC and ensure you look out for the broom logo , though I am not happy with the state of Aro Ward 1 road and some others, it will be my priority once I return.

Kalu was accompanied to the community by the party’s candidate for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Dan Okeke; Member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Mike Ukoha; Dr. Maduka Ukaegbu, Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission and other party chieftains.