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SERAP Calls For Legal Framework For Human Rights
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has advocated the establishment of a legal framework that recognises and respects human rights.
The group also called for the review of the Official Secrets Act, Criminal Code Act and Cybercrime Act free in line with international human rights standards and agreements.
Dr Bunmi Afinowi, a lecturer in the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, said this at the presentation of a report titled: “State of Civic Space in Nigeria.”
Afinowi, presented and launched the report on behalf of SERAP, yesterday in Lagos.
The lecturer equally called for the strengthening of the independence of regulatory bodies such as the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) to ensure impartial regulation and promote self-regulation within the media.
According to her, the recent decision of the Federal High Court on the powers of the NBC was a step in the right direction.
Afinowi also said the government should ensure a diverse representation in the NBC, the NPC, including journalist unions, civil society and academia.
She said: “The judiciary has a role to play in this regard by ensuring that it upholds the rule of law and safeguards fundamental human rights as recognised and enshrined in the constitution.
“Bodies like the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and relevant civil society groups must ensure prompt and thorough investigations into the attacks on journalists and hold perpetrators accountable.
“There is also a need for professional bodies and civil society groups to encourage coalitions and ensure adequate funding, capacity building and technical support for civil society organisations working on media freedom and human rights issues.
“Federal and state governments should be tolerant of criticisms and perceived critical views expressed by Nigerians,” she said.
The lawyer also said the Nigerian government should prevail on law enforcement agencies to refrain from arbitrary arrests and frivolous charges based on exercise of the right to freedom of expression.
She also urged the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to push for the immediate amendment of the Cybercrimes Act and other repressive legislation to bring the laws in line with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended).
In a welcome address, Mrs Funmi Falana (SAN) who was represented her husband, Femi Falana (SAN), remarked that democracy was not just about voting but also entailed the right of the people to determine how they want to be governed as provided by the law.
Falana added that the law was provided for the people to express their minds when they were not being governed properly without fear of being detained, harassed or subjected to any restrictions.
She listed all laws and conventions to which Nigeria was a signatory and which recognised freedom of expression and assembly.
According to her: “In spite of these laws and conventions, people are still being harassed while police detain journalists indiscriminately.
“The government also failed to pay damages imposed by the court and some judges are afraid to make declarations on public interest litigations while hiding under locus standi.
“The idea of locus standi is no longer applicable in our laws on public interest matters.”
Mr Simon Shingu, the representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in his keynote address, said the promotion and protection of civic space were regarded as special prerequisite for increasing growth, good governance, rule of law and sustainable development.
He said: “As we gather here today, we are reminded of the fundamentals principles of our democracy which are freedom of association, assembly and expression.
“These rights are not just enshrined in our constitution but are the bedrock of our striving democracy.
“With a vibrant civic space, we can hold our leaders accountable but without a vibrant one, we cannot address the pressing issues facing our nation.
“We cannot also fulfill the aspirations of our people but amidst these challenges, there is hope as we have seen the resilience of Nigerians and the encouragement of various activists.”
Honourble Akin Rotimi Jnr, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, in his keynote address, said that no amount of introspection on the civil space could be described as too much or too little.
Rotimi said that civil society could be improved in numerous ways and one aspect to address was inclusivity and diversity in broader society.
He noted that Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) must ensure that their structures, leadership and key decision making reflected the diversity of the communities they served.
He said: “Organisation advocating for women should ensure that women engage in leadership positions.
“CSOs should also be very intentional about building successors generations of civil society actors that will be able to take it to the higher heights we all desire.
“CSOs must also look for ways to counter threats in order to attain full autonomy and also the worrisome issue of proliferation of organisation that taint the reputation of of actions needs to be checked.
“CSOs should also involve in advocacy campaigns to raise the awareness of their work and the need for freedom to operate.”
The Rivers State Chief judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi has granted pardon to six inmates standing awaiting trial at the Port Harcourt maximum correctional center.
The six lucky inmates granted pardon on Tuesday by the state Chief Judge included Nwekeala Chizoba, Samuel Emmanuel, Aniete Kelvin, Ebube Fubara and Goddey Okpara who were on awaiting trial as murder suspects and have all spent between 10 years to seven years in the custody without a proper information filed against them in the court.
Justice Amadi during a special gaol delivery exercise last Tuesday at the Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Centre opined that the special gaol delivery was part of activities lined up to commomerate the 2024/2025 legal year in the State and restated the commitment of the state judiciary in decongesting the correctional centre and ensuring that those inmates who are not supposed to be there are removed from the custody.
