Home Blog Page 2340

Akeredolu bans Okada, unauthorised tinted vehicles in Ondo

0

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has banned the operation of commercial motorcycles fom the roads after 6 pm.

The governor said the decision followed the surge in the spate of kidnapping and armed robbery in the state.

The operators will henceforth operate between 6 am and 6 pm.

Commissioner for Information Donald Ojogo in a statement on Friday said anyone found flouting the directive would have his motorcycle impounded.

The governor also banned all vehicles with unauthorised tinted glasses from plying the roads.

He said tinted vehicles without duly certified permit issued by a relevant security agency would be impounded.

“The Ondo State Government has noted with concern, the worrisome spike in crime rate across the state,” the statement read.

“In particular, security reports at the disposal of Government are considered signs deserving of serious attention.

“Specifically, the last one week witnessed an unimaginable upsurge in robbery, kidnapping and in some cases, murder. This is no doubt, condemnable.

“Government, therefore, urges all security agencies to come out and confront this abhorrent development. Every necessary support, in terms of both human and logistics aids shall be provided to ensure the safety of residents within the state.”

US election: China finally breaks silence, congratulates Joe Biden

0

 

 

 

China on Friday congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden on his victory against incumbent Donald Trump, more than a week after Americans cast their ballots.

Trump has so far refused to concede defeat, but numerous world leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have already called Biden to congraulate him on his win.

Beijing finally broke its silence during a press conference held by its foreign ministry.

“We respect the choice of the American people. We express our congratulations to Mr Biden and Ms Harris,” said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin at a press briefing, referring to incoming vice president Kamala Harris.

Wang said China understands “the result of the US election will be determined in accordance with US laws and procedures,”

The leaders of Russia, Brazil and Mexico are still holding back, saying they are waiting for the votes to be confirmed by the US Electoral College next month.

“We believe it’s correct to wait for the official results of the elections to be announced,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratuated Donald Trump immediately after he was declared the winner based on US media projections in 2016.

Biden reaches out to Europe

Biden made several telephone calls to European leaders on Tuesday to lay out his priorities for his forthcoming term.

But the Trump adminstration is refusing to recognise his victory.

That is despite the fact more US media outlets projected Biden to win the battleground state of Arizona on Thursday evening.

Fox News and the Associated Press already projected Biden to win the state last week.

Trump has refused to coordinate with Biden’s team to facilitate the handover of power.

The federal agency in charge of allocating funds for the transition of power is also yet to recognize Biden as the winner.

It means his staff cannot access information or intelligence briefings.

jf/ (AP, AFP)

NNPC increases petrol depot price, marketers to sell at N168-N170/litre

0

 

The Petroleum Products Marketing Company, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, has increased the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, to N155.17 per litre from N147.67 per litre.

This qas disclosed in an internal memo with reference number PPMC/C/MK/003, dated November 11, 2020, and signed by Tijjani Ali.

According to the memo, the new ex-depot price would take effect from Friday.

The ex-depot price is the price at which the product is sold by the PPMC to marketers at the depots.

Detaila later.

Covid-19: ‘We are not out of the woods yet’ – PTF warns Nigerians

1

THE Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 has again warned Nigerians not to let down their guards in the fight against coronavirus.

Speaking at the PTF’s National Briefing on Thursday, the chairman of the task force  who doubles as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said Nigerians must prepare for a new wave of infections.

He urged Nigerians to take responsibility and keep the nation safe by adhering strictly to all Covid-19 preventive measures.

“On the African Continent, Morocco, South Africa and Tunisia reported the highest cases in the last 24 hours. South Africa now accounts for 38% of total cases on the continent. Nigeria now ranks 6th down in Africa and we don’t have to let our guards down for a second wave,” Mustapha said.

“The number of cases has been fluctuating lately and that is an indication that we are not out of the woods yet. The cases in Lagos where multiple infections were recorded in two schools are typical examples of the danger of reopening institutions without the required measures.

“The PTF urges Nigerians to take responsibility to keep our nation safe by adhering to all Covid-19 preventive measures. It is our collective responsibility. We must all rally round each other to stop this pandemic from destroying our lives and economy.

“The PTF believes strongly that now is the time to raise the tempo of not just our national response but also our preparedness for a new wave of the pandemic or any other epidemic for that matter. For example, it has been strongly observed that places of worship, gatherings and other events have dumped the use of face masks and adherence to other NPIs.”

