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Nigeria’s Human Rights body condemns killing of soldiers, urges due process in prosecuting suspects

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the killing of 16 Nigerian soldiers by unknown gunmen in Delta state.

The murdered security personnels include the commanding officer of 181 Battalion, two Majors and 13 soldiers.

Reacting to the dastardly act, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, said it was condemnable and highly regretsble.

In a statement he personally signed on Monday, Ojukwu said the Commission rejects the practice whereby aggrieved individuals and groups take laws into their hands, adding that attacking and killing law enforcement officers was in itself, an abuse of human rights.

The Chief Human Rights Officer in Nigeria said- “To this extent, it specifically amounts to violations of the right to life and dignity of human person as guaranteed under Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and other international instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.

“Furthermore, everyone is entitled to life and security of their person under section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).

“These senseless killings of security agents which has been going on in several parts of the country are not acceptable. Citizens must engage and collaborate with the Law Enforcement Agents (LEAs), by providing them with the necessary information that will assist them in fishing out those behind these heinous and dastardly acts and ensure that they are prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law,” he said

Dr. Ojukwu also urged authorities to put necessary mechanisms in place to arrest everyone allegedly involved in the gruesome murders. This is aimed to bring all perpetrators to to justice and prevent further occurrence in the future.

“We are keenly monitoring the situation and official investigation in this case to ensure that those who are behind this inhumane and wicked act are quickly arrested, prosecuted and punished in accordance with the relevant international, regional and municipal laws”, he said.

The statement said that the Commission urges everyone, including the affected community and the Nigerian Armed Forces to sheath their sword and refrain from any form of reprisals while awaiting for the outcome of the investigation..

“This is to avoid further escalation of the crises that could worsen tension and human rights violations.

“Lastly, the Commission expresses condolence to the Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian military, and the families of the slain soldiers and urges everyone to remain calm and trust that justice will be served accordingly,” Ojukwu stated.

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Breaking: Court of Appeal rules in favour of Turaki -led PDP candidate for Osun governorship election

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The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Thursday, ruled that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Gubernatorial Candidate in Osun State was validly nominated by the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee.

The court also ordered INEC to list the PDP logo on the ballot ahead of Saturday’s gubernatorial election.

The Court held that access code is neither a creation of the Constitution nor the Electoral Act; rather, a creation of INEC’s guidelines and cannot, in any way, override the provisions of the Constitution.

Section 288 of the Constitution does not specify the method for nominating candidates; it only states that the names of candidates should be forwarded to the Commission.

The court further held that the defendant (INEC) should take steps to include the name of the appellant on the ballot paper.

Additionally, the court ruled that the primary election conducted by the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP was a valid primary election in law.

The three-man panel of justices—Justice Mahmud, Justice Jaro, and Justice Ankawere, was unanimous in its judgment.

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Breaking: NHRC sets up situation room to monitor and document hate speech, intimidation, threat to life ahead 2027

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The national Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has set up a situation room to monitor and document all incidences of hate speech, intimidation and threat to life by politicians and other actors ahead of the 2027 general election.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concerns over rising incidences of hate speech, intimidation and outright threat to life by highly placed individuals, especially politicians and religious leaders.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chef Tony Ojukwu, SAN, revealed this on Thursday in Abuja at a press conference.

He said the situation room would enable the Commission harvest data, analysis and document persons, agencies and others involved in the negative statements in order to ensure they are properly tracked and brought to book by relevant agencies.

Ojukwu also took journalists on a tour of the newly set up situation room.

 

Details later…..

 

 

 

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Breaking: NHRC expresses concern over rising incidences of hate speech, threat to life ahead 2027 elections

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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concerns over rising incidences of hate speech, intimidation and outright threat to life by highly placed individuals, especially politicians and religious leaders.

At a press conference in Abuja Thursday, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chef Tony Ojukwu, SAN, recalled statements credited to Senator Francis Fadahunsi and Sheikh Yahya Jingir and described the das dangerous with capacity to set the nation ablaze.

He called on politicians, religious and traditional rulers, among other stakeholders to call their supporters and faithful to orders.

He urged government to act before rhetorics turn to violence, saying the forthcoming election in Osun State should serve as example of Nigeria’s capacity to conduct political contest in compliance with international best practices.

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