Gunshots were fired near the International Conference Centre (ICC), in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja on Friday, December 1.
The Nation learnt the shots were fired during the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Election.
Details shortly…
The International Cricket Council has described Nigeria as a priority member of the Council, given the upswing of cricket activities in the country in recent times.
William Glenwright, the ICC General Manager Development, made the statement in Lagos during the Tour of the Cricket World Cup Trophy on Wednesday.
He said:“Nigeria is a priority member for us, a fast-growing country, and we want to learn from the cricket federation, the board, and the staff and what they are doing that is so successful, so that we can apply that elsewhere in the world for other members to be equally as successful as Nigeria.
Glenwright, made the assertion on the heel of Nigeria’s increasing recruitment of school age kids into the game, upward progression of both male and female national teams, facility developments and international awards it has racked up lately.
“This is also for us to better understand how the international community can better support Nigeria in their growth and aspirations. They are very ambitious, they have bright plans for international cricket, and also the development of the game for men and women. We have a role to play in supporting them on that and this week we want to see how we can further assist them.”
Earlier, the World Cup Trophy, which was making a second Tour of Nigeria in four years, was in Abuja on Tuesday, where it was received by the Minister for Sports Development, John Owan Enoh.
At the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, Patricia Kambarami, ICC Regional Development Manager – Africa, Eddy Fwamba, Trophy Tour Manager and Rohit Poddar, ICC Member Services, were also on the ground to add colour to the carnival-like Tafawa Balewa Square atmosphere.
Elated Uyi Akpata, President of Nigeria Cricket Federation, said at the event that hosting the Trophy has been worth it for the country, and it will further strengthen the resolve of the Stakeholders to drive the development agenda deeper.
“I’m super excited that this has happened. All the key stakeholders are here, and we have been recognized by ICC. You can see from the presence of the dignitaries here, that have oversight of African associate countries. From the feedback, it has been excellent, and everyone has come through for us right from yesterday (Tuesday) when the new honourable minister for sports development joined us despite just settling in office. We have shown that TBS and Lagos is the home of cricket.” He said.
The Trophy departed Nigeria yesterday for South Africa, the third African country it is meant to visit (after Uganda and Nigeria).
.As over 400 kids welcome Wold Cup trophy to Lagos
The general manager of development at the International Cricket Council (ICC), William Glenwright, has said that Nigeria is a fastest growing nation in the game of cricket.
Glenwright stated as much yesterday at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy tour at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval in Lagos.
Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda are three African countries considered for the hosting of the World Cup trophy ahead of the Men’s Cricket World Cup holding in October in India.
Speaking about the significant of the trophy tour in Nigeria, Glenwright said they are in Nigeria to learn from the good things the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) is doing and also to support their aspirations.
“Nigeria is a priority country for us and it is a fastest growing member around the world. We came to learn from the Nigeria Cricket Federation, the board and staff. We want to have better understand of what they are doing successfully so that we can apply that elsewhere around the world. So that other members can be successful as Nigeria,” Glenwright said.
He added: “Also, to have better understanding on how International Federation can better support Nigeria aspirations. They have got very ambitious plans in international cricket and also development of the game for men and women and we have a role to play in supporting them.”
Over 400 children were on ground to witness the display of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup trophy tour at the Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval in Lagos yesterday.
The President of NCF, Uyi Akpata said the feeling of having the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Nigeria was overwhelming.
Akpata said: “I am super excited that we are having the trophy tour in Nigeria. At this strategic level, ICC is looking for a way to promote the game of cricket globally.
“It is a significant global objective that also captures Nigeria and Nigeria has been identified as one of those countries where the initiative is yielding results.”
“For us to be recognised by ICC as one of the three countries in Africa for this tour, it is just a testament to what we have done in the past.
“Our excitement is also to see over 400 kids here for this event. In some cases, it is a once in a lifetime event.
“Also in the course of the week, we will be having discussions with some other countries like South Africa, how they can support us in terms of player placement.”
Akpata disclosed further that the development project of the federation might not be quick fix, but a developmental plan.