He noted that the task force is still concerned about the mental health of survivors of the disease, adding that it has intensified efforts to take care of them.

The SGF also urged Nigerians to come out for regular testing, lamenting the nation’s low testing rate.

“The PTF is still very much concerned about the mental health of survivors of the COVID 19 virus. In this regard the PTF is following reports from researches around the world regarding the state of psychiatric health of survivors and has intensified plans for in-country response under the treatment and post-treatment regimes,” Mustapha continued.

“Let me use this opportunity to urge all Nigerians to come out for regular testing. Our testing rate is very unencouraging. Mauritius has the highest tests per million (218,535) while Nigeria stands at 3,605 per million. This is grossly too low to be at a comfortable stage of defeating the pandemic considering the size of our population.”

Meanwhile, the PTF chairman commiserated with Ghanaians over the death of their former president, Jerry Rawlings, and the Palestinian authority over the death of PLO Chief Negotiator, Saeb Erakat, from COVID-19.

Mustapha also thanked all the task force’s development partners, including CACOVID and the media.

 

 

One killed as robbers attack bullion van, cart away cash in Lagos

0

Robbers on Thursday attacked a bullion van on Ado Road in Ajah area of Lagos State, killing at least one person in the process.

The suspects made away with huge sums of money after successfully breaking into the van.

It was gathered that the gunmen first fired at the van from a distance, but the driver refused to stop till he got to Blenco Supermarket.

The suspects rained bullets into the van to open the lock, according to a clip of the robbery which has gone viral.

A witness @Simisoula on Twitter said: “Armed robbers just robbed Blenco’s ATM bullion van (Ado Road, Ajah) just now. Raining bullet with Blenco police. They made away with the money and scattered the rest on the road. People are picking money right now on the road. Pls stay indoors if you are in that axis.”

Police commissioner Hakeem Odumosu could not speak on the matter as he was yet to be fully briefed, PUNCH reports.

Covid-19: Getting vaccine matter of utmost concern for Nigeria, says Osinbajo

0

VICE-PRESIDENT Yemi Osinbajo has said getting the Covid-19 vaccine is a matter of utmost concern for the Buhari administration.

Osinbajo, who acknowledged that there are many priorities for Nigeria, noted that the lethal virus must first be put under control for the country to pursue its other objectives.

The Vice President disclosed this on Thursday at the opening of the virtual edition of the Paris Peace Forum.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, the forum featured presentations by some Heads of State and government alongside international organisations, on a collective response to the  Covid-19 pandemic.

The statement was titled “Getting Covid-19 vaccine a matter of utmost concern, says Osinbajo.

Akande quoted the Vice President as saying that “The priorities of Nigeria in the post Covid-19 era include improved healthcare and the economy.

“First, we need to keep the virus under control. While our guards are still firmly in place, getting the Covid-19 vaccine is a matter of utmost concern.

“On this, we are encouraged  by the efforts of WHO and other international agencies working to ensure that vaccine delivery will be equitable across all countries, regardless of the priority of orders and ability to pay.”

Underscoring the importance of prioritising interventions and investments in the healthcare system, the Vice President said “we are encouraging private investment to upscale our health sector, with emphasis on improved facilities and affordable universal healthcare.”

While appreciating leaders across the world for their prompt response and cooperation in controlling the spread of the Covid-19, Osinbajo said “the sheer scale of disruptions to our lives and livelihoods caused by Covid-19 certainly caught us all by surprise.”

Restating the call for debt relief for developing countries, the Vice President said “the pandemic underscores the need for adequate financial buffers to cope with the ‘black swan’ events.  For many developing countries, the debt burden makes this all but impossible.

“We call for debt relief for these countries, and the extension of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) at least until the end of 2021 as well as commercial debt relief where needed.”

 

Pope Francis congratulates ‘Catholic’ U.S. President-Elect Biden

0

 

 

 

Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, offered his congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden during a call Thursday morning.

According to a statement from the Biden-Harris transition team, the pair discussed some policy areas in which Biden is likely to break from President Trump.

“The president-elect expressed his desire to work together on the basis of a shared belief in the dignity and equality of all humankind on issues such as caring for the marginalized and the poor, addressing the crisis of climate change, and welcoming and integrating immigrants and refugees into our communities,” the statement reads.

