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General news

Amputees seek implementation of Disability Rights Law

By Justina Auta
Discri
Abuja, Oct. 20, 2019 (NAN) The Amputee Coalition of Nigeria (ACON), an NGO, has appealed to the Federal Government to fully implement the Disability Rights Law to end stigma and discrimination.

The National Secretary of ACON, Mr George Anwayi, made this appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had in January signed into law the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, following nine years of advocacy by rights groups and activists.

Anwayi decried the poor implementation of the law, which he attributed to have contributed immensely to the stigma, discrimination, mobility challenge and other plights experienced by the amputees.

He noted that lack of support group, exclusion in government policies and plans to accommodate persons with disabilities, trauma and depression, as well as security challenges, which had increased number of amputees, were problems persons with disabilities are facing.

“If government implements the disability rights law and ensure all its agencies and private organisations comply with the provision of the law, it will go a long way to enhance the lives of people with special abilities.

“This is a matter of human rights. We are not some beggars, but responsible citizens, capable of making major contribution to economic development if given the chance.

“Government must change its mentality and attitude towards people with special abilities.

“We are not to be used to run campaigns to win public sympathy to garner support and get votes, but later discarded like a pie of rag after election, this must stop.

“We are real people with real solutions to national problems, we have a stake in this country,’’ he said.

He underscored the need to stop stigmatising and discriminating persons with special abilities, but rather support and give them an opportunity to exhibit their abilities, despite physical challenges.

“We can do and achieve more than what you think. We can add value to your life even more than some people who have never suffered limb loss. Understand that it is not our making that we lost our limbs.

“Anybody at any stage in life can suffer limb lost, but we don’t pray for that, just know that it can happen to anyone.

“Please stop the discrimination and stigma and allow us to live our normal life in the society,’’ he urged.

Anwayi explained that the NGO was partnering with Dynamic Orthotics and Prosthetics Nig. Ltd that produce artificial limbs locally to solve the mobility challenges faced by amputees.

“Helping amputees get access to mobility aids such as prosthesis, bionics and automobile suitable for the individual peculiar need will also help to enhance the lives of amputees,” he added.

He therefore called for more support for amputees through peer support and counseling services, sporting activities, access to prosthesis, job creation, advocacy, education and training as well as fight against stigma and discrimination. (NAN)
JAD/ESAN/MST
Edited by Abiodun Esan/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Military: ICRC drums support for international humanitarian law

Military: ICRC drums support for international humanitarian law

By Talatu Maiwada
Law
Abuja, Sept. 18, 2019 (NAN) mr Peter Maurer, the President, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), says International Humanitarian Law (IHL) helps to protect everyone engaged in hostilities and do not put Military in security disadvantage.
Maurer disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the 70th Anniversary of Geneva Convention on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said that it was important for the armed forces and armed opposition groups to respect and apply IHL during armed conflict.
He however said that when a country endorses the Geneva Convention; they commit themselves to promoting IHL, not only among soldiers but also among the civilian population.
“It is our strong conviction that the respect for IHL does not put the military in a security or strategic disadvantage.
“The respect for IHL allows continues good relationship between armed forces and civilian population which will make them experience minimal impact of warfare, however not respecting the law puts them in strategic disadvantage.
“The ICRC mission is to raise awareness and ensure respect for the rules of IHL, by all parties of armed conflict, because if respected, the rules protect everyone,’’ Maurer said.
The ICRC president dismissed allegations that ICRC aids guerrilla groups in the North-eastern Nigeria by supplying food items, water and assisting the injured.
He stressed that ICRC neither supports the government nor the opposition groups; noting that such is outside the ICRC rules of procedure.
Maurer said that the operations of ICRC was strictly delivered according to needs assessed in spaces they had access, saying they consider population and individuals, make need assessment and try to cover the needs.
“In our need assessment, we cannot of course exclude from being a recipient of medical assistant to patients who eventually is a fighter of a government or a non-state armed group.
“We treat them in hospitals weather they are members of the non-state group or a member of the government, as medical assistance is part of our humanitarian work.
“We never said justice should not prevail on a wounded fighter that we picked up at the battle field and treated, neither did we say states should not arrest and detain such persons after being treated.
“In humanitarian law, basic needs comes first and our humanitarian principles of impartiality and neutrality states that we treat everyone equal to needs and not according to affiliations,’’ Maurer said.
Prof. Tawfiq Ladan, the Director Legislative Support Services, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, said the role of ICRC was to provide humanitarian needs for the needy people during hostilities.
Ladan said that under the IHL neither the non-state actors nor the military officers who are combatants were allowed to use starvation as a strategy in the conduct of war.
“Under the IHL, it is prohibited to use starvation in the conduct of war, anyone caught in such a malicious act with evidence, will be prosecuted for war crime, post war.
“The role of ICRC is to provide humanitarian need for the needy, when there are people in need, all ICRC needs is access and people usually think by so doing they are aiding the non-state actors,’’ Ladan said.
He said the ICRC engage key stakeholders to promote, improve and respect IHL, through national training programmes in IHL for police, security forces and armed groups who must also comply with IHL. (NAN)
TIM/NNO/MST
Edited by Nick Nicholas/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

