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Tag: Coalition

  • Coalition appeals for immortalisation of ex-NEC chairman

    Coalition appeals for immortalisation of ex-NEC chairman

    Coalition for the Immortalization of Prof Humphrey Nwosu has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to reward the late National Electoral Commisioner (NEC) chairman.

    Nwosu passed on in October 2024 and would be buried in his home town in Ajali, Orumba in Anambra state, on the 28th of March.

    The Executive Director, Citizens Network for Stability and Justice, Mr. Collins Ugwu, while speaking on behalf of the group, at a Press Conference held at Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, said this is in honour of his sacrifices to national assignment.

    “We are therefore convinced and persuaded that a man of his untainted eminence, fearless courage and unmatched performance, in the unbeaten national assignment he did for this country, deserve a solemn re-tell of his immense delicate sacrifices, toils and labour, to make Nigeria better, through transparent and credible elections.

    “Professor Nwosu had the most profound integrity mark, never doubted in general acceptability, and never surpassed till date.

    “We therefore most respectfully call on the President and Commander in Chief of this Country, H. E, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to boldly reward the delicate and elaborate selflessness of Prof Humphrey Nwosu,” he said.

    Among the requests made by the group include: the award of Grand Commander of the order of Nigeria GCON, the Initiation of a National monument to be named after him, the naming of prominent road or national freedom park after him in the federal capacity city and the association of his name and essence with the national celebration of June 12, as Democracy Day in the country.

    Read Also: Our coalition is to grab power in 2027 – Atiku

    “We therefore most respectfully call on the President and Commander in Chief of this Country, H. E, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to boldly reward the delicate and elaborate selflessness of Prof Humphrey Nwosu by amongst others things, consider; 1) Specially giving him a deserving national awards of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, GCON, or Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR. We trust the President to rise up to this overdue responsibility, remarkably endorsed by the providence of his position today, as the democratic President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Number two, the FG should initiate and cause a national monument to be named after him, for example the Independent National Electoral Commission headquarters, Abuja, to truly show that, there was once a great Nigerian that served independently there, with exemplary courage, purpose and fortitude. Nigerians agree and know who that person is, and now was.

    “To name a prominent road or National Freedom Park after him in the Federal Capital City.

    “To intentionally and deliberately associate his name and essence with the national celebrations of June 12 as Democracy Day in this country, in order to effectively cement it as a wholesome and inclusive act of value and cohesion. If you continue to cut and celebrate a special cake of history, without a proper mention of the designer, it will continue to be a celebration denied a soul and purity.

    “Nigeria under this president should lift her gaze beyond this depressive anomaly, and cast a better net of elegance on June 12. We earnestly thank the President in advance for this correction and sensitivity, because only him can confidently heal this sore outrage.

    “On the state level of Anambra, where Prof Nwosu is native to, we are expectant that the governor of the state, H.E Prof Charles Soludo, a confessed and popular solution driver, a colleague Professor of repute, and cerebral social scientist of same faculty, in same University of Nigeria, Nsukka, will act as deserved for a kinsman of such status and identity as Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.

    The former NEC chairman, spearheaded the political transition from military to civilian administration under president General Ibrahim Babangida.

  • Online safety: Coalition advocates big tech stricter regulations to combat misinformation 

    Online safety: Coalition advocates big tech stricter regulations to combat misinformation 

    The federal government has been urged to take a firm stand against major social media platforms by enforcing stricter policies and holding Big Tech companies accountable.  

    The National Online Safety Coalition emphasized the urgency of the need, citing the recent removal of the third-party fact-checking feature by a major tech company, a move they believe poses a threat to the nation’s security and political stability.

    The advocates said their ‘#ForwardWithFacts’ campaign, launched last year, was aimed at creating public awareness and accountability from global tech giants such as Meta, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.  

    The coalition, however, urged the Nigerian government to look into the direction of establishing alternative local digital platforms that would eventually grow into global reckoning while protecting and preserving the country’s security.

    Speaking on Friday in Abuja at an advocacy rally at the National Information Development Agency’s (NITDA) office, Hannatu Asheloge, Senior Strategic Communications Analyst at Gatefield, said the campaign is strategically aimed at combating misinformation and holding big tech platforms accountable which was one of the reasons the days advocacy staged in NITDA office to highlight the urgent need for regulatory action and public awareness on the dangers of misinformation in Nigeria.  