Francis has been outspoken on these issues and has repeatedly called on global leaders to take more action to confront them. Biden has laid out ambitious plans to tackle the climate crisis, and he plans to lift the United States’ refugee resettlement cap, which Trump had lowered to a record level.

Biden will be the second Catholic president in U.S. history, following John F. Kennedy.

 

 

#EndSARS: Two Lawyers Sue Lagos Govt, Ask Court To Disband Judicial Panel

0

The Lagos State government has been dragged before a Federal High Court by two lawyers asking that the Judicial Panel Of Inquiry and Restitution For Victims Of SARS Related Abuses be disbanded.

The Plaintiffs in the case, Adekunle Augustine and Semion Akogwu, prayed the court to disband the panel on the ground that the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu being a party in the matter, did not exercise his power in the public interest by setting up the panel.

The plaintiffs are praying the court to make a declaration that the Lagos State Governor, being a party cannot set up a panel to investigate itself and the outcome of the panel will be in favour of the state.

The plaintiffs averred that he who pays the piper dictates the tune.

Apart from the judicial panel of inquiry, other defendants in the suit are, the Governor Of Lagos State, the Chairman of the panel and the Attorney-General of the state who are first, third and fourth defendants respectively.

The Chairman of the panel is listed as the second respondent in the case dated November 11, 2020 and filed at a Lagos Federal High court with suit number FHC/L/CS/1572/20.

The plaintiffs, Augustine and Akogwu, in the suit, filed through their counsel, Samuel Adama. see the determination of the following questions:

*WHETHER having regards to section 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 2nd Defendant being an Agent/Appointee of the 1st Defendant can ensure fair hearing for the Plaintiffs under the auspices of the 3rd Defendant in a mater in which the 1st Defendant is a party?

*WHETHER having regards to section 5(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 1st Defendant validly exercised his powers in public interest by setting up the 3rd Defendant to investigate a matter in which the 1st Defendant himself is a party?

*WHETHER having regards to Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 1st Defendant is a party to be investigated under the terms of reference for the 3rd Defendant in the discharge of its mandate?

*WHETHER the 4th Defendant being the Chief law officer of the State ought to act in public interest by advising the 1st Defendant against the setting up of the 3rd Defendant and ought to do all things legally possible to ensure fair hearing in the matter?

Upon the determination of the questions, the plaintiffs also prayed the court for the following reliefs:

*A DECLARATION that having regards to section 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) together with Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 2nd Defendant being an Agent/Appointee of the 1st Defendant cannot ensure fair hearing for the Plaintiffs under the auspices of the 3rd Defendant in a matter in which the 1st Defendant is a party.

*A DECLARATION that having regards to section 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Fepublic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) together with Exhibits A and Exhibit B, the 1st Defendant, being a party in the matter, did not exercise his power in public interest by setting up the 3rd Defendant.

*A DECLARATION that the appointment of the 2nd Defendant and the setting up of the 3rd Defendant by the 1st Defendant is tantamount to making the 1st Defendant a Judge in his own cause and ipso facto breaches the Plaintiffs rights to fair hearing.

*AN ORDER of this Honourable Court disbanding the 3rd Defendant and nullifying its proceedings and whatsoever actions taken thereby so far to give way for a credible and independent commission of inquiry to be set up by the Federal Government to take over the mandate of the 3rd Defendant as contemplated by its establishment abi nitio.

No date has yet been fixed by the court for hearing of the case.

#EndSARS: Inter-Faith clerics launch 21-day warfare against agents of destabilisation

0

The National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace (NIFROP), on Thursday, began a 21-day warfare and intercessory prayers against agents of destabilisation troubling the country.

The group officially launched the campaign to cleanse Nigeria of the demonic spirit behind the EndSARS protests at the Unity Fountain, Abuja.

Declaring the 21-day exercise open, NIFROP’s Patron, Sheik Mohammed Adamu, said the demonic spirit of homosexuality is behind the EndSARS protests in the country.

While welcoming peaceful protests seeking positive change, Sheik Adamu said the last mass action had a spirtual undertone.

According to the clerics, the enemies of Nigeria wanted to use the protests as an avenue to infiltrate the demonic spirit of homosexuality into the country by all means.

The group, however, called on all Nigerians to pray for the country as we do not have anywhere else to call home.

At the end of the prayers, Sheik Adamu assured that the nation would be cleansed of all demonic impurities brought about by the EndSARS protest.