He continued: “We will start from U-13, U-15, U-19 and maybe in the next year, we will see ourselves playing in the T20 competition. It is just for us to work out ways to the pathway on time.
“Our next target is to have a project of 500,000 students for grassroots development, we want to upgrade from our previous target of 4,000 students which we have achieved.
“We already have a project of 20,000 student in Zamfara and we will be going to Uyo to launch 300 girls, maybe this can be an easy fix.
“We’ve got a standard Oval pitch in Lagos and we plan to develop new ones across Nigeria,” he added.
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has given assurances of support for steps being taken by President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure free and fair elections.
The governor however kicked against the President’s directive to the military and police to ruthlessly deal with would-be ballot box snatchers.
He said obeying such directive could amount to perpetrating extra-judicial killings.
Obeying such directive, the Governor cautioned, could attract prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
He urged the military to stick to the rules of engagement during the conduct of the elections.
Ortom, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja Tuesday, said, while he would not condone election rigging, due process must be followed in dealing with those that may be found breaking the law.
The governor said: “It is unfortunate that Nigeria is gradually drifting to a banana republic where the rule of law is not respected and observed.
“A government that was elected democratically is gradually turning into a dictatorship. It is unfortunate for our own President to come out and disregard the provisions of the laws of the land and give orders for extra-judicial killings in the state and torture against innocent Nigerians.
“Let me say unequivocally that I am completely against the rigging of any form by any political party. It is wrong and we do not need that.
“For me, I did not rig election to become governor. But the truth of the matter is that we have laws. And I expect that Mr. President who is the chief custodian of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, should protect our constitution and the laws of the land. It is unfortunate that Mr President gave that order.
“I was just reading from the social media the reaction of the military that they are going to obey the directives of Mr President to the letter. It is unfortunate. This cannot stand, this cannot hold.”
He added: “I want to advise those who are in the military, police and the other security agencies that they should know that they are also Nigerians.
“Today, they are serving the public; tomorrow they will not be there. Maybe some of them will become politicians like some of us are.
“It has happened in the past and it will happen again. And I also want to remind them that the day of reckoning will definitely come when they will be alone to give account of their stewardship.
“So, I want to advise them to respect the rules of engagement based on the laws of the land. No matter the directives of Mr President. The police, army, DSS and all other security agencies should be professional rather than taking arbitrary directives. This is not correct. In a democratic set up, things must be done rightly”.
All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Kwara state, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has alleged attempts by the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to unleash violence on the opposition.
He, therefore, urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to focus attention on the state.
In a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, AbdulRazaq commended the ICC for its latest message warning against violence in the coming polls.
“We welcome the latest appeal and warnings by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the upcoming Nigerian elections,” AbdulRazaq said in a statement, adding that there is need to pay attention to
political development in the state.
“We believe elections should not be a do or die affair but should be about selling one’s ideas to the electorate in an atmosphere devoid of violence or threat of same or intimidation.
“We have reasons to call on the ICC to especially turn its radar on Kwara State where the discredited political dynasty has consistently used violence to suppress opposition. The recent rise in political
violence, including attacks on my person and supporters and unabated destruction of our billboards, is instructive.
“We therefore invite the ICC to monitor the processes leading to the elections in Kwara state. My supporters and I hereby formally pledge peaceful campaign and conduct before, during and after the elections.
We urge the people of Kwara to shun violence in all forms and discourage our youths from violence or anything that could disturb public peace.”
The International Criminal Court ( ICC ) on Wednesday ordered the immediate release of former Ivorian President, Laurent Gbagbo, a day after acquitting him of charges of crimes against humanity.
Gbagbo walked free after seven years in prison. The 73-year-old former politician was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
The court, based in The Hague, rejected a demand by the prosecution to keep Gbagbo imprisoned pending a possible appeal of the verdict.
Calling the prosecution case “exceptionally weak”, the judges said Gbagbo had given assurances he would return to the Hague-based court if ordered to do so.
Prosecutors said they would appeal the decision and that there could be a retrial, but the panel of judges said the defendants could no longer be held in custody following their acquittal.
