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NHRC boss, Ojukwu says poverty is a barrier to enjoyment of human rights

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The Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR,SAN, has called on government and relevant stakeholders to join hands to eradicate poverty in the country, describing Poverty as a significant barrier that hampers the realization of fundamental human rights, such as the right to adequate standard of living, health, and education, among others.

Dr. Ojukwu who made this statement in commemoration of the International Day for Eradication of Poverty which comes up on the 17th of October every year, said “Poverty continues to be a pervasive issue in Nigeria, affecting a substantial portion of the population”. According to him, poverty limits individuals’ access to basic necessities of life which are essential components of the rights guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Mrs Agarese Arase, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have emphasised that, addressing poverty is a fundamental aspect of the human rights agenda, and concerted efforts are required at all levels of government to alleviate its effects on the citizens.
In the context of poverty and its impact on human rights, Ojukwu noted that the recent removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria has added a significant burden to the common man. He said “the Commission recognizes that the removal of fuel subsidy is a complex and challenging economic decision, but it has had a detrimental effect on the lives of many Nigerians”.
Stating further, Ojukwu said the removal of fuel subsidy has led to a sharp increase in the cost of living, including transportation and food prices. This has resulted in financial strain and has reduced the ability of individuals and families to access basic services.
According to the Learned Silk, the Commission acknowledges the need for economic reforms, but “we call upon the government to consider the human rights implications of such decisions and ensure that they do not disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in our society”.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NHRC called for more comprehensive social safety nets to be urgently put in place to mitigate the immediate impact of the subsidy removal on the common man. “The government must also intensify efforts in implementing programs that alleviate poverty and ensure that the basic human rights of every Nigerian are upheld”.
The Chief Human Rights Officer urged the government to Prioritize and implement policies that directly address poverty, ensuring that the most vulnerable in society are protected and supported.
He also called on the government to ensure that further economic reforms, take into account the potential human rights impact and work to mitigate adverse effects on the common man.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria reiterated that the Commission under his watch will remain committed to monitoring the human rights situation in Nigeria and working with stakeholders to protect and promote the fundamental rights and dignity of every person.
“Poverty and its impact on human rights are issues of utmost concern, and the NHRC stands ready to advocate for the rights of every person living in Nigeria” Ojukwu added. Governmental massive investment on transport and road infrastructure, food production and industrialization will provide lasting solutions to the poverty effects of fuel subsidy removal, he further elaborated

 

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Turaki-led PDP wins as Court of Appeal affirms Wole Oluyede as duly nominated candidate for Ekiti

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Dr. Wole Oluyede has been affirmed as the duly nominated candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the Ekiti State governorship election.

The Court of Appeal, Akure Division, made the affirmation in a landmark judgment, thereby giving validity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election for the same.

In a unanimous decision, the three-man appellate panel led by Hon. Justice Peter Chudi Obiorah, alongside Hon. Justice Jane Esienanwan Inyang and Hon. Justice Peter O. Affen, set aside the earlier judgment of the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti.

The justices held that the primary election conducted by the Kabiru Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) was valid, transparent, and complied with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

On the 13th of January, 2026, the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti nullified the Ekiti State Governorship primary election conducted on the 8th and 9th November, 2025.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the Party appealed to the Court of Appeal and today, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal and set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court..

The Court further held that the primary election was duly conducted.

This judgment effectively puts to rest the leadership and candidacy disputes that have shadowed the party’s preparations for the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election. By upholding the Turaki-led process, the Court has provided the necessary legal finality to ensure the PDP enters the general election as a unified front.

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India slaps Nigeria, rejects Tinubu’s ambassador-designate

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India and some other countries have reportedly  declined to accept some of President Bola Tinubu’s recently posted ambassadors-designate due to diplomatic policies that discourage receiving envoys from administrations with less than two years remaining in office.

According to reports in the media, India, where career diplomat Ambassador Muhammad Dahiru has been designated to serve, maintains a standing policy against accepting ambassadors from governments with tenures of less than two years remaining.

India is exercising its discretionary powers to turn down the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ request to accept Dahiru’s posting.

According to sources quoted by the report, the Federal Government was already receiving signals from New Delhi and possibly other capitals about their reluctance to grant agrément.

Agrément is the formal approval given by a receiving country to accept a diplomat designated by the sending country, and it is a prerequisite before an ambassador can assume duty.

“They don’t accept an ambassador from an administration that has less than two years in office. So they are giving us that body language already,” a Presidency official was quoted to have said

The source continued, “Some countries are reluctant to accept some people, not because of the individuals but because of time. They are already seeing the Tinubu government as an outgoing government.

“So their concern is that he has just one year left, so what if he doesn’t win the election? Another government may come and remove them. We also understand that some countries have this policy. Any ambassador from an administration that has less than a year or two in office will not get accepted. And one of such countries is India.”

 

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Belonging to two political parties to attract imprisonment

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The House of Representatives on Wednesday amended Section 77 of the recently assented Electoral Act 2026 to prescribe two-year jail term or N10 million fines or both, for anyone who knowingly maintains membership of two political parties at the same time.

Lawmakers during the committee of the whole presided by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, made amendment to section 77 of the 2026 Act by inserting three new clauses 8, 9 and 10 which were considered and approved by lawmakers after a heated session of back and forth debates.

According to the new clauses approved by lawmakers, any party member found to be registered as member of more than one political party at the same time will have his or membership of the said parties voided.

Clause (8) of the approved amendment stipulates that “A person shall not be registered as a member of more than one political party at the same time.”

Clause (9) stipulates that “Where it is established that a person is registered as a member of more than one political at the same time, such dual membership shall be void, and the person shall cease to be recognised as a valid member of any political party pending regularisation in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the constitution of the political party concerned.

Clause (10) stipulates that “A person who knowingly registers or maintains membership in more than one political party at the same time commits an offence is liable on conviction to a fine of N10,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of two years, or both.”

 

 

 

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