    The coalition, including Gatefield Impact, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), Humangle, Dataphyte Foundation, Tech Hive Advisory, Digital Rights Civic Interactions Initiative, Paradigm Initiative, Technology Policy Advisory, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), and 10 others, criticized Meta’s permissive policies that prioritize platform growth at the expense of accountability, posing significant risks to Nigeria’s and Africa at large sociopolitical and economic stability.

    “What does a big tech company play in this campaign? For example, on Wednesday, there was a new policy from META that they were removing third-party fact checkers from their platform.

    “This development essentially removes the mechanisms that ensure the accuracy and factual integrity of information shared on these platforms,” Asheloge said.  

    According to her, the decision to stage the rally at tech regulatory agencies, particularly NITDA, was aimed at amplifying the coalition’s demands, which they believe will play a crucial role in enhancing oversight and combating misinformation and fake news in Nigeria.  

    She explained that this prompted the coalition to come prepared with their demands, which include substantial investments in digital literacy for young Nigerians, strict enforcement of content moderation policies, ensuring tech companies are transparent about their strategies for managing misinformation and collaborations with civil society organizations to establish a stronger regulatory framework to combat misinformation.

    While expressing confidence in NITDA’s ability to influence Big Tech companies, Asheloge cited Nigeria’s negotiations with Twitter during its temporary ban as evidence of the government’s capacity to effect change. 

    Read Also: Coalition seeks action against Meta’s content moderation rollback

    “We’re not advocating for platform bans, as they infringe on human rights, but NITDA can negotiate with these companies. 

    “With over 51 million Facebook users and 40 million Instagram users in Nigeria, the leverage is there to demand accountability,” she said.  

    Highlighting the urgency of the campaign, Asheloge pointed to alarming statistics from the 2023 elections, during which approximately 100,000 instances of fake news were spread online daily. 

    Asheloge highlighted the potential dangers of Meta’s recent decision to remove third-party fact-checkers, warning that the policy could significantly worsen the spread of false information.

    “If misinformation thrived with fact-checkers in place, imagine the chaos now that they’re being removed,” she cautioned.  

    She also criticized the financial incentives on platforms like X, which reward users for viral posts, encouraging the spread of fake news and online bullying. 

    “This incentivization drives people to post outrageous, fake content, worsening an already dire situation,” she lamented.  

    While acknowledging the need for local digital alternatives, Asheloge noted the importance of global platforms like Meta and X for international connectivity, job opportunities, and access to global information. 

    However, she emphasized the government’s responsibility to ensure a secure and responsible digital environment for Nigerians, adding, “The majority of internet users in Nigeria are young people who must be equipped to identify fake news and use the internet responsibly.

    “The #ForwardWithFacts campaign underscores the need for a proactive and collaborative approach to mitigate the impact of misinformation and protect Nigeria’s digital landscape from harmful global policies.”

  • Coalition demands transparency, accountability in fuel pricing, refinery expenditures, AKK gas project

    Coalition demands transparency, accountability in fuel pricing, refinery expenditures, AKK gas project

    The Coalition for Change in Nigeria (CCN) has called for immediate action from the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to address three critical issues affecting the nation’s oil and gas sector.

    The coalition demanded an urgent explanation for the sustained high fuel prices despite deregulation, an immediate probe into the expenditures on local refineries, particularly the Port Harcourt Refinery, and full disclosure of the financial and contractual details of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project.

    Speaking at a briefing on Wednesday, CCN Convener Dr. Emmanuel Agabi, emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s natural resources. 

    The coalition rejected any attempts to monopolise refining operations and advocates for diversifying refining capacities through modular refineries, which would create jobs, reduce fuel costs, and provide a stable energy supply.

    Agabi also demanded a public inquiry into the billions of naira invested in local refineries, particularly the Port Harcourt Refinery, to hold accountable those responsible for any mismanagement of funds.

    Agabi said any attempt to monopolise refining operations will be rejected, adding that the coalition advocates for diversifying refining capacities through modular refineries.