Presiding Judge Cuno Tarfusser said two out of three judges believed the case against Gbagbo and his co-defendant to be so weak that it was unlikely their acquittals would be overturned on appeal.
The two men will be released after “logistical and diplomatic arrangements” have been made, Tarfusser added. Discussions were continuing with court member states.
Gbagbo had been charged with human rights violations committed after the West African nation’s disputed 2010 presidential election, which saw 3,000 people killed and about half a million others displaced.
Gbagbo, who said the charges against him had been politically-motivated, has been defending himself before the ICC since 2016.
He was the first former head of state to have been tried by the ICC.
Gbagbo’s co-defendant, former youth minister Charles Ble Goude, 47, was also acquitted of all charges on Tuesday.
The Save Humanity Advocacy Centre (SHAC), has cried out to human rights organisations around the world over the ongoing politically masterminded killings in Nigeria.
The group, while threatening to drag those behind the bloodletting in the country to the International Criminal Court, ICC, noted that the endless clashes between herders and farmers, which had led to lost of lives and valuables worth millions of naira in some part of the country had political undertone.
SHAC lamented that some individuals and organisations have taken the laws into their hands by inciting political violence in innocent and harmless Nigerian citizens.
We are inundated with overwhelming evidence that suggests that the spate of killings under the guise of herdsmen’s/farmers conflict, are indeed politically motivated.
A statement signed by Adams Odoh esq, Executive Director of the group and obtained by our reporter on Monday claimed that there are overwhelming facts to show that some individuals and organizations are taking advantage of the ethnic and religious fragility of the country to continue to sow the seeds of hate and discord to achieve political goals.
According to Odoh, “This act of impunity, this rampage of impunity must be stopped in the interest of the continued existence of Nigeria and by extension the African continent because of the strategic role Nigeria plays in the political and economic stabilisation of the African continent.
“We are also appalled that despite overwhelming pieces of evidence that points to specific individuals and organizations, nothing has been done to bring them to face the full wrath of the law.
“While it is worrisome to state that these heinous acts has resulted in the loss of lives, and destruction of properties, international human rights watchdogs and persecutors such as the United Nations (UN) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) have not acted in the interest of the human race despite the series of petitions that has been submitted to it. This is very sad.
“As a first, the ICC has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
“The question we therefore seek to ask the ICC is whether acts deliberately committed as part of an attack aimed at a specific sect of the population can be considered as a crime against humanity? And if yes, why hasn’t the ICC deemed it pertinent to commence prosecution of these individuals and organisations? Does Nigeria not fall under its jurisdiction? Some of these questions we demand answers to in the interest of peace and stability.
“Having stated the above, we are in unequivocal terms requesting for an immediate investigation on the sponsors of politically motivated killings in Nigeria, and also scrutiny of the various petitions that have been submitted to the ICC in recent times.
“As a background, we are aware that petitions have been lodged against some governors who have instigated attacked aimed at a specific sect of the population in their states. For example, the governors of Taraba and the Benue States are culpable in this regard, despite the “we are the victims” public posturing that they have embraced to cover for their nefarious activities.
“Some other individuals that are supposed to conduct themselves as elder statesmen like General T.Y. Danjuma, have also constituted themselves into that clog in the wheels of progress in the country by directly and indirectly inciting the people to take up arms against a particular sect in the society.
“We are worried that no single individual has been called for questioning despite overwhelming pieces of evidences before the ICC.
“As a way forward, the SHAC as an organisation, in conjunction with other stakeholders, is desirous to see to an end of the spate of political killings (under the guise of ethnic and religious crisis) in the country.
“We are consequently going to embark on daily sit outs and pressure outings to drive home our point in the light of the above.
“It must be stated that SHAC is a non-governmental organization that believes in peaceful means of driving home its agenda. And this is one of such mediums.”
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday called for a strong and effective dispute resolution mechanism for economic growth and investment in Africa.
Osinbajo made the call in his opening remarks at the Third International Court of Arbitration Conference held in Lagos, organised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
Theme of the conference is: “Viability of Arbitration in Africa, Thinking Globally, and Acting Locally.”
