As the #EndBadGovernsnce protest kicks off nationwide today, Thursday, 1st August, 2024, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has issued an advisory to the major stakeholders involved in the exercise – the Nigerian Government, the security agencies and the organisers.
Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, who issued the advisory late Wednesday evening in Abuja, said the move was in line with the Commission’s mandate, as spelt out in Section 5, paragraphs (l), (m) and (o) of its enabling Act.
The ‘hunger protest’, billed to run for 10 days – from 1st August to 10th August – is going ahead despite spirited efforts made by President Bola Tinubu, governors, the leadership of the National Assembly, heads of security agencies and other influential Nigerians to stop it.
One of the organisers, Omoyele Sowore, an activist, on Wednesday debunked reports that the protest had been called off.
Nigerians are apprehensive over fears that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums, and as a result, turn violent and bloody.
There are also fears that the protesters may clash with security agents, and pro-government elements who have already started holding rallies against the protest.
However, in its advisory, the NHRC recommended steps that should be taken by the government, security agencies and the organisers to ensure that the protest is peaceful.
Parts of the advisory read, “The National Human Rights Commission, in exercise of its mandate in Section 5, paragraphs (l), (m) and (o) of its enabling Act makes the following recommendations:
“Obligations of the Federal and State Governments
“The NHRC urges the Federal and State Government to uphold the Fundamental Human Rights and the Fundamental Objectives of State Policy enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria.
“Federal and State Governments have obligations to facilitate peaceful assemblies by ensuring full protection of protest assemblies.
“Federal and State Governments shall ensure that protests are not disrupted by opposing third parties, counter-demonstrators or hostile forces.
“Federal and State Governments shall ensure that initial approaches to emerging violence by protesters or counter-protesters does not immediately lead to the use of deadly force and all measures to preserve human lives shall be ensured in accordance with international best practices.”
Obligations of the Nigerian Police and Other Law Enforcement, Security and Armed Forces:
“On the use of force: Abide by the recommendations of the United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
“This principle specifies that ‘law enforcement officials may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty,’ that the use of force should be exceptional, and that ‘the use of firearms is considered an extreme measure’.
“It also states that ‘no law enforcement official may inflict, instigate or tolerate any act of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment’.
“Law enforcement and security agencies shall respect the rights of protesters, including the right to peaceful assemblies to convene assemblies and to voice their opinions.
“Provide and protect traffic routes for protesters and non-protesters to ensure the right to freedom of movement is enjoyed by all parties.
“Provide protection for public and private properties from protesters or counter-protesters.
“Ensure a prompt, impartial, and thorough investigation into any incidents of human rights violations during the protest.
“Obligations of the Protest Leaders:
“Ensure that the protest is peaceful and avoid provocative actions such as carrying arms, hate speeches, attacks on law enforcement and security agencies or looting of public and private properties
“Ensure that the protest remains peaceful and law-abiding. Violence and destruction of property will undermine the legitimacy of the protest.
“While the right to protest is guaranteed, the protection of critical infrastructure is also essential. Cooperate with law enforcement to ensure peaceful protests and apprehension of offenders.”
The NHRC further stressed that through dialogue, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law, it is possible to address the grievances of the protesters while maintaining public order.
The Commission in the same vein called on all parties to avoid actions that could endanger public safety or damage private and public properties, as well as undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
Ojukwu, who read out the advisory, disclosed that the NHRC will deploy its protective and promotional mandates to monitor every protest in Nigeria and ensure that human rights principles are observed by state and non-state actors.
Protest: Human Rights Commission issues advisory to Nigerian Govt, security agencies, organisers
Protest: Human Rights Commission issues advisory to Nigerian Govt, security agencies, organisers
August 1 protest: IGP reacts as explosive device is detonated in Lagos
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has commended officers for the discovery and detonation of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
The incident happened on Wednesday along Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja in Lagos State.
In a statement signed by the Police PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun urged members of the public to remain alert and report unusual behaviour.