ICRC seeks compliance of International Humanitarian Law

ICRC seeks compliance of International Humanitarian Law

By Talatu Maiwada
Humanity
Abuja, Sept. 11, 2019 (NAN) Mr Peter Maurer, the President, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has called on States and non-State actors to comply fully with the rules of engagement of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
Maurer made the appeal while speaking on the 70th Anniversary of the Geneva Convention in Abuja.
He said 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Convention which was signed on Aug. 12, 1949, and was ratified by every state in the world.
He explained that the basic concept of the IHL was to protect people who are not or are no longer participating in hostilities.
“The Geneva Convention has rules of engagement with no distinction between the state and non-state actors.
“The convention speaks about parties in conflict and the purpose of engagement is in two folds; to negotiate the humanitarian space in areas where state actors are in control of territories and to ensure compliance with the rules of IHL.
“We engage by training, criticising and reviewing military operations. ICRC will always engage with those actors who are ready to engage with us, which puts a limit to our ability of engagement,’’ he said.
Maurer stressed that non-state actors have obligations in the conduct of hostilities in which they operate, which are the humane treatment of detainees and non-attack of civilians, among others.
He added that the non-state actors have same obligations and cannot excuse themselves from such obligations, adding that it is compulsory for them to adopt the IHL in their operations.
He explained that as the guardian of IHL, the ICRC’s mission was to raise awareness and ensure respect for the rule of IHL by all parties of armed conflict, adding that if respected, the rules protect everyone.
“Despite this, civilians often endure terrible suffering in armed conflicts and in some cases are directly targeted.
“They may be the victims of massacre, deportation, hostage-taking, sexual violence, harassment or they may be deliberately prevented from obtaining water, food and medical care.
“That is why ICRC maintains a presence in areas where civilians are most at risk,’’ he added.
Mr Akpan Anani, the President, Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS), said IHL aims at minimising the impact of armed conflict on people with obligations which seeks to avoid families being torn apart.
He said 70 years ago the community of states came together to commit themselves when they adopted the Geneva Convention by laying down a framework for protection and assistance to the most vulnerable in times of war.
Anani said the Geneva Convention had continued to provide a yardstick of humanity and a beacon of hope.
“We see the pain of the wounded, the despair of the displaced, the hunger of those who have lost everything and the grief of those bereaved.
“We hear the voices of these people who simply expect that they be spared from the hostilities, and they are right to expect this,’’ he said.
Anani added that the implementation of the Geneva Convention was not an easy task, thus there is need for determination, patience and unwavering trust that IHL was possible and can make a difference. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Zamfara working for new LG Service Commission law – Chairman

