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“2023 General Elections, a Show of Shame,” says NBA as INEC, NSCDC, others commend NHRC over commitment to Human Rights

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The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has described the 2023 general election as a Show of Shame.

This is as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC and others have commended the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, for its deliberate efforts to monitor and document incidences of human rights abuses and other infringements before, during and after the elections.

Clement Chukwuemeka, Second Vice President of the NBA, said at the 5th edition of the review of the 2023 general election at the Abuja headquarters of the NHRC Wednesday that Nigerians were excited and very expectant before the election, due to the robust preparations put in place by government and the promises of President Muhammadu Buhari to conduct free and fair election.

He said however, that the outcome of the election fell flat on its face as it was the opposite of the will of the people of Nigeria, national and international observers.

Clement Chukwuemeka said the election witnessed unprecedented incidences of voter profiling, especially in Lagos and South East, where people were warned not to come out unless they are prepared to vote certain candidates.

The NBA also noted incidences of executive rascality, violence, disregard to electoral guidelines, among others.

However, the NBA commended the National Human Rights Commission for the vision of setting up the MOVE Project and Situation Room to monitor and document actions of stakeholders.

The NBA representative also charged the judiciary to restore confidence of the people by bringing perpetrators of the stated infractions and others such acts to book.

While speaking, the representative of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),  Haruna Auta, Deputy Director, Prosecution, said it was gratifying that NHRC set up situation room where actions of stakeholders, including political parties, candidates and government agencies were monitored before, during and after the election, adding that INEC is ready to partner with NHRC to prosecute perpetrators of electoral infractions.

He said that INEC has over 774 cases on complaints and petitions over electoral malpractices that are being investigated.

On her part, Fatima Binta Ilesanmi, Commander in charge of INEC who represented the Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, said the role played by NHRC during the general election was unprecedented in the history of elections in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, Hillary Ogbonna, Project Director of MOVE Project who represented the Executive Director of NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, thanked all stakeholders that have contributed to the success of the works of the commission to ensure that rights of the people were protected while trying to exercise their civic responsibility.

Others who were at event include, Kemi Okenyedo, Executive Director, Partners West Africa, Dr. Benson of Civilians in Conflict.

 

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“My husband is dying,” El Rufai’s wife raises the alarm

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Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai is currently facing challenges in detention, and constantly bleeding from both his nose and mouth, indicating serious health issues.

In a public statement to mark El Rufai’s “150th Day in incarceration,” one of his wives, Aisa, made the claims and appealed to the international community to intervene over what she described as her husband’s prolonged detention and alleged denial of due process.

She argued that the former governor’s continued incarceration amounted to “punishment before trial” and posed a threat to Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Aisha also called on foreign governments, multilateral organisations and international human rights groups to closely monitor the legal proceedings involving her husband.

However, many people have taken to the social media to ask Aisa where she was when her husband, as governor of Kaduna State, was persecuting thousands of citizens, especially Christians from Southern Kaduna.

So others have wondered where Aisa was when her husband, then governor of Kaduna State threatened foreign elections observers that they would be taken back to their countries if they try to interfere in Nigeria’s electoral process.

 

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NiMet concludes 10-Day climate risk management training for agric professionals

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The 10-Day train-the-trainer workshop on Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension (CRMAE) organized by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has come to a successful end.

The training workshop was organized by NiMet, in collaboration with some partners, including International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Sasakawa Africa Association, and others.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Prof. Charles Anosike, Director General/CEO of NiMet, described agricultural extension officers as the critical link between climate services and farmers, noting that they translate weather and climate information into practical guidance on planting dates, crop selection, and water management.

He said the training reflects the collective commitment of NiMet and its partners to ensuring that climate information is accessible, understandable, and useful to farmers across Nigeria.

Professor Anosike noted that the Nigeria-adapted Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum will strengthen the capacity of extension personnel to deliver climate-informed advisory services. Citing evidence that effective, localized extension services can increase agricultural productivity by 20–30 percent while reducing vulnerability to climate shocks, he urged participants to cascade the knowledge gained through extension networks, farmer groups, cooperatives, and rural communities.

He stressed that the programme’s success would ultimately be measured by improved farmer livelihoods, stronger climate resilience, and enhanced national food security.

The NiMet boss also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to institutionalizing and promoting the widespread adoption of the Climate Risk Management in Agricultural Extension curriculum as part of the Agency’s efforts to strengthen climate services for agriculture and contribute to national food security.

In a closing remark on behalf of the AGRA Country Director, Dr. Esther Ibrahim described climate risk management as an essential component of modern agricultural extension. She encouraged participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the training to provide farmers with timely, reliable, and actionable climate information that supports informed decision-making and resilient agricultural production.

Others at the event include Mr. Pierre Sibiry, ILRI Representative; Dr. Jim Hansen, Resource Person; Dr. Godwin Atser, Country Director, Sasakawa Africa Association; and Dr. Victoria Pillah of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The workshop concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, who are expected to cascade the training across extension networks and farming communities, helping to bridge the gap between climate science and farm-level decision-making while improving farmers’

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Ex-President Jonathan expresses sadness over death of Amaechi’s mother

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Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, a former Nigerian president, has expressed sadness over the passing of Dame Ezinne Mary Amaechi, mother of former Governor of Rivers State and African Democratic Congress (ADC) vice presidential candidate, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Jonathan expressed his feelings Saturday, in a condolence message signed by media aide, Ikechukwu Exe and sent to Nationwide Reports.

The former president his expressed his  sympathies to Amaechi, the entire Amaechi family, and all those mourning the late matriarch.

He described the death of a mother as a profound loss, noting that although death is inevitable, the enduring legacy of a life dedicated to faith, family and service continues to inspire and comfort those left behind.

Dr. Jonathan observed that the late Mrs. Amaechi’s profile reflected a life of exemplary devotion to God, family and community. He noted that her reputation as “a woman of faith, compassion and quiet strength, as well as her commitment to promoting peace, unity and service, earned her the admiration and respect of all who knew her.”

He prayed that God Almighty would grant Rt. Hon. Amaechi and the entire family the strength, comfort and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, while urging them to “draw solace from the cherished memories of her exemplary life and the enduring values she imparted to her family and community.”

The former President also prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed matriarch.

 

 

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