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NHRC condemns brutality on NLC President, demands investigation, prosecution of perpetrators

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The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has condemned in strong terms, the recent brutality meted on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, comrade Joe Ajaero in Owerri, Imo state

Ajaero and other leaders of Nigeria’s organised labour were in Owerri where they participated in protest in solidarity with workers in the state over wage and other related matters. The protest was however disrupted when the labour leader was abducted and brutalieed by persons suspected to be Police operatives.

However, Police authorities in Imo state denied the allegation, saying that the Police rather took Ajaero into protective custody to save him from being lynched by ‘unknown workers’ who hijacked the peaceful protest.

But reacting to the ugly incident, the Executive Secretary of Commission Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, said it is a reprehensible act, a flagrant violation of human rights and an affront to the principles of democracy and rule of law.

He said “brutality on Mr. Joe Ajero, a senior labour leader, represents impunity and a direct attack on the fundamental rights of individuals to associate and express their views and opinions freely, which is the cornerstone of a democratic society like ours”

According to the renowned Human Rights Advocate, the Commission reiterates that in a democratic nation like Nigeria, the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression must be respected and upheld no matter how uncomfortable law enforcement agents feel.

The Learned Silk called upon the relevant authorities to swiftly investigate this ugly incident, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure that such acts of brutality are neither repeated nor tolerated. “It is essential that those responsible for this brutality are held accountable for their actions, serving as a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in our Society”.

According to a statement issued by Mrs. Agharese Arase, the Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages Department of NHRC, Ojukwu  said it is unethical to use force and violence to arrest unarmed civilians, adding that the brutal act is against international best practices for the promotion and protection of human rights.

He said the Commission reiterate its commitment to upholding human rights, protecting freedom of expression, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals in the country.

Dr. Ojukwu used this medium to call upon law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and uphold the principles of democracy and respect for human rights when dealing with unarmed civilians while enforcing law and order.

“Together, we can build a society where every citizen’s rights and freedoms are safeguarded, respected and tolerated, where acts of violence and intimidation have no place,” Ojukwu stated.

 

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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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