Zamfara working for new LG Service Commission law – Chairman
By Mohammed Lawal
Law
Zaria (Kaduna State), Aug. 28, 2019 (NAN) Dr Malami Aliyu-‘Yandoto, the Chairman, Zamfara State Local Government Service Commission, says the commission is working towards a new law to govern the activities of the commission.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of a four-day workshop for Local Government Secretaries, Directors of Administration and Directors of Finance, on Wednesday, Zaria, Kaduna State.
NAN reports that the workshop with the theme: “Effective Interpersonal Relationship among Public and Political Office Holders in Local Government Administration”, is organised by the commission.
Aliyu-‘Yandoto said: “When I assumed office, as if there was no commission because in the actual sense, there is no law governing the commission at all.
“However, for now, we have gone far in working to have a standard law that will govern the activities of the commission according to stipulated rules and regulations.
“Work on the law has reached advanced stage, the commission and group of experts will examine and deliberate on the law before forwarding same to the governor who will vet it then forward to the State House of Assembly.’’
He explained that the law would give the commission a befitting face in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Aliyu-‘Yandoto recalled that before the coming of the present administration, the commission was not looking like a government-own agency, but the new government had put necessary measures in place to reform the commission.
The chairman said the essence of the workshop was not only for the participants to be educated on how to carry out their jobs but also to be emulated by other states of the federation.
According to him, the commission had organised workshops on Financial Regulations, Transparency and now opted for Effective Interpersonal Relationship among Public and Political Office Holders in Local Government Administration.
Aliyu-‘Yandoto described training and retraining as the best tool for efficient and effective performance of workers, assuring that no matter how highly placed a worker is he/she required training to succeed.
On relative peace being enjoyed in the state, Aliyu-‘Yandoto commended the current administration of the state, adding that for 61 days now there had been no reports of killing.
“People can now distinguish between peace and killings of human beings, presently people have gone back to their farmlands, their places of worship as well as their business areas.
“This is one of the greatest achievements in Zamfara State for the mean time. Remember, during our campaign, we didn’t say people should elect us for anything other than peace.
“We thank Almighty God for restoring peace across Zamfara State. However, we want people to continue with supplications to Allah for sustainable peace,’’ he advised.
The Chief Executive Officer, BAZUF Worldwide Services Limited, the Consultant and Convener of the workshop, Dr Amina Sani, said the workshop was meant to change the mindsets of participants.
She appreciated the efforts of the commission which was directed towards transforming the system.
Sani said they decided to choose Team Work as one of the papers to be presented in order to show the participants the importance of working as a team.
She added that each one of them was expected to strive to become a team player instead of working individually.
A cross section of participants expressed appreciation to the commission for giving them the opportunity to update their knowledge and skills. (NAN)
KLM/COO/MST
Edited by Cecilia Odey/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Education

NBA to establish commercial law centre in Babcock University

Law

By Temitope Salami

Ilishan-Remo (Ogun), March 12, 2019 (NAN) The Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun has announced that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is looking to establish a centre for Commercial Legal Studies in the university.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Mr Joshua Suleiman, Director, Marketing and Communication, Babcock University, Ijebu-Ode, on Tuesday.

The statement noted that Chairman, NBA Business School Section, Mr Seni Adio (SAN) on March 6, led a six-man delegation to explore the possibility of setting up the centre in the university.

Adio, received by Babcock’s President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, said the NBA’s interest in the project centred on improving certain niche areas of law in BU.

He said this would give the students opportunity to develop their proficiencies in areas like: intellectual property, security, banking, finance and technology among others.

According to him, it is necessary for younger lawyers to have practical approach in providing first class legal services and become solution providers in their approach to solving  problems.

Adio said the choice of BU was because it was a leading institution not just in Nigeria, but globally.

Also speaking, Chairman, Task Force of the Centre, Osaro Eghobamien (SAN) explained that the training of lawyers was more than just preparing them academically.

Eghobamien said that the markets that consumed their services also required particular skills to achieve their objective.

He noted that these markets were beginning to find out they were not getting these skills from only academic training.

“We are still shopping around, but Babcock University is one of the institutions that we are considering.

“It might be collaboration ultimately, because no one institution might be able to provide everything we need,” Eghobamien said.

Responding, the CV thanked the association for the interest in setting up the centre in the university.

He assured the team that the administration was ready to do everything possible and proper to make the proposed partnership a mutually beneficial one.