He added that all the sponsors of the protests would also be exposed and put to shame.

Read full statement below:

As-Salam-u-Alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh
Barak Allah fik
Barak Allah fi nayjiria
Yahmik Allah

I bring good tidings to you all gathered here to pray for Nigeria in this critical point of our existence under the umbrella of the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace, which have been at the vanguard of promoting religious tolerance in the country and interceding for Gods intervention in our affairs.

We are gathered here in our usual manner to speak in one voice for Allah’s mercies to continue to be with Nigeria even as some undesirable elements are attempting to cause a crisis of unimaginable proportion through the demonic infiltration of the EndSARS protest across the country.

While it is a good thing to embark on peaceful protest seeking positive change in the society, it is, however, against the instructions of Allah. “O You who believe! Enter absolutely into peace (Islam). Do not follow in the footsteps of satan. He is an outright enemy to you.” (Holy Quran: 2, 208)”

Quran is the holy book of Allah; it was revealed on Mohammad peace and blessings be upon him. The Quran contains the teachings of Islam. It tells us why Allah created humans, and what does he wish us to do to win his pleasure.

Prophet Mohammad is the last messenger of Allah to humankind. Allah says in the Holy Quran that he has sent Mohammad peace and blessings be upon him as a mercy to the worlds. Not as a king or a dictator or a tyrant ruler, but as peace and blessing for all.

“O humankind, We have created you from a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes for you to know one another.  Truly, the noblest of you with God is the most pious.2  Truly, God is All-Knowing, All-Aware. Quran, 49:13.”

The Prophet Muhammad, in his famous last sermon of Hajj, said: {O people!  Your God is one, and your forefather (Adam) is one.  An Arab is not better than a non-Arab, and a non-Arab is not better than an Arab, and a red (i.e. white tinged with red) person is not better than a black person, and a black person is not better than a red person, except in piety.

My dear faithful ones, this revelation from Allah is indeed the source of strength for the National Inter-Faith and Religious Organization for Peace. We have come together for several years under one umbrella and praying to God for divine intervention in the affairs of Nigeria.

Our Christian brothers and sisters have prayed from the Holy Bible; our Muslim brothers and sisters have also prayed from the Holy Quran for divine intervention in the affairs of our great country. And before our very eyes, we have seen the great work of God in the affairs of Nigeria.

We must all see our intercessions as a duty we owe our dear country. For the Holy Quran teaches us to become better humans. Rasool Allah told his companions, that Gabriel kept on recommending me about treating the neighbours in a kind and polite manner, so much so that I thought that he would order me to make them my heirs.

The Quran says, “O you who believe! Fear Allah and seek a wasila to him”(5:35). God tells the Prophet (PBUH): “And in the night, pray the tahajjud, which is additional for you for soon your Lord will raise you to the Station of Praise (Maqam Mehmud)” (17:79).

A hadith states that on that day people will be running to and fro looking for an intercessor, until they come to the Prophet Muhammad, who will answer, “I am for intercession”. The Lord will then ask him to “…intercede, for your intercession will be heard” (Bukhari).

We have consequently gathered here to offer prayers of intercession for Gods intervention against the forces of Satan standing up against pour country. The EndSARS protest, as we all know, is an avenue that the demonic Spirit of homosexuality intends to penetrate Nigeria by all means.

My faithful ones, we must join our voices and pray for Nigeria because we do not have anywhere to call home. Our hopes and aspirations for Nigeria are built on the promises of God to deliver us in times of need, such as these when agents of darkness have conspired against us using the EndSARS protest.

I want to give is this charge that as we begin this 21-day prayer. We shall be specifically praying to God for the spiritual cleansing of Nigeria from the demonic Spirit behind the EndSARS protest across the country.

On this important occasion of 21 days prayers, we’re aware, more than ever, that our times are in God’s hands. We need His presence and power to be displayed in our nation. We need unity and love to stir our hearts and give direction to our days. We need the wisdom to guide us; we need the Spirit to lead us, to live out godly lives that would bring honour to our country.

We shall be praying for all those in authority, for every leader of our nation, that God would give them wisdom and discernment as they lead. We pray that their hearts would be directed first to God that they would recognize where their true help and strength come from.

We pray that God would guard their coming and going, and be their refuge and their peace. We shall pray that God would surround every leader with wise counsel, that they would be humble and kind, patient and loving through their actions and words. We pray that their faith in God would be unwavering, strong, resolute, and firm.

