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#TwitterBan: We’re Closely Monitoring Repression In Nigeria, Commonwealth Warns
The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, has stated that the Commonwealth was “closely monitoring developments around suspension of Twitter, and allegations of repression of the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, media freedom, as well as disregard for the rule of law in Nigeria.”
Scotland said, “All Commonwealth member countries, including Nigeria, have obligations and commitments to uphold freedom of expression as one of the core values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter. This underscores a commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant human rights covenants and international instruments.”
The statement by the Commonwealth followed an urgent appeal by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urging Scotland to “apply the Commonwealth Charter to hold the Nigerian Government to account over the unlawful suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, and the resulting repression of freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.”
This development was disclosed, yesterday by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
In the urgent appeal, SERAP had stated that, “The Nigerian Government has repeatedly demonstrated that it is not committed to protecting human rights. The Commonwealth should take a clear stand to ensure accountability of institutions, freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom in Nigeria.”
Responding, Scotland, in a letter sent to SERAP, and made available to newsmen, yesterday, said, “I write to acknowledge with thanks, receipt of your letter dated June 5, 2021, highlighting concerns about the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria.”
The letter by the Commonwealth dated July 22, 2021, and signed on behalf of Scotland by the Officer in Charge, Governance and Peace Directorate, Roger Koranteng, read in part, “The Commonwealth Secretary-General has been following the developments in Nigeria very closely and she is engaging the relevant stakeholders.
“Please, be assured that the secretariat will remain engaged with the authorities in Nigeria and encourage a speedy resolution of this matter.
“All Commonwealth member countries (including Nigeria) have committed themselves to upholding freedom of expression as one of the core values and principles of the Commonwealth Charter, which underscores a commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant human rights covenants and international instruments.”
Oluwadare said, “We are very delighted that our letter and the concerns that it raises have caught the attention of the Commonwealth Secretary-General. Given her public record for justice and human rights, we have absolutely no doubt that she will prevail on the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to lift the unlawful suspension of Twitter, respect human rights, and obey the rule of law.
“But it should never have reached this level, as the government has absolutely no justification to suspend Twitter in Nigeria. The Buhari administration ought to have complied with the Commonwealth Charter and other similar human rights standards as a matter of routine.”
SERAP’s urgent appeal dated June 5, 2021, read in part, “Ms Scotland should urgently consider recommending the suspension of Nigeria from the Commonwealth to the Heads of Government, the Commonwealth Chair-in-office, and Queen Elizabeth II, as Head of the Commonwealth to push the government to take concrete measures to respect and promote the Commonwealth’s values of human rights, transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
“Nigerians can only freely participate in the democratic processes and shape the society in which they live if these fundamental human rights are fully and effectively respected, protected and promoted.
“The suspension has the character of collective punishment and is antithetical to the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international obligations. Nigerian authorities would seem to be suppressing people’s access to Twitter to exploit the shutdown to cover up allegations of corruption, abuses, and restrict freedom of expression and other fundamental rights.
“The Nigerian government has also called for the prosecution of those who violate its order suspending Twitter operations in Nigeria. This order for prosecution of Twitter users violates the legal rule that there should be no punishment without law.
“Respect for Commonwealth values is essential for citizens to trust Commonwealth institutions. The Commonwealth ought to take a strong stand for protection of human rights, transparency and the rule of law in Nigeria, principles which are fundamental to the Commonwealth’s integrity, functioning and effectiveness of its institutions.
“The suspension of Twitter in Nigeria demonstrates the authorities’ determination to suppress all forms of peaceful dissent by the Nigerian people. There are well-founded fears that the human rights situation in Nigeria will deteriorate even further if urgent action is not taken to address it.
“According to our information, the Nigerian government on Friday 4 June, 2021 unlawfully ordered all internet service providers to suspend Twitter in Nigeria. The suspension of Twitter operations in Nigeria followed the deletion of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweets, which according to Twitter ‘violated the Twitter Rules.’
“The suspension of Twitter in Nigeria is taking place against the background of repression of the civic space and harassment of media houses, and journalists who are targeted simply for performing their professional duty.”
“The suspension of Twitter has seriously undermined transparency and accountability in government. The lack of transparency undermines the rule of law and Nigerians’ ability to participate in their own government.
“Lack of transparency and accountability, and the absence of the rule of law in Nigeria have contributed hugely to denying Nigerians their fundamental human rights. People have been targeted simply for using Twitter and peacefully exercising their fundamental human rights.”
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Nothing’ll Stop Governance In Rivers, Fubara Assures …Says We Won’t Allow Anyone Take State For A Ride
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will not leave any stone unturned to checkmate and frustrate anyone or group of persons attempting to stop government from delivering good governance to the good people of the State.
He also assured that with the strong support of the pillars and frontiers of the political class and leaders, particularly those who built the foundational structures of Rivers politics, his administration will not allow any detractor or shenanigan take the State and its people for a ride going forward.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while addressing Rivers people at a 2025 New Year State Banquet in Government House, Port Harcourt.