    “We are focusing on three critical areas that demand the urgent attention of the Nigerian people and the government: fuel pricing and its impact on Nigerians, the expenditures committed to our local refineries, and the full disclosure of agreements surrounding the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project,” he said.

    “Firstly, it is apparent to all Nigerians that the issue of fuel pricing has become a matter of national urgency. The removal of the fuel subsidy, a decision which the majority of Nigerians supported in principle, has resulted in increased fuel prices.

    “While deregulation is an economic policy supported by many, including the CCN, the way it has been managed leaves much to be desired. We understand that removing the fuel subsidy is necessary for long-term growth, and has helped us save a lot.

    “However, what Nigerians cannot and will not tolerate is the lack of accountability regarding the pricing mechanisms employed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). 

    “Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that deregulation alone is not the problem. Nigerians are asking a critical question: Why has the NNPCL, as the sole importer of refined petroleum products, failed to reduce the cost of fuel, despite market deregulation?

    “We are here to demand an immediate review and explanation of the factors driving fuel prices upwards. Where is the transparency? Why are we still burdened with high fuel prices when the intent of deregulation was to bring stability and fairness to the market?

    “However, we must go beyond simply asking for answers on pricing. We call on the Federal Government to immediately initiate a public inquiry into the expenditures committed to reviving our local refineries, particularly the Port Harcourt Refinery.

    “For years, Nigerians have been told that billions of naira have been poured into revamping these refineries. Yet, to date, none of them are operating at full capacity. Nigerians deserve to know where our money has gone. 

    “We need to know the figures, and how they are being spent. We cannot stand idly by while funds that should be used to reduce our dependence on imported refined products disappear into the abyss of corruption and mismanagement.

    “The government must, without delay, probe the expenditures committed to the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries. These refineries are essential to Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in refining petroleum products. If these facilities are functioning optimally, there will be no need for blending plants or monopolistic control of refining operations in the country. We reject any attempts by individuals or organizations to monopolize refining operations in Nigeria.

    “As a nation, we must diversify our refining capacities by licensing and encouraging the establishment of modular refineries across the country. These smaller, flexible units are better suited to our current needs and can help reduce the cost of fuel for Nigerians.

    “Apparently, another issue that requires immediate attention is the role of the NNPCL in the management of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources. As a public entity, the NNPCL must operate with full transparency. It is unacceptable that agreements, especially those with significant implications for the nation’s future, are made behind closed doors. In particular, we demand a full disclosure of the terms, financing, and long-term commitments of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project.

    “The AKK Gas Pipeline Project is touted as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic recovery and industrialization efforts. We’ve seen the press statement released by the Federal Government and NNPCL, outlining the progress made on the AKK Gas Pipeline Project and its expected completion date in the first quarter of 2025.

    “While this is commendable, we must not allow ourselves to be distracted by promises without substance. The critical infrastructure promised must not be at the expense of transparency and accountability. 

    “The government, through the NNPCL, must provide Nigerians with a comprehensive report on the financial details of the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, including the role of Brentex/CPP Ltd, the project’s partner.

    “Nevertheless, we cannot ignore the broader implications of the AKK Project. This project is part of the Federal Government’s ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative, which is intended to harness Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for economic development. 

    “However, as stakeholders, we must ask: Who truly benefits from this initiative? Is the project designed to serve the interests of ordinary Nigerians, or is it yet another avenue for corporate and political elites to profit at the expense of the people?

    “Moreover, it is essential to investigate the terms of the agreements signed by the NNPCL on behalf of Nigerians. The NNPCL is a public company, and the resources it manages belong to the Nigerians. Therefore, every agreement it enters into must be subject to public scrutiny.

    “Nigerians have the right to know the specifics of any deals made with international partners, the financial implications of these deals, and the potential risks involved. We will not accept a situation where our natural resources are used as collateral for opaque deals that do not benefit the general populace.”

    The coalition emphasised the need for a national strategy to prioritise modular refineries, which are faster to build, cheaper to operate, and more adaptable to local demands.

    Read Also: Yahaya Bello: Coalition urges National Assembly to address petition against EFCC

    According to Agbai, this would create jobs, reduce fuel costs, and provide a stable energy supply.

