News
Forced abortions allegation in North East operations: “Reuters has never seen anything good about Nigeria,” says General Haruna
The Chief of Staff, Nigerian Army Amourd Corps, Headquarters, Bauchi, Brig. General Abubakar Garuba Haruna, has described Reuters, an international media platform, as one of the organisations working with enemies of Nigeria to tarnish the image of country.
He stated this on Friday while testifying before the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter Insurgency Operation in the North East.
The panel was set up by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), following allegations contained in reports by Reuters in December 2022 and April 2023 which among other things said the Nigerian military, in its anti-insurgency operations in the North East had a secret and systematic policy in which women were illegally forced to commit more than 10,000 abortions in nine years.
He described the reports as ridiculous, false and fabricated to tarnish the image of officers and men of the Nigerian military, whom he said made huge sacrifices to save the country from breakup.
A visibly a gray Gen. Haruna who was garrison commander that led operations fforvthe recovery of Bama and Konduga and other towns from Biko Haram, said the fighting soldiers, in spite of heavy casualties, created safe havens where even captured insurgents were taken care of, wondering what would be the reason to force women to abort unborn babies as well as kill children.
He wondered why Reuters and its reporters were, as Biko Haram, killed and slaughtered officers and men of the military, saying such barbarism was never reported by Reuters.
It would be recalled that Reuters news agency had reported that Nigerian Military forced women to commit 10,000 abortions and willfully killed hundreds of civilians, women and children as well as raped many women while carrying out counter insurgency operations in North East Nigeria.
Following national and international outcry attracted by the report, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), as part of its mandate, in January 2023, set up a seven-man panel chaired by retired Hon. Justice Abdu Aboki, JSC, to investigate the allegations. The committee was inaugurated by the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.
Among top military officers that have appeared before the panel was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya who vehemently denied all the allegations contained in the Reuters report.
On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, General Hassan Umar (rtd), a former Theatre Commander of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, said the Army by training is designed to rescue people in war situation rather than involve itself in allegations of gross Human Rights violation.
He told the panel that the report as published by Reuters contained unfounded allegations, adding that a professional institution like the Nigerian army would not be involved in acts that violate rights of citizens.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Irabor is being expected to appear before the panel this afternoon at the NHRC Headquarters, Abuja
Update later….
News
“My husband is dying,” El Rufai’s wife raises the alarm
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.
News
NiMet concludes 10-Day climate risk management training for agric professionals
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’
News
Ex-President Jonathan expresses sadness over death of Amaechi’s mother
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.
-
News1 year agoSenate to speed up conclusion of Nigeria Forest Security Service Bill
-
News12 months agoThe Many Lies Against Bashir Haske
-
News3 years agoBreaking: Tinubu’s authentic ministerial nominees
-
News3 years ago“Anytime we want to kill terrorists, President would ask us to take permission from France but they were killing our soldiers-” Niger Republic coup leader
-
News3 years ago“I’m leaving the Catholic church because Bishop Onah is oppressing me,” says Okunerere
-
News3 years agoRadio Nigeria’s veteran broadcaster Kelvin Ugwu dies three months after retirement from service
-
News3 years agoMy nude photo leak was a mistake- lawyer Ifunanya
-
News3 years agoDokpesi and the Gazebo Mystique
