Connect with us

News

Insecurity: National Assembly Has Overstayed Its Holiday – Women Activists

Published

on

***Say Call Off Recess, Resume Plenary Immediately

A coalition of over 500 women organizations and activists under the aegis of Womanifesto on Sunday demanded that the National Assembly should call off its recess and resume plenary immediately to address the ongoing killings and insecurity in Nigeria.

The activists said they found it unimaginable that amidst the crisis, the National Assembly extended its holiday after a three-week Christmas and New Year recess, saying the action “reeks of nonchalance and lack of empathy by those elected to represent the interest of Nigerians.”

They also said, Women and children are particularly at risk, with reports of kidnappings and sexual violence on the rise. This continued holiday is unacceptable and must be addressed urgently.

Womanifesto raised the concerns in a statement jointly signed by a former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili; Executive Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi; Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND); Women Aid Collective (WACOL);
Baobab for Women’s Human Rights; Amnesty International Nigeria; 100 Women Lobby Group (100WLG); Yiaga Africa and Women in Politics Forum (WiPF).

The activists cited Section 14(2b) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which stipulated that the welfare and security of the citizens shall be the primary purpose of the government, even as the Constitution also guarantees the right to life, liberty, and personal security of every Nigerian citizen.

The statement said, “The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reveals that over 380 people were kidnapped in Nigeria between December 1, 2023 and January 3, 2024. The number of reported kidnapped persons in Nigeria between June 2022 and July 2023 increased to 3,620, an analysis of data from SBM Intelligence reveals. Additionally, government statistics for Abuja show 40 kidnapping cases involving 236 victims between January 2021 and June 2023. We however believe that the exact number of people kidnapped in Nigeria in 2024 may be higher.

“In the midst of this crisis, Womanifesto finds it unimaginable that the National Assembly extended its holiday after a three-week Christmas and New Year recess. This action, we believe, reeks of nonchalance and lack of empathy by those elected to represent the interest of Nigerians. This action is grossly unacceptable to us. We demand that the National Assembly calls off this recess and resumes plenary immediately.

“The constant threat of violence and kidnapping has left many Nigerians feeling unsafe and vulnerable. Women and children are particularly at risk, with reports of kidnappings and sexual violence on the rise. This continued holiday is unacceptable and must be addressed urgently.

“While we applaud recent efforts by security agencies in rescuing some of the kidnapped victims, we demand that the government takes concrete steps to ensure the safety of its citizens. Our security forces must be anticipatory rather than reactionary. This includes increasing security measures, providing support to victims of violence, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. We also call on the national lawmakers to prioritize this issue and take swift action to address it.

“The people of Nigeria deserve to live in peace and security, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that this is the case. We urge the national lawmakers to take immediate action to address the insecurities and kidnappings in Nigeria.

“The safety and security of Nigerian citizens, especially women and children, which should be the top priority of the government, has been rigorously threatened for years and has now come to a climax where citizens are being kidnapped from their homes in broad daylight. Nigerians have felt the burnt of this crisis and have had to crowdfund ransoms payable to criminals. Despite this, victims of kidnappings are still being murdered by criminals, leaving the nation in a dire state of distress.”

News

JUST IN: Former Chief Justice, Mohammed Lawal Uwais dies at 89

Published

on

Nigeria’s former Chief Justice, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais has died at the age of 89.

Recall that Uwais was born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, and served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006.

He was widely respected for his steadfast commitment to judicial reform and the protection of judicial independence throughout his tenure.

The family confirmed his passing in a brief statement today, saying: “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihir Rajiun. With hearts heavy yet full of gratitude to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of the Federation.

”According to the statement, funeral rites were scheduled to take place immediately after Juma’at prayers today at the National Mosque in Abuja.

Continue Reading

News

Sallah: President Tinubu’s felicitation message to Muslims on Eid-el-Kabir (Full Text)

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu has on Thursday called on Nigerians to be patient with his administration’s reforms, assuring that “the toughest days are behind us.”

Tinubu gave the assurance in his message to mark the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.He insisted that his economic reforms had already started yielding positive results even though the journey had not been easy.