“You have won the heart of the administration with this noble project that will give our law graduates an edge in the labour market and in the discharge of practical legal services,” he said. (NAN)

TDS/ESAN/JTJ
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Edited by Abiodun Esan/Julius Toba-Jegede

General news

Elections: Emir urge Nigerians to respect rule of law

Elections: Emir urges Nigerians to respect rule of law
By Mohammed Lawal
Order
Zaria (Kaduna State), March 9, 2019 (NAN) The Emir of Zazzau, Dr Shehu Idris, has called on Nigerians to respect the rule of law and promote national unity toward building a formidable country.
He made the appeal in an interview with newsmen shortly after casting his vote at Emir’s palace Polling Unit in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Saturday.
The monarch, who is also the Chairman, Kaduna State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, said the call became imperative in view of the fact that peace was critical to meaningful development.
The traditional ruler lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for improving on the previous elections and security personnel for providing adequate security during the elections.
Check at different polling units in Zaria by a correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicated that the elections ended peacefully and without any major hitch in Zaria and environs.
The emir, however, commended the people for coming out in their large numbers, exercising their franchise.
“Election is an opportunity for the people to elect credible leaders of their choice.
“I want to call on the people to maintain the peace, even after the exercise, so that the prevailing peace is sustained for the good of all,” he said. (NAN)
KLM/KTO/MST
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

HIV: Group seeks Law to stop stigma, discrimination

HIV: Group seeks Law to stop stigma, discrimination
By Lydia Ngwakwe
Stigma
Lagos, Dec. 25, 2018 (NAN) The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) has advocated for a Law that would protect people infected by HIV/AIDS from stigma and discrimination.
The group also urged the National Assembly to make the enactment a priority in 2019.
Mr Peter Obialor, the Lagos State Coordinator of the group, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to him, if governments can come up with a law that will make it a crime to discriminate against clients, there will be hope and a sense of belonging to us all.
“I am pleading with our lawmakers to come up with a law that will protect and guide People Living with HIV (PLHIV) against every form of stigmatisation and discrimination.
“After the National Assembly has made the law, State Assemblies can domesticate it so that the implementation will be effective and taken seriously in the country.
“Currently, many children have stopped going to school because of stigmatisation and discrimination,” Obialor said.
He urged governments to also institutionalise special scholarship programmes for children living with the condition.
He said: “Governments should grant scholarship to youths living with HIV and also come up with empowerment programmes for orphans and vulnerable children that their parents died due to HIV.”
However, he commended the Lagos State Government on efforts done to ensure the state Assembly passed a bill that would stop stigma on HIV persons.
He hoped that the bill could be fully implemented to end the increasing stigma on PLHIV.
He however expressed worry that PLHIV were being sacked from work.
He said: “The increasing stigma on people living with HIV is something very disheartening and has got to even work places.
“When a company or organisation finds out that you are PLHIV, you are finished because you are going to be relieved of your work.
“One thing people should know is that HIV is not a sickness that kills faster like malaria does, it is the fear that kill.
“Also, HIV cannot be transmitted through eye contact nor touching, it can be acquired through sex and sharing an infected sharp objects,” he said.
NAN reports that Nigeria is one of the countries with high number of people living with the scourge. (NAN)
LED/CHOM/MST
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

ICRC to unveil ECOWAS International Humanitarian Law action plan

ICRC to unveil ECOWAS International Humanitarian Law action plan
By Talatu Maiwada
ICRC
Abuja, Nov. 1, 2018 (NAN) The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it has concluded plans to unveil the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), International Humanitarian Law action plan from 2019 to 2023.
Mrs Esther Akpa, Communication Officer, Environmental Scanning and Media Relations, ICRC, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said the event would hold on Nov. 2 at the ECOWAS Parliament.
She said the ICRC has been working with member states of the ECOWAS for the past 17 years to ensure that the respect for International Human Rights Law forms part of their national legislature.
Akpa stated that the action plan to be unveiled would guide the activities of the ECOWAS towards the respect for and implementation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) treaties for all 15 member states.
“The meeting would include experts’ release and validation of 2019 to 2023 ECOWAS IHL Plan of Action which will guide its activities towards respect for and implementation of IHL treaties for all 15 member states.
“There will be an annual review meeting which will examine the progress of member states in implementing IHL treaties and also technical support for the domestication of such treaties at the national level,’’ she said.
She added that remarks would be delivered by the ICRC head of delegation, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority heads of state and government, among others. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