He expressed confidence that with the strong organic support of former governors, Dr Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Sir Austin Opara; former deputy governors, Sir Gabriel Toby and Engr Tele Ikuru; Senators John Azuta-Mbata, Lee Maeba, Andrew Uchendu, Adawari Michael Pepple; former national chairman of PDP, Prince Uche Secondus; former transport minister, Dr Abiye Sekibo; Amb Orji Ngofa; and other former and current elected political office holders and leaders at all levels, with proven integrity and accomplishments, no detractor would stand on the way of the State Government in achieving the giant strides it has set for itself.
The Governor said this year, “We will ensure we protect the integrity of this state, at all cost. We won’t allow anybody take this state for a ride. It doesn’t matter the approach I will use. It’s not going to be a fight. We will follow the issues as we did with the case when they (detractors) started begging. Nothing will stop us from not achieving the purpose of governance in this State.”
With strong confidence and faith in God and the people, the Governor said, “We are not bothered about what they (opposition) will come with. God will always have a way to save us from them. They are going to come, but we are not worried. We are equal to the task. I honestly thank our leaders, from Dr. Peter Odili, Sir Celestine Omehia, Sen John Azuta Mbata, Sir Austin Opara, Prince Uche Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo; to others, for the organic support you are giving to our government.
“A lot of persons would not understand what is really happening. This is not to say we did not have people that were with us and following us and fighting. But one of the troubles they (detractors) have where they are today is that they do not have any (strong) face (in Rivers politics) with them. The beginning and the end of politics in this State is Sir Peter Odili. And if he is sitting with us (here), and with these other persons, who do they have with them?
“This Dr. Odili is the right face and right image of our State. These are the frontiers of Rivers State politics. Men and women that have distinguished themselves are sitting with us (here). People who have contributed in several ways to make Rivers State what it is, not rented people they bring for dinner”, he added.
He recalled that the events of 2024, were a mix bag of daunting challenges, but quickly added that the year ended with his administration scoring more gains than losses, “2024 was not an easy year, but it was great for us in the end. About this time last year, we were not in a very pleasant mood, for fear of what might happen, because of the boasting of those who believe they control life”.
But while boldly projecting the 2025 outlook, the Governor said, “We will continue to put our trust in God as 2024 had been a wonderful year. We had our losses, and our gains. But the most important thing is that our gains surpassed the losses. We can boldly say 2024 was a good year for Rivers State. And year 2025, with your support, we are going to build on the gains of last year.”
He restated his administration’s determination to sustain the Rivers First policy, saying, “We will continue to protect the lives of our people and provide the required services in our State. We are not going to lower our guards. Rather, we will raise our bar because, what is speaking for us today is the achievements we are making in the face of obvious distractions.
“Therefore, raising the bar will be our own way of telling the world that no matter what is happening here, we mean well for the state and know what we are doing. It is not going to be easy. I know. God, at times, keeps evil people to live long to continue their evil, not because He does not know what to do but activities of evil people also keep the righteous people awake,” he stressed.
Governor Fubara commended everyone in the State for their organic support, and solicited for more support in 2025, emphasising, “We are not going to do it alone, because we have not made these gains alone. Whatever win we scored today, it is not myself alone, but the government and the support received from every one of you. I cannot pay you back for doing what is right for your State. It is our State, and at the end of the day, we are building a better future for those to take over after us. That is my own dream for the State.”
The Governor noted that it is not about power and what is done today, but sustaining a system that will be self-preserving, on which everyone can stand and be proud of the State, explaining, “I strongly believe that because of our desire to build, not our (private) supermarkets, or our hotels, but to build a (resilient) State, there is no way we will not succeed, because our interest is not for self, but the collective interest of our people.”
He assured that 2025 is going to be a year of all-round achievements, declaring that by February, 2025, his administration will embark on projects’ commissioning in other sectors, emphasising, “This time around, not roads. Our Fire Service, you can see what we are doing there. For over nine years, there was no functional Fire Service, but today, I can proudly tell you that we have bought all the vehicles, and we are remodelling the offices”.
The Governor added, “Education is the only instrument that can help our youths to avoid criminality and crime. Our State is behind in education, as our primary schools are shadows of themselves. You can see the provisions we made in our budget, and we are making sure education is given the required attention in this State.
“We have done much on health but we are going to spend more because you have to be alive to work. We are doing what we know is right, and doing those things that you can stand anywhere after our administration to defend us that our decisions were right. Nothing will stop us from achieving the purpose of governance in this State”, he vowed.
In his welcome remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, noted that the outgone year had been a wonderful one, and commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for being focused as an emancipator of the State, saying no matter the antics of the enemies, their acts to distract the government will continue to fail.
While proposing the toast for the New Year, member representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante, said that Governor Fubara’s leadership qualities are a testament to the success of the administration, and prayed for the peace, unity and prosperity of the State, urging the “prodigals” to return home to join in the rebuilding of the Treasure Base of the Nation for future generations.