We shall also be praying for all the youths in the country for all the forces of darkness, trying to mislead them into engaging in acts that are against the interest of the country. We shall join our hands and our voices with our Bible and Koran to pray fervently.

My faithful ones, the task before us is such that should be taken very seriously as we have always done in our previous programmes for we have indeed proved that with prayers and supplication nothing is impossible for God to do.

I am convinced that at the end of this 22 days of prayers, Nigeria shall be cleansed of all demonic impurities brought about by the #EndSARS protest. I am also convinced that all the sponsors of the protest shall be exposed and put to shame Insha Allah.

It is our prayers that “Our Lord, pour down upon us patience, and make our steps firm and make us victorious over the disbelieving people.” Rabbanaa afrigh ‘alaynaa sabran wathabbit aqdaamanaa wansurnaa ‘alal qawmil kaafireen Surah Al-Baqarah ,verse 250.

Allah subhanahu has explained in His Book that He is the Helper of believers in this world and the next. He said, the Most High: “Indeed, we will support Our messengers and those who believe during the life of this world and on the Day when the witnesses will stand.” [Al-Qur’ an 40:51]

“And whoever is an ally of Allah and His Messenger and those who have believed – Indeed, the party of Allah – they will be predominant.” [Al-Qur’ an 5:56]

“Indeed, the ones who oppose Allah and His Messenger – those will be among the most humbled. Allah has written ‘I will surely overcome, I and My messengers.’ Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.” (Al-Qur’an 58:20-21).

Al-hamdu Lillaahi nahmaduhu wa nasta’eenahu wa nastaghfiruhu, wa na’oodhu billaahi min shuroori anfusinaa wa min sayi’aati a’maalinaa. Man yahdih Illaahu falaa mudilla lahu wa man yudlil falaa haadiya lahu. Wa ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu la sharika lahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasooluhu.

Amma ba’d (أما بعد). May yah di hillahu falaa mudhila lahoo, wa may yudhlil hu falaa haadiya lahoo. Ina asdaqal hadeethi kitaabullah, wa ahsanal hadyi hadyu muhammadin, wa sharal umoori muhda-thaa-tu-haa, wa kulla muhda-tha-tim bid’ah, wa kula bid’a-tin dhalaalah, wa kulla dhalaala-tin fin-naar. Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil ‘akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar.

Rabbana wala tuhammilna ma la taqata lana bihi wa’fu anna waghfir lana wairhamna anta mawlana fansurna ‘alal-qawmil kafireen

“Assalamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh”

Amnesty International and global rejection

0

By Peter Kayode

Amnesty International has been in the news again, this time around, and its typical fashion of turning the truth on its head in pursuit of an often disjointed agenda aimed towards causing conflict in countries where they have their operations.

The case of Nigeria is no different from other countries where Amnesty International have been accused of engaging in acts that either undermine national security or incite the people against constituted authorities. A good example is an accusation levelled against Amnesty International by a couple of countries such as the United States, China, Congo, Russia, as well as Chile, where the complained about Amnesty International for what they assert is one-sided reporting, or a failure to treat threats to security as a mitigating factor.

This much has been witnessed in Nigeria with the way, and manner Amnesty International has serially accused the Nigerian government and the Nigerian Military of human rights violations in the prosecution of the Boko Haram war in North-East Nigeria. Amnesty International has on several occasions churned out reports and statements castigating the Nigerian Military when substantial gains are recorded in the fight against terrorism, and feign ignorance when Boko Haram terrorist kill women and children and burn down villages.

This disposition of Amnesty International tells one thing: which is the fact that its motives have always been to cause unnecessary distraction either by commission or omission in most cases.

The Catholic Church has also criticized Amnesty for its stance on abortion, particularly in Catholic-majority countries. This fact was also highlighted recently by an international law expert Elyssa Koren who criticized Amnesty International’s new support for abortion access through all nine months of pregnancy and its claim that human rights protections “start at birth.”

She stated thus: “Amnesty’s announcement is reflective of a self-referential echo chamber made up by abortion groups and elements of the international system,” “The right to life that all persons possess applies from the moment when life starts, which science confirms is at conception,” Koren said. “International law supports this reality. This is evidenced in historical protections for pregnant women facing the penalty of death.”

Koren cited the preamble of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by over 190 countries, which affirms that children need “special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth.”

