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Ojukwu, stakeholders defend push for NHRC Act amendment

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The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr.Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, on Tuesday declared that the proposed review of the NHRC Act would better position the Commission to protect Nigerians’ rights.

According to the learned Silk there is a need to consider emerging human rights issues and to establish sustainable Human Rights Fund.

Dr. Ojukwu spoke at a public hearing at the House of Representatives on the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, 2024 (HB.1867) and the National Human Rights Commission Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2376).

He said the repeal and re-enactment bill seeks to deepen the Commission’s independence and operational capacity.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria noted that the the new bill formally incorporates the National Preventive Mechanism, domiciled in the NHRC, strengthen oversight of detention facilities, and provide legal backing for the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
He added that the bill clearly itemizes the sources of funding for the National Human Rights Fund to guarantee financial autonomy and rapid response in times of crisis.

It also proposes that the Executive Secretary must be a qualified Director within the Commission, rather than an external appointee unfamiliar with human rights practice.

On the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill, Ojukwu said the legislation would provide safeguards for individuals and groups who face threats, harassment or intimidation in the course of defending the rights of others.

Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, in a statement, said the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by Hon. Useni Jalo, noted that the House remains committed to enacting strong laws that protect citizens and strengthen democratic institutions.

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Malik Fall, represented by Ms Ajuwa Kufour, expressed support for the bills, noting that their passage would further align Nigeria with the Paris Principles governing national human rights institutions.

Chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights, Hon. Dr. Abiola Peter Makinde, assured stakeholders that the House would continue to support human rights defenders and promote the rights of citizens through inclusive lawmaking.

Offering a differing view, Imarha Oghenenyerowo Reuben, Chief State Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice, who represented the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN said Nigeria does not necessarily need more laws.
Rather, he called for the harmonisation and strengthening of the existing NHRC Act.

According to him, Nigeria already has sufficient legal frameworks, stressing that the priority should be effective implementation and reinforcement of existing laws to better protect citizens.

Also speaking, Dr. Clement Nwankwo of the Legal Policy and Advocacy Centre commended the Committee for its sustained consultations.

He described the Human Rights Defenders Protection Bill as vital, noting that anyone who confronts the challenges of undignified living conditions in pursuit of justice is, in essence, a human rights defender deserving of protection.

Stakeholders agreed that strengthening the NHRC’s legal and institutional framework remains critical to advancing dignity, accountability and the protection of human rights in Nigeria.

 

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ADC appeals judgment that sacked David Mark

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The David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the Federal High Court judgement that removed its leadership.

The opposition party also disclosed that it had filed an application seeking a stay of execution of the judgement pending the hearing and determination of its appeal.

The party made this known in a statement on Friday, November 6, adding that it had formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the legal steps taken,

The appeal is against the judgement delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 5, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1619/2025, involving Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe and the ADC.

The party urged INEC to refrain from taking any further action on the matter until the Court of Appeal has considered the case.

It argued that the application for a stay of execution was yet to be decided and that the electoral commission should not take any step that could affect the outcome of the appeal.

According to the ADC, it expects INEC to respect the ongoing legal process and allow the appellate court to hear the matter before making any decision connected to the judgement.

The statement partly read, “The ADC is exercising its lawful right to appeal. The judgement is now being challenged before a higher court, and the legal process must be allowed to run its course.

“We expect INEC to uphold the law and take full account of the pending proceedings before making any consequential decisions.”

The party also urged its members and supporters to remain calm, insisting that the court judgement would not stop its political activities.

It said its campaigns would continue while it explored all available legal options to defend its position.

 

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TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Anthony Emmanuel Ochele, Professional Barber, Haircut & Grooming Specialist

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Emmanuel Ochele is an experienced and dedicated professional barber with over 10 years of experience in hair cutting,styling and grooming. He specialises in low cuts, fades, skin fades, dreadlocks,twisting,beard trimming and hairline designs.

Having worked at Medax Executive Saloon, Ibadan (2013–2016) and subsequently established himself as a self-employed barber, he is committed to delivering quality services, maintaining high hygiene standards and ensuring customer satisfaction.

He is hardworking, creative, punctual and reliable, with excellent customer service and communication skills.

Contact Information:
Phone: 08075260617
TikTok:@emmy.a1802
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Email: Emmatony1802@gmail.com
Address: sw7/265,nigerwest,ibadan,nigeria.

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Court sacks David Mark led Exco, nullifies Atiku’s candidature

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark, declaring the caretaker committee that oversaw the party’s affairs illegal and invalidating all decisions taken by the committee.

The judgment, delivered on Thursday by Justice Peter Lifu, also affects the presidential primary that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the ADC’s flag bearer for the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, whose name had earlier been published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s presidential candidate, had already selected former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, as his running mate.

The ruling followed a suit instituted by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former National Deputy Chairman (North-East) of the ADC, who challenged the process through which the David Mark-led leadership assumed control of the party.

Gombe argued that following the resignation of the party’s former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, he was constitutionally entitled to take over the leadership.

He consequently asked the court to invalidate all actions undertaken by the Mark-led leadership and restrain Senator Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from presenting themselves as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively.

The plaintiff maintained that their emergence violated the ADC constitution and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.

In suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, the ADC, INEC, Senator David Mark, Aregbesola and Chief Ralph Nwosu were listed as defendants.

Justice Lifu upheld Gombe’s claims and granted the reliefs sought, effectively invalidating the authority of the caretaker committee and decisions taken under its leadership.

The verdict is expected to trigger fresh political uncertainty within the ADC, particularly over Atiku’s presidential ambition and the party’s preparations for the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

However, the party has vowed to challenge the judgment at the appellate court.

 

 

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