“Where one encounters an unfamiliar or suspicious object, please do not touch or move it. Rather, keep a safe distance and immediately inform the Police,” the statement read in part.
It added that the Nigeria Police “is working tirelessly to investigate further the source of the bearers of the IED planted in Lagos, dismantle their plans and apprehend those involved, the cooperation of well-meaning members of the public is vital in these critical times.”
August 1 protest: IGP reacts as explosive device is detonated in Lagos
Guard, two others held for Justice Ajumogobia daughter’s murder
The Lagos State Police Command said it had arrested three domestic workers of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia following the discovery of the judge’s daughter, Aribemchukwu’s dead body outside the gate of their Park View Estate home in the Ikoyi area of the state on Wednesday.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest while responding to inquiries on the incident by According Metro on Wednesday.
A family source privy to the incident who chose to be anonymous due to the nature of the matter had disclosed in a social media post that the incident happened on Tuesday night while the lifeless body of the daughter was found in the early hours of Wednesday.
The source noted that the incident appeared to be a murder allegedly orchestrated by some domestic workers of Justice Ajumogobia who were said to have been employed about a month ago.
The source wrote, “My brother and Sister-in-law, Soboma and Rita Ajumogobia’s daughter was murdered in their house in Parkview we think last night as her body was discovered this morning outside the gate to their house.
“It would appear that the new household staff might have been responsible and tried to stage as if she was outside when it happened. However, signs of an attempt to clean up blood inside the house and in the compound tell a different story.
“If this was indeed the handiwork of the staff, it’s salient to observe that they were newly employed less than a month (ago) and she was alone in the house with them. We all need to be super careful, especially with new hires.”
Reacting further when contacted by our correspondent, Hundeyin noted that an investigation had begun into the incident.
“Confirmed. Three domestic staff (have been) arrested. The case is now being handled at the State Criminal Investigation Department,” the PPRO said.
Recall that Justice Ajumogobia was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 15 counts bordering on money laundering and breach of public trust.
She was detained by the EFCC in 2016 while probing the source of about $793,800, which the anti-graft agency claimed passed through the judge’s domiciliary accounts between 2012 and 2015.
Meanwhile, in a 2021 ruling, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Lagos Division of FHC upheld Ofili-Ajumogobia’s application to quash the charge and dismissed the allegations against her.
In 2022, the National Judicial Council ordered her reinstatement as a judge of the Federal High Court.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the Chief Judge of the FHC, Justice John Tsoho, on December 5, 2022, notifying judges of the court about the development.
Kidnapped Ekiti varsity ex-DVC found buried in shallow grave
The former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. Olorunfemi Olaofe, who was kidnapped on July 9, has been found dead.
Sources, who could not confirm whether the 79-year-old retired university teacher died as a result of weakness due to age or that he was killed by the kidnappers, told According Metro that the don was found buried in a shallow grave in the bush.
Olaofe was kidnapped in his house alongside his guard on July 9, over three weeks ago, and driven away in his car which the police said they recovered days after the kidnap incident.
Our correspondent gathered that the kidnappers initially demanded N50m ransom and thereafter remained incommunicado.
The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr Adeniran Akinwale, who confirmed Olaofe’s death, said, “Yes, the professor has been found dead and we are doing everything possible to exhume the body for burial.
“However, we have arrested so many people and you know the circumstances surrounding the incident and we suspected insiders’ work in which the security man employed by the professor was the one who planned it.
“They (abductors) kidnapped the man with him so that we would not suspect. In the process of rescuing him, we have arrested some people. I can’t say much about the security guard, but at the appropriate time, we will brief the public,” the CP said.
While the search for the former university teacher lasted, members of the Are Ekiti Progressives Union; Ekiti Council of Elders; and Nigerian Universities Pensioners’ Association, EKSU Branch, charged the security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to rescue the old man.
N1.7bn disbursed to 20,000 student loan applicants – NELFUND
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund said on Wednesday it had disbursed a total of N1.17bn to 20,000 students in five of the public tertiary institutions that applied for the loan.
The Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
Sawyerr said NELFUND would keep increasing the number of beneficiaries based on applications
According to him, the fund is working on reviewing another 100 institutions whose applications have been received
“I am delighted to share that following President Bola Tinubu’s directive, NELFUND has been able to disburse students’ institutional fees amounting to N1,172,388,340.00 for 20,000 students (100 per cent paid) in the institutions across the country.
“These institutions were carefully selected based on their academic calendar.
“We have approved 260,000 loans, which is both institutional fees and upkeep. It is not everyone who applied for institutional loan who requested for upkeep loan. We are collaborating with a number of agencies and institutions to ensure that this scheme works fine.
“Disbursement to other institutions will be made at the beginning of their sessions to ensure a transparent and equitable distribution of resources,’’ he said.
Sawyerr said an additional disbursement of N850m would leave NELFUND to various institutions due to receiving the loans.
“The sum of N850,000,000 will be paid out today. We are also currently reviewing the applications of over 100 institutions.”
When asked if the loans could be given to postgraduate students, Sawyerr said the mandate of the fund focuses on undergraduate students with the fewest opportunities.
“Our focus is on the undergraduate students. It is a fund that enables those who have the fewest opportunities to get an education.
“While we acknowledge that there are students who will want to pursue their postgraduate studies, for now, our target is undergraduate students,’’ he said.
INEC urges factual reporting on Edo, Ondo polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission has appealed to the media for fair and factual reporting on the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
The INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja during INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting with media executives.
He noted that the September 21 date for the Edo election and the November 16 date for the Ondo election were fast approaching, saying that INEC’s preparations were in top gear.
“I wish to remind you of your obligation as journalists to report factually and accurately about the election and electoral activities, in compliance with the ethics of your noble profession.
“You should continue to be a bulwark against fake news, misinformation and disinformation. I urge you to fully comply with the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage. Similarly, you are required to comply with the INEC guidelines for media accreditation available on our website,” Yakubu said.
He expressed concern about the security situation in Edo and Ondo states, saying INEC would soon meet security agencies to fashion out security modalities.
He said,“We are as concerned about the safety of your personnel and equipment just as we are about the security of our officials, observers, service providers and, above all, the voters.
“We will also work with the security agencies to ensure that accredited journalists are granted unimpeded access to all voting and collation locations.
“The commission will meet with the security agencies as early as Friday this week under the auspices of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security. I want to assure you that security in Edo and Ondo will be a major issue for discussion at the meeting.”
On INEC’s preparedness, he said, “It is now 51 days to the Edo State governorship election, coming up on Saturday 21st September 2024. Our preparations are going on in earnest. I am glad to report that we have recovered from the torrential rainfall that resulted in the severe flooding of our state headquarters in Benin City two months ago. The damage to the physical infrastructure as well as movable and immovable facilities are being fixed or replaced.
“We have delivered additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines to Edo State for the training of election duty personnel as well as contingency for election day support. We have once again published the final list of candidates in compliance with the recent court order mandating the commission to replace the running mate with the candidate of the Labour Party. The amended list is already published on our website,” he said.
Flour Mills declares N763bn revenue
Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc has grown revenue by 67 per cent to N763.2bn in the first quarter ended June 30, 2024, from the N456.4bn recorded in the same period last year.
A statement from the firm on Wednesday indicated that its gross profit surged by 73 per cent to N86.9bn.
The profit for Q1 2024/2025 was N7.4bn, reversing the loss recorded in the previous year’s first quarter and returning to profit levels seen in the past two years.
The company’s operating profit rose to N49.9bn, supported by revenue growth and effective cost management strategies.
The financial performance was complemented by a cash position of N159bn, providing the company with the flexibility to invest in growth opportunities and manage economic uncertainties.
Commenting on the performance, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FMN, Boye Olusanya, said, “Our Q1’24/25 results demonstrate FMN’s ability to deliver solid performance despite significant headwinds. We’ve shown remarkable agility in navigating the challenging macroeconomic environment, including persistent inflation and exchange rate volatilities.”