    The CCN urged the government to introduce reforms to make the oil and gas sector more competitive and transparent and calls for the licensing of modular refineries and a robust regulatory framework to ensure fair competition.

    Agabi added: “We reiterate our call for the licensing of modular refineries and the rejection of any monopoly in Nigeria’s refining industry. We believe that by diversifying refining operations, creating jobs, and reducing the cost of fuel, we can ensure that Nigeria’s oil and gas resources truly serve the people, not a select few.

    “In full cooperation from Mr President, we trust that the media and Nigerians will join us in holding the government and the NNPCL accountable for their actions. The time for silence is over. We must act now to secure a better future for all Nigerians.”

  • Coalition, patients seek presidential intervention on Diabetes care cost

    Coalition, patients seek presidential intervention on Diabetes care cost

    The National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR) and Persons Living with Diabetes in Nigeria have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the rising costs of managing diabetes. 

    The coalition emphasised the urgency, noting that the cost of insulin and other medications is becoming unmanageable, negatively affecting families and the national economy. 

    They urged the President to increase and allocate revenue from Nigeria’s sugary drinks tax towards the treatment and care of people living with diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

    The coalition said the call-to-action campaign launched on Monday calling on President Tinubu to urgently come to the aid of people living with diabetes who are grappling with the exorbitant cost of insulin and other medications, becomes inevitable because, since 2022, the price of 10 millilitres of insulin has soared from N3,500 to approximately N11,000 in 2024. 

    NASR spokesperson, Shelley Ewang, in a statement on Monday, said the cost of insulin pens currently stands at around N65,000 each., adding that managing diabetes requires substantial funds, with people living with diabetes spending over N100,000 monthly on insulin, syringes and vital equipment such as glucometers to monitor blood sugar levels. 

    The coalition noted that the urgency of President Tinubu’s intervention on the need to increase and allocate revenue from Nigeria’s sugary drinks tax becomes compelling considering that currently, the tax stands at 1.67% of the retail price, while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of 20%. 

    According to the Coalition, research has shown that raising the tax to WHO level could generate N729 billion ($471.8 million) annually, which could be deployed to support much-needed healthcare initiatives, including diabetes care.

    On the need for the President to come to the aid of the people living with diabetes in the country, 

    Comrade Bernard Enyia, Vice President of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, and Co-Chair of the NASR coalition and a person living with diabetes, said, “Insulin costs have skyrocketed in recent times, making it unaffordable for many diabetes patients. 

    Read Also: Coalition decries criminalisation of journalists

    “With an estimated 11.2 million Nigerians living with type 2 diabetes, it is crucial for the government to take action. 

    “Implementing higher taxes on sugary drinks can generate substantial revenue for the government, which can be used to fund diabetes treatment and care, ultimately saving and safeguarding lives.”

    The campaign launched across print and online media features striking images that tell the stories of individuals living with diabetes particularly the financial toll of insulin and other essential medications on their wellbeing -“Diabetes took my eye. Insulin prices could take my life.”

    Through the campaign, NASR aims to drive policymaker action towards supporting people living with diabetes through policy best buys such as raising taxes on the consumption of sugary drinks.

  • Defamation: Coalition threaten legal action against online media

    Defamation: Coalition threaten legal action against online media

    A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has cautioned an online media platform to retract a defamatory story about a philanthropist or face potential legal action.

    Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, recognized for his philanthropy and as a licensed agent of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), according to the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria (CCSON), was unjustly accused of smuggling in an unsubstantiated publication by the online outlet.

    The coalition expressed regret over the misuse of journalism by individuals who label themselves as “investigative journalists” without adhering to ethical standards.

    According to Alvin Ahmed, the Executive Secretary of the Centre for Ethical Conduct, Orientation and Empowerment (CECOE) at a press briefing by over 15 CSOs on Tuesday in Abuja, the coalition believes that falsely accusing individuals in the guise of investigative journalism without proof can deter good deeds.

    He said: “In the realm of community development and philanthropy, Alhaji Dende Egungbohun stands as a shining example of generosity and compassion.

    “Through his foundation, the IBD Dende Foundation, and personal outreach efforts, it is no news that he has touched countless lives, providing welfare packages, donations to churches and mosques, and spearheading community infrastructure projects.

