The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC has stated that the Commonwealth is “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.”
Ms 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 Ms 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 today 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, Ms Scotland in a letter sent to SERAP, said: “I write to acknowledge with thanks, receipt of your letter dated 5 June 2021 highlighting concerns about the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria.”
The letter by the Commonwealth dated 22 July 2021, and signed on behalf of Ms Scotland by Roger Koranteng, Officer in Charge, Governance and Peace Directorate, 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.”
Kolawole 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 5 June, 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 Her Majesty 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.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
1/08/2021
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
Police IG Usman Baba suspends Abba Kyari over Hushpuppi multimillion-dollar fraud
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc has recommended the immediate suspension of DCP Abba Kyari, the Head of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), from the Service of the Nigeria Police Force, pending the outcome of an ongoing internal investigations touching on him.
The IGP, in his letter to the Police Service Commission, dated 31st July, 2021, noted that the recommendation for the suspension of the officer, is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force.
The IGP further noted that the suspension is also expected to create an enabling environment for the NPF Special Investigation Panel to carry out its investigations into the weighty allegations against DCP Abba Kyari without interference. The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer.
The Special Investigation Panel (SIP), comprising four (4) Senior Police Officers, is headed by DIG Joseph Egbunike, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID). The SIP, inter alia, is to undertake a detailed review of all the allegations against DCP Abba Kyari by the US Government as contained in relevant documents that have been availed the NPF by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The SIP is also to obtain detailed representation of DCP Abba Kyari to all the allegations levelled against him, conduct further investigations as it deems fit, and submit recommendations to guide further actions by the Force Leadership on the matter.
Meanwhile, the IGP has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the Rule of Law and assured the public of the sanctity of the probe as well as the absolute respect for the rights and privileges of the officer throughout the period of the investigations.
CP FRANK MBA
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS
ABUJA
1st August, 2021
Tinubu Is Fine
==============
“His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is fine. He is hale and hearty. He is not in any hospital. He has no medical problem that would require hospitalization. Yes, he is out of the country at the moment. He will be back shortly.
Anytime he travels out of the country, the next thing some mischievous people would say is he is sick, hospitalized or has died. It is shameful that perpetrators of this evil are not deterred by the fact that each time this fake news has been propagated, they have been proven wrong.
Who really is afraid of Asiwaju Tinubu? Those wishing Asiwaju Tinubu evil or dead should be careful. They should know the matter of life and death is in the hand of only God Almighty.”
– Tunde Rahman
Media Adviser to Asiwaju Tinubu
July 31, 2021
Press Statement
PDP Congratulates Gov. Ishaku at 67
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) felicitates with the governor of Taraba State, Arc. Darius Dickson Ishaku, as he turns 67 years.
The PDP is particularly proud of Governor Ishaku for his unwavering commitment to the service of our dear fatherland, as minister of Power, minister of Environment, minister of state for Niger Delta Affairs and now as two term governor of Taraba State.
Our party notes that as governor of Taraba state, Arc. Ishaku has repositioned and revolutionized the state along the critical sectors of life in line with the developmental ideology and vision of the PDP.
The PDP congratulates Governor Ishaku on this auspicious occasion and prays to God, in His mercies, to grant him many more decades in good health and wisdom in the service of humanity.
Congratulations the people’s governor.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary
Abuja Court Stops AMCON
A federal High Court sitting in Abuja upon motion of experts filed by Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim and NICON Investment Limited and others, has granted an interim order restraining Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and others from taking further steps regarding reconstitution and appointment of the defendants into the Board and management of NICON.
The suit No: PHC/ABJ/CS/760/2021 dated July 29, 2021 and filed on July 30, 2021 by the attorneys to the applicants, C.I. Okpoko, SAN, and C.C. Ogbonna Esq, prayed for an interim order to set down the instant suit for accelerated hearing.
Upon reading and hearing the affidavit in support of the application, verifying affidavit and affidavit of urgency all disposed to by William Aroeote, company secretary of NICON Investment Limited, the presiding judge, A.R. Mohammed granted the prayers.
