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“2023 General Elections, a Show of Shame,” says NBA as INEC, NSCDC, others commend NHRC over commitment to Human Rights
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.
News
Police arrest Anambra pastor who converted 75 married women to personal wives
Anambra pastor accused of taking dozens of married women as wives and allegedly compelling members of his church to engage in wife-swapping arrangements, has been arrested by the Police.
The state government confirmed that the cleric, identified as Harrison Charles, founder of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of the state’s security outfit following allegations that surfaced in a viral video, government officials said.
Authorities said the pastor has been handed over to the police as investigations continue into the claims made against him.
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Ejimofor Opara, the arrest forms part of an ongoing crackdown by the state government on individuals accused of operating fraudulent religious ministries.
“Pastor Harrison Charles, owner of Day Spring Assembly in Awada, Onitsha, was arrested by operatives of Agunechemba following a viral video containing several allegations against him,” Opara said.
“He is currently being investigated by the police, in collaboration with the Anambra State Government.”
The pastor has been accused by alleged victims, many of whom are said to be members of his congregation, of persuading married women to leave their husbands and become his wives. Some accusers claim as many as 75 women were involved.
He has also been accused of encouraging wife-swapping among church members, allegations that authorities say are being investigated.
News
Gen. Rabe Abubakar buried, wife still with bandits
The remains of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, has been laid to rest in Katsina.
The former Director, Defence Information, was abducted by bandits alongside his wife, along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State, on May 30.
His body was released by the abductors on Saturday afternoon and subsequently taken for burial.
The funeral prayer was led by Imam Kabir and attended by hundreds of sympathisers, family members, friends, and well-wishers.
Mourners openly wept, with many describing his death as a tragic irony for a man who dedicated his life to defending Nigeria.
Residents across Katsina metropolis expressed shock and sadness over the incident, lamenting that insecurity has continued to claim the lives of both civilians and those who once served in uniform.
The Deputy Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Faruk Lawal Jobe, led the state government’s delegation at the funeral.
Also in attendance were senior military officers from the 35 Battalion, Natsinta Barracks, Katsina.
Following the burial, a special prayer session was held at Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas Mosque, where worshippers prayed for Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and eternal rest for the deceased retired General.
Meanwhile, the abductors are yet to release his wife from captivity.
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News
Bandits kill Nigrrian Army General
A retired Major General of the Nigerian military, Rabe Abubakar, has reportedly been killed while in captivity after being abducted by bandits in Katsina State.
The death of Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information, was disclosed by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa on Saturday, according to reports.
Danmusa said, “security authorities had received information indicating that the retired military officer was killed by his abductors” .
However, he noted that security operatives are yet to recover his body as efforts anre ongoing to locate the remains.
Major General Abubakar and his wife were abducted by armed bandits along the Matazu axis of Katsina State on May 30 while travelling through the area.
His abduction had sparked widespread concern, with the Katsina State Government and security agencies previously expressing optimism that he would be rescued alive.
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