    “From the construction of diverse basic social amenities to catering for medical bills, electrification projects, youth employment and empowerment, and school fees for the less fortunate in the society, to mention a few, Alhaji Dende’s commitment to uplifting and impact in society knows no bounds.

    “Yet, despite his selfless contributions to society, Alhaji Dende finds himself the target of baseless accusations and malicious slander.

    “For some months, certain individuals masquerading as investigative journalists have waged relentless campaigns of defamation, hurling unfounded allegations without a shred of evidence to support their claims.

    “One incident cited as justification for these attacks involves over two years old interaction viral videos which involve Alhaji Dende mediating in altercations between some clearing agents and Customs officials while passing by the scene of the occurrence.

    “Let us be unequivocal in seeking redress for the distasteful treatment as a Nigerian and certified agent is not only a fundamental right but a moral imperative.

    “To suggest otherwise is to grossly misrepresent the facts and impugn the characters of upstanding citizens.

    “It is also imperative to differentiate between smugglers and certified customs-licensed clearing and forwarding agents.

    “Alhaji Dende falls squarely into the latter category. He is a law-abiding individual who operates within the confines of the law, upholding integrity and compliance with the provisions of the Constitution at every turn.

    “Any insinuations to the contrary are not only baseless but a gross miscarriage of justice.

    The coalition lamented that journalism was being tainted by personal agendas beyond informing, educating, entertaining and contributing positively to society, which the profession is traditionally admired and respected for.

    Ahmed emphasized that unprofessional “investigative journalists” lacking integrity are detrimental to the field of journalism, undermining the efforts of professionals who prioritize truth, accuracy, and objectivity in their work, saying, “Perhaps most concerning of all is the damage inflicted upon the journalism profession with these baseless accusations.

    “Journalism, at its core, is a noble pursuit – a bastion of truth, integrity, and accountability. Yet, the actions of the individuals behind this charade have brought shame upon our profession, tarnishing the reputations of journalists everywhere.

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    “Therefore, let us be clear in our demand for apologies from the individuals responsible for these baseless accusations.

    “If they fail to retract their publications and issue public apologies, we will have no choice but to pursue legal actions to protect Alhaji Dende’s reputation and integrity.

    “If the society allows just anybody to wake up and begin to run down hardworking individuals for personal reasons, the country would end up discouraging such people and ultimately hand Nigeria over to charlatans and people of low moral capacity”.

  • Coalition of the damned and defeated

    Coalition of the damned and defeated

    The Bola Tinubu administration has for long been embroiled in a bruising battle with a determined and unyielding band of hostile enemies, most of them anti-democratic. They will not relent. Privileged for more than a decade, these enemies had cohorted themselves into a powerful counterforce that went for broke immediately the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the presidency in February. They ranged from civil society activists and labour unionists to lawyers and political parties, and from retired generals and businessmen to former presidents and clerics. A number of stragglers have joined their ranks and are wreaking havoc on social media and other fora. They are implacable, unforgiving, and are assured that the administration has been too weakened by criticism to be able to respond with the kind of coherence and vigour needed to pacify the enemy.

    Ex-presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) may have, in a manner of speaking, resigned themselves to forming the core of the political opposition in the democratic sense, but they are not the only ones still hoping that one way or the other a force of nature would break out to put the administration’s nose out of joint. That has not happened. But the enemies have not been deterred. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is among the number, and he is still seething in his presidential library in Abeokuta, hoping against hope. Like Alhaji Atiku and Mr Obi, there has been no congratulatory message from him. John Cardinal Onaiyekan is as waspish as ever, granting occasional press interviews excoriating the president. The bitterness and malice are palpable.

    After suffering a momentary pang of conscience, during which he hemmed and hawed, Afenifere factional leader Ayo Adebanjo has lent and overspent his weight in the service of opposing and damning President Tinubu. He is a lawyer, and has presumably read the judgements of the Presidential Election Petition Court and the Supreme Court in respect of the suits brought by the PDP and LP. What did he honestly make of the court decisions? The judgements are profound and easy to understand, with perhaps the justices taking extra care to ensure that the judgements do not become an arcanum, irrespective of their profundity. But like Chief Obasanjo who had no patience with legal issues and logic and truth, Chief Adebanjo could not care less what the facts and circumstances of the cases are. What mattered to him most, what gave him enormous pleasure, is the fact that as a Yoruba man he seemed fair and unbiased to support an Igbo man.