The court ordered that an order is made setting down the instant suit for accelerated hearing.
The interim order shall last for 14 days only in order to prevent the res and enable to the court take the motion on notice for interlocutory order of injunction.
The court also ordered that all the defendants be served with all the processes filed in the suit.
The applicants shall file a written undertaking to indemnify defendants in damages if the interim orders ought not to have been made or even applied for.
These orders are made pursuant to the provisions of order procedure1(2),(3)and 2(1) and order 56 rule 1 all of the federal High Court(civil procedure) rules, 2019.
The suit was therefore adjourned to August 2021 for hearing of the plaintiffs’ motion on notice for interlocutory order of injunction.
A copy of the order made available to newsmen by Bar. Jimoh Ibrahim CFR was signed by Awase Igba (Mrs.) Registrar of the court.
PRESS STATEMENT
31st July, 2021
DELTA PDP HAILS ELUMELU OVER UNPRECEDENTED HARVEST OF PROJECTS, IN ANIOCHA/OSHIMILI FED. CONSTITUENCY
The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has showered encomiums on Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency and Minority Leader, House of Representatives, for the recent massive projects commissioning spree he embarked on across the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, describing it as unprecedented and unparalleled in the history of the constituency.
This commendation was contained in a statement by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, who eulogized Hon. Elumelu for the excellent representation he has given his constituency and hailed his pragmatic leadership style of always coming home to identify with his constituents and interact with them to identify and address their hopes, desires and aspirations.
The statement reads: “It is with a huge sense of appreciation, complete satisfaction and total fulfillment, that we rejoice with and commend our dynamic lawmaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, for the successful accomplishment of the first phase of commissioning spree of massive projects, executed by the lawmaker in his Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
“With this first phase of projects commissioning, Hon. Elumelu has raised the bar of representative responsibility by not only transcending beyond the now periodic empowerment programmes, which he has equally fulfilled, but has now started delivering functional, amazing and phenomenal infrastructural projects, following impressively in the footsteps of His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (Ekwueme), who has become synonymous with projects delivery, across Delta.
“Projects, including skills acquisition centres, civic centres, new staff quarters and clinic for the Department of State Services (DSS), vocational centres, construction of drainages across the communities that make up Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, were all lined up and commissioned, in a three-day Inauguration and harvest of projects in the Federal Constituency, flagged off appropriately, by His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
“It is also a fact that Hon. Elumelu’s voice, in line with his core legislative mandate as a lawmaker and Minority Leader, House of Representatives, has resonated loudly and clearly in championing the cause of the people and the brilliant, courageous work he is doing in the House, continues to give hope to our people, substance to our democracy and consolidation of our credentials and credibility as a nation where democratic tenets bestowed in the opposition, cannot be muffled or stifled.
“Indeed, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has reassured us in the PDP family that he is greatly inspired to deliver democracy dividends to his constituents, by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s Stronger Delta mantra and inner passion for his people and has pledged to remain resolute in his commitment in making the development, welfare, and improvement of the living standards of Aniocha/Oshimili people, the focal point of all his activities and actions as their representative.
“We join His Excellency and our leader, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, to thank God for the life of our dear son and representative of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency. We in the PDP family are very proud and impressed with the quality of his representation, which is undoubtedly the hallmark and acceptable standard of PDP representation from all our elected representatives across the State and the National levels.
“There’s no doubt that with this first phase of projects commissioning successfully accomplished and with many more still coming, including empowerment, leadership and capacity building programmes for the youths and councils executives, as well as facilitated institutional support and assistance schemes to be accessed and delivered to women and youths of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has not only surpassed the achievements of previous representations, he has already written his name in Gold in the hearts and minds of his people.
“Hon. Ndudi Elumelu’s representation has been brilliant, brave, beneficial, impactful, accommodating, stimulating and all-inclusive. He has carried everybody along and we pray that God will continue to bless and enable him to do more for his people, bring smiles to their faces and consolidate on the collective effort towards ensuring a Stronger Delta and the delivery of the dividends of Democracy to the people”.
PDP! Power to the People.
Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza
State Publicity Secretary
PDP, Delta State