“Given that Amnesty International has no power to re-craft international law or the laws of science, their announcement that human rights ‘start at birth’ creates no change in the human rights tradition,” Koren said. “That said, it does contribute to the existing body of dangerous misinterpretations that seek to re-imagine the international order.”

The position of Elyssa Koren aptly captures Amnesty International in their elements in misrepresenting facts to suit their narrative which often is not the reflection of the reality on the ground, but a deliberate attempt to cause chaos in the society.

The position of Amnesty International as a global human rights body has also been questioned in several quarters for what was described as an organization with toxic workplace culture. In a report undertaken by the KonTerra Group and led by psychologists, to look into lessons learned following the suicides in 2018, found bullying and public humiliation were routinely used by management.

“There were multiple reports of managers belittling staff in meetings, deliberately excluding certain staff from reporting, or making demeaning, menacing comments like: ‘You’re shit!’ or: ‘You should quit! If you stay in this position, your life will be a misery,’” it said.

The consultants, who focused on Amnesty’s international secretariat, based in London, found it to be mainly operating in a “state of emergency” following a restructuring process to decentralize and move staff closer to the ground in places of civil unrest and conflict.

Many staff at Amnesty International described their employment as a vocation or life cause. It said there had a “significant risk of experiencing secondary stress or vicarious trauma” due to the nature of the work. But, the report found, the “lion’s share” of wellbeing issues were not isolated to exposure to trauma or suffering. Instead, the adversarial culture, failures in management and pressures of workload were among the most significant contributors to wellbeing issues.

Staff reported multiple accounts of discrimination based on race and gender and which women, staff of colour employees were targeted or maltreated.

“Given Amnesty’s status and mission – to protect and promote human rights – the number of accounts the assessment team received of ‘bullying’, ‘racism’, and ‘sexism’ is disconcerting,” it said. The reviewers provided Amnesty’s secretary-general with a private report on allegations of abuse of power, discrimination and unfair treatment, which merit further investigation. They found multiple instances of alleged favouritism or nepotism in hiring and cases where “it appears that positions or individuals may have been made redundant without due process”.

In 2019 Amnesty International’s Secretary General Kumi Naidoo admitted to a hole in the organization’s budget of up to £17m in donor money to the end of 2020. To deal with the budgetary crisis, Naidoo announced to staff that the organization’s headquarters would have cut almost 100 jobs as a part of urgent restructuring. Unite the Union, the UK’s biggest trade union, said the redundancies were a direct result of “overspending by the organization’s senior leadership team” and have occurred “despite an increase in income”.

Unite, which represents Amnesty’s staff, feared that cuts would fall heaviest on lower-income staff. It said that in the previous year the top 23 highest earners at Amnesty International were paid a total of £2.6m– an average of £113,000 per year. Unite demanded a review of whether it is necessary to have so many managers in the organization.

The above examples indeed give an insight into the operations of a supposed global human rights organization dedicated to the protection of human rights. I believe that Amnesty International is indeed a charade, and this much has been highlighted with its operational strategies in Nigeria that somewhat promotes mediocrity and celebrates evil over good.

This fact has led to calls for the expulsion of Amnesty International from Nigeria by a large segment of the population for allegedly inducing chaos in the country. They cited instances where Amnesty International systematically supports the activities of terrorist and militant groups in Nigeria. Worthy of mention is the way and manner Amnesty International have been providing tactic support to groups like Boko Haram, Islamic Movement in Nigeria and the Indigenous People of Biafra.

They have consistently feigned ignorance of the nefarious activities of these groups that have resulted in the loss of lives and the disruption of socio-economic activities in the country. This fact has been highlighted numerous times and with evidence to support.

It must indeed be stated that Amnesty International as an organization has so many skeletons in its cupboard and this is mainly responsible for its tirade against the efforts of the Nigerian government in the prosecution of the war against terrorism and other militant acts in the country.

It must indeed be stated that this disposition of Amnesty International is not restricted to Nigeria alone but also in countries where Amnesty International operates. There are several instances in countries like Israel, the United States of America and the likes where the operations of Amnesty International have been questioned amidst calls for circumspection.

I believe that it is indeed time for total scrutiny of the operations of Amnesty International across the globe to put issues in proper perspectives for the good of humankind. The peculiarities of time indeed necessitate so.

Kayode PhD wrote of University of Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.