    Then there is of course the new kid on the hostile block, the unwary, insensitive and rambunctious Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). His labour union birthed the Labour Party, and though he claims not to hold a party card, he is and has acted and spoken as the chief patron of the LP, and has even broken the law in fighting the opponents of his LP chiefs. Mr Ajaero has demonstrated unalloyed animosity, and has deployed everything and every tool the NLC can summon in the fight against the administration. He and others like him may acknowledge the end of litigation, but they have not reconciled themselves to the end of the war. He has led the NLC to threaten, rage, and rave with all severity and intransigence at the slightest whiff of government’s economic policy. For him, it is never too late to do everything to collapse the administration in the name of popular revolt supposedly against a president whom they describe as tainted.

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    At the beginning, when the campaigns for the February 25 poll were kick-started, the list of APC and TInubu enemies was long and variegated. There were some northern and south-eastern irredentists proud to be numbered among the APC/Tinubu haters. And there was also a fiery assortment of preachers and Islamic clerics making up the hostile number. Winners Chapel, Dunamis International, Salvation Ministries, and a host of other less known faith organisations and pastors and imams were listed in the fighting opposition. Many of them have since kept their peace. But others are still breathing threats and wishing Armageddon against the APC administration. Yet, despite all this, the country has gradually started to experience peace, especially at a time when global economy is tanking and many countries are exploding into paroxysms of war and bitter recriminations. The Nigerian economy has been so damaged for over a decade that it has so far proved inured to every known economic panacea; but the cohort of the enraged is still plotting revenge for February’s electoral defeat, of course not in the courts, where they came to grief, but on the streets where they have been awkward and hesitant in directly calling out their foot soldiers.

    Unsure how to gauge the level of its popularity, especially given the attacks on the president’s image inspired by the opposition on social media, the APC administration has so far shirked every fight brought against it by its enemies. They have quaked at every threat by the NLC to shut down the country, and have stuttered every time retired generals and former presidents triggered the undertow of resistance. Sooner or later, the administration will come to the conclusion that the enemy cannot be appeased, not now, not in the months ahead, and not in the years to come. If the administration is reluctant to declare open war, it must nevertheless find the chink in the armour of its enemies and exploit it to the hilt.

  • Coalition pays tribute to activist’s mother

    Coalition pays tribute to activist’s mother

    Coalition for a Better Nigeria has urged President Bola Tinubu to appoint Awa Bamiji minister.

     The group spoke in Ibadan at the Eighth Day Fidau of Bamiji’s  mother, Madam Rafatu Agbeke Oyebamiji.

     It said the activist has been consistent with pro-democracy advocacy, noting Awa has contributed to struggles before and after return to democracy in 1999.

    Read Also: Conspiratorial coalition shows true colour

     Dignitaries paid tribute to 98-year-old Oyebamiji.

     Those who sent condolence include Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo; Prof Wole Soyinka, Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu.

     At the prayer were Olasunkanmi Lanleyin; Oyejide Salam, Dauda Alimi,  Fatai Ayanyemi, Samson Olayiwola, and others.

  • Coalition gets grant for public health security

    Coalition gets grant for public health security

    Health  Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON) and partners – Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) and Gem Hub Initiative (GHI) have received a grant to strengthen advocacy to prevent, detect and respond to health events.

     The grant, to support Nigerian Global Health Security Agenda was given by African Health Budget Network.

    Read Also: ECOWAS denies approving transition proposal for Niger

     Executive Secretary of HERFON, Dr. Celestine Okorie, said: “COVID-19 caught our health community unaware as no preparation was in place to prevent or mitigate the dangers. Also, you may take cognisance of the fact that our country is confronted with threats of infectious and emerging diseases as measles, yellow fever, cerebrospinal meningitis, cholera, Lassa fever, Ebola and anthrax disease.