The state chief judge stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together to build a society that supports rehabilitation and gives a second chance to anyone or group of people who have fallen short of the expectation of the law and have been punished accordingly.
He stressed that the National Judicial Council(NJC) encourages judges to pay more attention to criminal matters to enable them to decongests the correctional facilities, noting that since his assumption into office, his administration has been able to reduce the number of inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres and the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre in particular, to less than 2,000 as against the over 4,000 inmates previously in the faculty.
According to him, “as they release the deserving inmates, they affirm their commitment to justice, compassion and rule of law but that they must not forget the fundamental principles of justice delivery system which is truth and fairness, integrity and equality before the law.”
I encourage you all the released inmates to return to your families and become better citizens. You must not engage in action that will return you all back to prison. Let me say that while the judges show empathy to you all, it does not absolved individuals from being held accountable for actions against individuals, corporate organisations and state which the law frowns at, ”he stated
The Chief Judge thereafter stood down the exercise to enable the DPP to intervene to case files following the fact that majority of the persons listed to benefit from the exercise are facing murder charges and adjourned to a date that will come before December.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the outgoing state Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Centre, Port Harcourt, Felix Lawrence, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Controller General, commended the state judiciary led by Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi for their continuous effort aimed at ensuring justice and decongesting the facilities.
Other activities lined up for the event included special church service at St Paul’s Cathedral , Anglican Communion, Rebisi Port Harcourt, inspection of guard of honour by the state Chief Judge mounted by officers of the Nigerian police and a special court session held at the ceremonial court hall.
By: AkujobiAmadi
The Director General of Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement (RBoPP), Dr. Ine Briggs, has explained that the Sir Siminalayi Fubara administration plans to enforce transparency in governance through public procurement.
Speaking at a one-day Public Procurement Enlightenment workshop organised in collaboration with the State Local Government Service Commission for newly elected chairmen, vice chairmen, secretaries and leaders of legislative assemblies, Dr. Briggs said it is key for grassroot development.
She stated that the Sir. Fubara administration plans to reduce wastage and at same time infuse efficiency in public expenditure.
The RSoPP DG said the local government political office holders remain key drivers in the new vision hence the workshop is to arm them with knowledge on how to execute projects in tandem with needs of the people.
“ Your role in the prudent management of public resources is, therefore, not just administrative it’s the cornerstone of delivering the dividends of democracy. Every procurement decision you make must reflect a commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability” Dr. Briggs submitted.
One of the key goals of the administration she further reminded the participants was to use their offices to foster economic growth through public procurement.
She warned that the law establishing the agency empowers it to penalise defaulters, but that what is more important is voluntary compliance to the laws.
In addition to that, she said urged the local government council leaders that champion the practice and implementation of public procurement law.
On his part, Acting Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Pastor GoodLife Ben Iduoku averred that the aim of the workshop is to arm key stakeholders in the local government system to generate new ideas, innovation and strategies in tandem with government policies and programmes.
The workshop dealt on various topics on procurement planning, methods, Understanding Bid Process, including types of Construction Contracts and law.
Some participants were awarded excellence and meritorious awards as part of the programme.
By: Kevin Nengia
The 19th anniversary of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Rivers State Chapter, recently ended in Port Harcourt in grand style, with participants from various schools including proprietors, the academia, civil society groups and top government functionaries charting the way forward for educational improvement.
The 19th NAPPS anniversary christened, ‘Innovation and Adaptation: Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities’ was held at Casoni Hotels, Port Harcourt.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the association, Dr. Jaja Adafe Sunday expressed gratitude to the members and executives for their untiring efforts towards the achievements of the body.
He sought the intervention of government on the lingering crisis on the economy as it is affecting the running of schools.
He decried high cost of things including fuel and raw materials which has adversely affected the running of schools and payment of teachers.
Dr. Sunday hinted that the current economic situation in the nation is biting hard on the operations of schools, saying inflation, removal of fuel subsidy, fuel scarcity, poor electricity supply, tariffs and lack of government grants are some of the challenges faced by schools, and urged the members to brace up to the challenges, as it is the panacea to building a brighter future.
Guest speakers from the health sector and the academia thrilled the gathering on the essence of basic education which they said is the key to national development.
Former Dean of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Professor Azuru and the Chief Medical Director of Meridian Hospitals, Dr. Odo Iyke were some notable guest speakers who delivered lectures at the occasion.
Some distinguished proprietors also got special recognitions and awards.
The 19th anniversary cake was cut by the Rivers State NAPPS Chairman with representatives of the state government assisting.