ICRC trains security agencies on compliance to International Humanitarian Laws

ICRC trains security agencies on compliance to International Humanitarian Laws
By Talatu Maiwada
Security
Abuja, Sept. 1, 2018 (NAN) The International Committee of the Red Cross(ICRC) says it has trained personnel of Nigeria security and defence agencies on compliance to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL).
Ms Eleojo Akpa, the Communication Officer, ICRC, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
Akpa said the four-day meeting was organised by the ICRC in partnership with the National Defence College.
She said the workshop brought together no fewer than 25 personnel from various security and defence agencies across Nigeria as well as civil society organisations and members of the academic community.
She explained that the workshop was aimed at strengthening participants understanding and application of laws guiding armed conflict and internal security situations, and the protection of vulnerable people during conflict times.
Mr Eloi Fillion, Head of Delegation ICRC, said that the sanctity and safety of civilians should be a priority in any security situation at all times, the statement said.
“The knowledge of fundamental human rights such as the right to life, to dignity, to freedom, to legal representation and to a fair trial is very important.
“It is also more powerful when such rights are respected and enforced in the heat of action and I hope that this meeting expounded such knowledge.
“The ICRC advocates respect for the rights of people affected by armed conflict and violence by reminding authorities and security agencies about their legal obligations under IHL and IHRL.
“Since the beginning of this year, nearly 3,000 officers of the armed forces, police and security forces had been trained on such principles with the ICRC’s support,’’ he said.
Fillion stated that protecting the lives and dignity of people affected by armed conflicts and other situations of armed violence was core of the ICRC’s neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian action.
He disclosed that ICRC also provided humanitarian assistance that offered access to healthcare, food, water and shelter for the most affected populations.
Fillion added that the organisation also visited places of detention and supports the authorities in incorporating humanitarian and human rights principles into the trainings and operations of armed and security forces. (NAN)
TIM/GOM/MST
Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Divergent views trail  ‘Not-Too-Young-To-Run’ Act

Reactions
By Temitope Salami
Ijebu-Ode (Ogun), June 1, 2018 (NAN) A communication expert, Mr Olalekan Ajia,  has expressed concern  on the viability of  the ‘Not-Too-Young-To-Run’ Bill  assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday.

Ajia, a former Communication for Development Specialist with the  United Nations spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday  in Ijebu-Ode.

According to him, a referendum of opinions by Nigerians should have been drawn to ascertain the law’s acceptability before its final passage.

He said he was particularly wary about the gap in the law, concerning experience of candidates which he feared may be exploited politically.

“As soon as someone reaches the age of maturity and as acquired some experience in life, he should be thrust gradually into positions of authority and responsibility.

“There is no problem encouraging our young ones to come into leadership, but as the word leadership implies, it means you have the knowledge, experience and background to lead.

“Ambition alone will not suffice. We must have a minimum template of what you have accomplished before you can be thrust into leadership position.

“Someone who just left the university and has access to money and is being driven by ambition, such a person may not succeed.

“My advice is that that law should be specific on experience,” Ajia said.

Urging for an amendment, he called on the National Assembly to involve  the citizens’  inputs through confabs and referendums.

“There should be a mechanism for referendum to sample the opinions of the citizens.

“It may not be an expansive or elaborate referendum, but it is important to consult various stakeholders through their own different platforms.

“Psychiatric evaluation of prospective leaders is also key. How can you explain someone stealing billions he doesn’t need?” he said.

Rev. Ehizua Imohimi, Lead Pastor, The Lifeway Church, Lagos,  commended the tenacity of the advocates for the passage of the bill.

He said that young people had a right to contest elections if they are able to prove their mettle to their constituents and display the  maturity to lead.

Imohimi, who is also a Board Member of the non-governmental organisation, Pan African Centre for Social Development and Accountability (PACSDA), called for a review of the electoral system.

“It’s commendable that young people can gather and push for an amendment within our constitution, but at the same time we need to look at our electoral system of money politics.

“Young people having right to contest positions is not all, but if they have financial capacity to contest election is the issue,” Imohimi said.

On whether the experience clause will undermine the law, he dismissed such concerns while adding that youths have proved themselves at all levels.

“Age does not determine experience as we already have a lot of young people running their own organisations.

“Young people have done badly in government as well as old people, so I don’t think experience is a good enough argument.

“We have seen democracy work, yes slowly, but surely. At least something was done.

“It’s not perfect, but this should serve as encouragement in strengthening our democratic reforms.

“A democracy where everyone is getting involved is a good way to go,” he said. (NAN)
TDS/KTO/OJO
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(Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Mufutau Ojo)