     “COVID-19 taught us a lesson that we must strengthen national health security preparedness. In this regard, we greet the Federal Government for development of National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS 2018-22) and for setting up Public Health Emergency and Outbreak Response Fund (PHEORF) now domicilled with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

    In his remarks, Dr Opeyemi Adeosun also stressed that in order to promote accountability in the country’s national security agenda, civil society organizations (CSOs) should have a permanent seat at the table during the development and implementation of the national health security agenda as the CSOs have the capacity to track accountability in the process on behalf of the civil society.

  • Coalition seeks decriminalization of petty offences in Nigeria

    Civil society organizations and professional bodies in Nigeria have expressed worry at the rate poor and vulnerable Nigerians are facing the full wrath of the law over petty acts that constitute offences often committed due to poverty and hunger.

    The citizen groups at the meeting held at the Abuja office of Lawyers Alert (LA), agreed to work together as a coalition to advocate for the decriminalization of petty offences in the country.

    The need for the advocacy for the decriminalization of petty offences in the country became imperative given the manner indigent citizens are languishing in prisons for acts like hawking, loitering, sex work, theft of food items and suppose breach of public peace for which many indigent citizens have been convicted sentenced.

    Participants at the meeting expressed strong will to work together towards decriminalization of petty offences in Nigeria and resolved to expand the coalition by bring in more partners.

    The President of Lawyers Alert (LA) Mr. Rommy Mom who was the convener of the coalition, expressed great pleasure at the willingness of the groups to work together and the desire to bring in more partners so as to achieve the objective.

    Mom particularly noted the diverse nature of the coalition which comprised almost all stakeholders and expressed optimism that the objective of decriminalization of petty offences would be realised.

    The Director Legal for Lawyers Alert, Mr. Bamidele Jacobs observed that petty offences wear the face of poverty and that it is another way of discriminating against the poor and the vulnerable.

    Also speaking, Mr. Afolabi  Olawale of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) stated that the entire purpose of the coalition and its objectives fits that of the NHRC and that the commission would be fully involved in the efforts towards achieving the objective.

  • Why we walked out of meeting, by coalition

    The Coalition of Governorship Candidates and Party Chairmen in Rivers State (CGCPC) in Rivers State yesterday walked out of a stakeholder’s meeting with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission because “INEC was not ready to give the true state of the elections”.

    A statement by Chairman and Secretary of the coalition – Warigbani Ezekiel Zebulun (candidate of Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance –APDA) and Chibuzor Anele Chairman, Nigeria Democratic Congress Party -NDCP), called for the withdrawal of the National Commissioner supervising Bayelsa, Edo and Rivers States – Mrs. May Agbamuche Mbu because “her corruptive tendencies will definitely ignite more crisis in an already tensed Rivers State”.

    The statement, which showed the coalition’s position, was released after a stakeholder’s meeting with INEC officials yesterday. Members of the coalition walked out of the meeting.

    Three INEC officials – Elder Etim Umoh, Mrs. Abamuche Mbu, and Mr. Don Umealor – spoke on their resolve to present the result of the 17 councils already collated.

    The statement reads: “Some truth-finding questions were asked, and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Mrs. Mbu clashed. This almost led to uproar and so members of the coalition walked out of the meeting.

    “Governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) wondered why Certificates of Return were issued to Governor Nyesom Wike and House of Assembly members-elect when collation had been suspended. He, therefore, called for cancellation of the process. Similarly, governorship candidate of the APDA questioned the legality of the stakeholders’ meeting and other subsequent electoral processes since the matter was in court. He also called for a halt of the process until the matter was determined.

    “It became obvious that Mrs. Mbu, who was a member of the Fact-Finding Committee, came back to Rivers State to affirm her unholy and disgraceful violent nature when governor Wike condemned her uncivil makeup which intensified the uproar and walk out. Wike recounted that the opening remarks by the Administrative Secretary paved way for the calls to cancel the election.

    “We, the Coalition of Governorship Candidates and Party Chairmen in Rivers State, are therefore compelled to call on the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmud Yakubu, to with withdraw Mrs. Mbu whose corruptive tendencies will definitely ignite more crises in an already tensed Rivers State.

    “We agitate for the removal of Sir Precious Barido as IPAC Chairman because he is no longer the Chairman of Accord Party, and his infantile attitude in the hands of the PDP. These are the positions of the Coalition group.”