Highlight of the event was the cutting the New Year Cake by the Governor, who was joined by his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu; Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo; former governors Peter Odili and Celestine Omehia; Hon Austin Opara; Prince Uche Secondus; retired Justice Mary Odili (JSC); Chief Judge of the State, Justice Chibuzor Simeon Amadi; President, Customary Court of Appeal, Wilfred Ihemnacho Obuzor; Senators John Azuta Mbata, Lee Maeba, Andrew Uchendu, Adawari Pepple; Amb Orji Ngofa; and others.
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Monarch Hails RSG for Siting COE In Opobo
Amayanabo of Opobo and natural ruler of Opobo kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, has commended state governor, Sir. Siminalayi Fubara for siting the new College of Education in Opobo.
He gave the commendation during his 21st coronation anniversary and awards to prominent citizens within and outside Opobo kingdom at the weekend.
He said, “We express gratitude to the state government for siting the Rivers State College of Education in Opobo Kingdom. We hope further reclamation efforts will be undertaken to create more land for development.”
The Opobo monarch also commended the Federal Government for acquiring land to build the King Jaja Historical and Cultural Center, in honor of the late founder of the Kingdom, King Jaja, stating that the center will not only preserve the heritage but also position kingdom for industrial and tourism-driven growth.
On those recognised and awarded the kingdom’s highest awards, the king explained that the awardees were meticulously selected for their various contributions to the kingdom’s growth, while others were selected based on national and international reputation through academic and professional achievements.
In his words”, Notably, we are honouring a young man for his extraordinary skill as a drummer, hoping this example will inspire other youth to develop and share their creative talents, ensuring that our Ibani songs, drumming styles, and rhythms thrive for generations to come”.
Among those honoured include the deputy governor, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, who got the title of Balolo, shining star of Opobo alongside Jake Epelle of the Nigeria Albino Association.
Also, media icon and National Coordinator for Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RWUS), Mrs Sotonye Toby-Fulton got the title of “Amaopuorubo,” elderstatewoman of Opobo alongside, Prof Emylia Jaja, former Chairperson of ASUU in Rivers State University.
King Jaja V congratulated all the new title recipients, and reiterated that the awards have never been, and will never be, for sale, but rather committed to transparency and fairness in all selections.
Assuring of more excellence and transformation in the future, he said the kingdom would persist in pursuing further developments and excellence until we realize its full potential.
Kevin Nengia
News
You’ve Shown Courage In Defence Of Rivers, Fubara Tells Sen Mbata …As He Marks 65th Birthday
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described Senator John Azuta Mbata, who previously represented Rivers East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, as an amazing and outstanding leader who had not shied away standing on the side of truth in defence of Rivers State.
Governor Fubara made the remark when he paid a visit to Senator Mbata, who hosted him and some leaders of the State on his 65th birthday at his residence along Nwanuna Street, Mgbuoba Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, last Friday.
The Governor said it takes a man of integrity and love for the State to stand on the path of truth, describing Senator Mbata as such a person because of his love for the continual progress of the State.
He said, “As we join to mark this day with you, I want you to know that we appreciate your support for us. It takes a man who has integrity, not the one that will hear when people are talking publicly, but the real one to stand on the path of truth, and you have shown it in this State. We appreciate that.
“We want to also assure you that we will continue to work with you, to support you to make sure that in this State together, we will get to that Promised Land.”
Governor Fubara described Sen Mbata as a very rear person who, in the midst of his splendor, not only of the wealth he inherited but also those acquired by dint of hard work, have continued to show humility.
The Governor said: “No wonder, whoever crosses your path always have positive things to say. I want to wish you good health and more blessings. You know David (of the Bible) was blessed that even in his old age, he was still receiving a lot of honours.
“So, I want the blessings of God that added no sorrow to continue to be your portion. To the family, Daddy is marking his birthday. He has lived a good life: life with reputation; so that people will also make reference just like they make to that of his father. Let it also be so with his own children. Make him proud.”
Governor Fubara also proposed the toast, and wished the celebrant good health and longevity of life.
Highlights of the occasion were the cutting of the 65th birthday cake and intercessory prayers offered by the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus.
The Governor was joined at the event by Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Oko-Jumbo; Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Edison Ehie; members of House of Representatives: Hon Awaji-Inombek Abiante, Boniface Emerengwa, Anderson Igbiks, Umezuruike Manuchim; Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees (BOTs), Sen Adolphus Wabara; Sen Bennett Birabi; Senator Lee Maeba; former National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus; former Transport Minister, Dr Abiye Sekibo; Chief Theodore Georgewill; Chief Ambrose Nwuzi; Chief Orits Oyiri; Chief Mike Elechi; Dr Tamunosis Gogo-Jaja; some members of State Executive Council; some Local Government Council chairmen; and other top politicians and political office holders, among others.
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