Read full message below:

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nigerian Muslims and the global Muslim Ummah as we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

Eid-el-Kabir represents the high point of the sacred first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, a period filled with opportunities for acts of worship and good deeds. It is a time for gratitude to Almighty Allah for His countless mercies upon us as individuals and a nation.

While this festival is marked with joy and celebration, its true significance lies much deeper: Eid calls us to reflect on its core values of sacrifice, devotion, and selflessness.

To truly honour Eid, we must embody these virtues, just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) exemplified complete submission to Allah’s will and as our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught us. Let this sacred occasion renew our commitment to these ideals.

Eid-el-Kabir also reminds us of our responsibilities beyond faith: to show resilience, tolerance, compassion, and dedication to the progress of our beloved country.

I reaffirm my commitment to these values and express my deep appreciation for the faith, patience, and perseverance Nigerians show as we implement bold reforms.

Together, we have weathered challenging times and are approaching a brighter horizon.

Though the journey has not been easy, and some doubted our direction, the resilience of public and private sector leaders, along with the steadfast support of most Nigerians, is yielding results.

I assure you that the toughest days are behind us. We are entering a new era of renewed hope and prosperity that we promised two years ago.

We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction.

Soon, all will feel the benefits.

The ultimate objective of these reforms is not just to improve statistics but to transform lives and set Nigeria firmly on the path to sustainable development.

There are no quick fixes, but we are committed to repairing the foundations of our economy once and for all.

Our administration will continue acting in the nation’s best interest, ensuring that the gains we are recording translate into improving people’s lives.

We crafted our Renewed Hope Agenda to bring prosperity to every Nigerian, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of it.

As we celebrate today, remember that Eid-el-Kabir enjoins love, compassion, and generosity for all, regardless of faith or background. Let us care for one another’s well-being during this season and always.

In this instance, I recall recent sad developments in our country, particularly the Wednesday, May 28 heavy flooding, which submerged the market town of Mokwa, Niger State, causing deaths and destruction of properties and creating an untold humanitarian crisis.

Let us pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and fortitude for their relations. Let us join hands with the government to bring succour to the people of Mokwa.

Finally, as we observe this Eid, let us continue our prayers for our front-line officers, who risk their lives for our safety and security.

Let us pray for our leaders at all levels and our country. Let us pray for peace in our tumultuous world of troubles and uncertainties.

Let us dedicate this sacred celebration to seeking God’s guidance and blessings for our country.

May those who have more remember those in need, sharing kindness and support as true brothers and sisters. Let the virtues of perseverance, sacrifice, loyalty, faith, and shared humanity bind us closer.

May the joy and blessings of Eid-ul-Adha multiply in our lives and the life of our great nation.

May Almighty Allah accept our worship and devotion as acts of Ibadah, and may His blessings be with us always.

Continue Reading

News

JUST IN: “Nobody was abducted on Abuja-Kaduna road”, Police deny abduction of 200 persons

Published

on

The report of about 200 travellers who were said to have been kidnapped along the Abuja-Kaduna highway has been denied by the Kaduna State Police Command.

The Police Command dismissed the Kidnapping Claims issuing a statement refuting reports of a mass kidnapping along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

According to the Command’s spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, the reports circulating on social media, which claim that between 150 and 200 individuals were abducted, are false and misleading.

The statement was released on Thursday in Kaduna.

The Command said the report was entirely fabricated and without any basis.

The statement reads: “To set the record straight, there has been no recorded incident of kidnapping along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway in the past two years.

The area remains under constant surveillance and is regularly patrolled on a 24hrs basis by the Police, Military, Dss and other security forces under tight security to ensure the safety of all commuters.

“The Commissioner of Police strongly warns individuals and media outlets against the dissemination of such falsehoods. These misleading reports are capable of inciting unnecessary panic and disrupting public order.

“Furthermore, the Command is taking this matter seriously. Online Media Channels or individuals found responsible for originating or sharing such fabricated information without sources or basis will be invited for questioning, thoroughly investigated, and may face prosecution in accordance with the law.

“The State government in collaboration with the security forces and agencies in the state have been working assiduously to ensure safety and security of all persons and properties.

“The Kaduna State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents and urges the public to rely only on verified and official sources of information,” the statement said.

Continue Reading

Trending