He added that the agro-allied segment saw a 68 per cent growth, driven by performance in the fertilizer and oil and fats businesses, as well as enhanced capacity utilisation.
The group’s Chief Finance Officer, Anders Kristiansson, highlighted that the company’s diversified business model provided a strong platform for sustainable growth and value creation for all stakeholders.
“Our Q1’24/25 results reflect our commitment to creating value for our shareholders. The significant strengthening of our profitability, coupled with our strong cash position, provides us with the flexibility to invest in growth opportunities and navigate economic uncertainties,” Anders stated.
He noted that as the company continued to adapt to dynamic market conditions, it remained dedicated to its purpose of “Feeding and Enriching Lives, Every Day”, while driving long-term shareholder value through strategic investments and operational excellence.
Equity market loss extends to third consecutive day
The Nigerian Exchange continued its bearish trend for the third consecutive day this week, as investors lost N32bn due to losses suffered by Berger, Cutix, and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company.
Berger, Cutix, and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company dipped 10 per cent, respectively to close at N13.50, N5.13, and N35.10.
At the close of trading on Wednesday, the All-Share Index of the local bourse and market capitalisation dipped by 0.06 per cent to 97,774.22 and N55.51tn, respectively, bringing the year-to-date to 31.70 per cent.
An aggregate of 1,838,183,450 units of shares was traded in 10,847 deals valued at N23.11bn.
The market breadth closed negative as 27 equities gained while 29 equities lost.
Leading the gainers’ chart were Industrial and Medical Gases Nigeria, University Press, and Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc, which gained 10 per cent each to close at N14.30, N2.42, and N0.99, respectively.
There was a 360 per cent improvement in volume, an 189 per cent improvement in turnover, and the number of deals rose by four per cent.
Fidelity Bank recorded the highest volume of 1.33bn traded shares, followed by Zenith Bank with 83.9m units.
Bastion urges actuaries to promote transparency
Bastion Health has called on actuaries to champion transparency and foster industrial collaboration to enhance the insurance and pension sector.
In a statement made available to our correspondent, the Managing Director of Bastion Health Naomi Aduku, disclosed this at the National Risk Compendium program at the University of Lagos on Wednesday.
Bastion Health is a HMO in the Nigerian market, which provides healthcare insurance solutions aimed at improving healthcare accessibility.
The event, themed “Transparency and Clarity in Insurance Policies: Navigating Risk Through Clear Policies, Claims, and Actuarial Expertise,” aimed to bridge the gap between the risk management industry and emerging talents.
Aduku stated that transparency in the financial services sector, particularly in insurance and pension management, is essential for fostering growth.
“In our business of improving healthcare accessibility and affordability through health insurance, it is imperative to define and segment the market, tailor the right products to the right audience, and ensure appropriate pricing and product definition for each market segment. Actuaries are vital to the business of insurance,” she noted.
She noted that Bastion Health remained committed to its mission of making good healthcare more accessible and affordable to Nigerians.
“We are dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and industry, providing students with valuable knowledge, guidance, and motivation that can positively impact their academic and professional growth,” Aduku added.
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Personal interests behind calls for my removal – Provost
The embattled Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos, Dr Wahab Azeez, says those calling for his removal from office had personal interests.
“Those behind the crisis are doing it to frustrate me so that I can resign, but I stand for justice,’’ Azeez told the News agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Wednesday.
The According reports that a lingering protest in the college turned violent on Monday with the police arresting 32 suspects for attacking a Federal Government inspection team.
This resulted in the closure of the institution by the Federal Government on Tuesday.
The protest has been by some students and staff of the college. The students have claimed they are protesting poor living and learning facilities on the campus.
NAN also reported that some aggrieved members of staff of the institution had been calling for the removal of the provost who, they claimed, elongated his tenure.
“The institution has been shut down and students asked to vacate the campus,’’ Wahab said.
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