He said: “The existence of a strong and effective dispute resolution mechanism is a crucial driver for economic growth and investment in Africa.
“Investors, whether domestic or foreign, look beyond pure Economic fundamentals, to require assurance for effective legal frameworks for enforcement of awards and a credible judicial system, which gives them a reasonable level of comfort and confidence.’’
The vice president was represented by Dr Jumoke Oduwole, a Senior Special Adviser to the President on Trade and Investment.
Osinbajo said: “In the past few decades, there has been an incredible expansion in global trade and investment, resulting in significant increase in the volume of arbitration cases in the continent.
“As a natural by-product, there has been an increase in the number of international arbitration proceedings resulting from investment disputes.
“However, while these arbitrators involve African parties or interest, most of these arbitrators have their seats outside Africa and sometimes do not involve African institutions, law firms or legal practitioners.
“The situation is not peculiar to the African region; as a result, emerging economies have expressed concern about the perceived domination of international arbitration structures by the northern hemisphere.
“Therefore, ICC needs to do more to enhance its position as the foremost worldwide trade organisation, by championing issues of diversity and regional representation in the arbitration community.”
The vice president also said that there was provision for the establishment of a Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) in the recently executed AFCFTA, which was adopted and signed by 44 African Union Countries in March.
He said that the DSB provides a bespoke arbitration mechanism for dispute resolution, through agreed rules, between state parties to the agreement.
“I encourage all participants present at the conference to familiarise yourselves with the provisions of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) and invest your skills to register on the dispute settlement panel.
“The aspiration is that the move will encourage the greater involvement of Africans in the settlement of inter-Africa trade dispute and thereby promote the deepening of intra-Africa trade, which Nigeria fully aligns with,” Osinbajo said
He said that the ICC’s annual conference was a key forum for dialogue on international commercial arbitration in Africa, providing indispensable updates on developments in the region.
“It is indeed becoming an important gathering for the African Arbitration Community.
“Nigeria is fast becoming a leading seat of Arbitration and settlement of investment dispute between contractual parties.
“The current administration has been focused on delivering on Economic growth in Nigeria; the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) was drawn to keep the economy on the path of sustainable economic growth and global competitiveness,” he said.
The vice president also commended the Chief Judge of Lagos State for establishing the Small Claims Court for the state in April.
He said that the Lagos State judiciary collaborated with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), toward creating an enabling business environment for Nigeria.
Osinbajo noted that if we have a strong legal framework for arbitration, including judicial reform which PEBEC could drive, there would be increased Foreign Direct Investment, as a country and as a region.
He urged other members of the arbitration committee in various African Jurisdictions, to replicate same with similar governmental bodies in their home states or engage government directly like Nigerian Arbitration Community, by pushing hard for arbitration reforms.
The Nation reports that the conference also had in attendance Mr Alexis Moore, the President of the International Court of Arbitration.
Others were Mrs Funke Adekoya (SAN), the Partner, AELEX Nigeria; Mr Babatunde Savage, the Chairman, ICCN, as well as other senior lawyers in the legal profession.
NAN
What role does the state play in arbitration beyond providing enabling legislation that validates it? What is the judiciary’s role in the arbitral process and awards enforcement?
These and more will be discussed at the third International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) Africa Conference on International Arbitration.
It will hold on June 18 and 19 at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island.
Conference Planning Committee chairperson Mrs Funke Adekoya (SAN) said it would be the most important gathering for the African arbitration community as it would provide invaluable updates on developments in the region.
According to her, ICC’s annual Africa conference, held in English and French, is the key forum for understanding international commercial arbitration in Africa.
“This conference provides an indispensable update on developments in the region and is becoming the most important gathering for the African arbitration community. Not only does it offers a line-up of top-class speakers, topical discussions and relevant news, but also an excellent opportunity to network,” Adekoya said.
The first session on: ICC Arbitration: Innovation on the basis of the tradition for quality, will discuss ICC International Court of Arbitration’s efforts towards a fast track arbitration for smaller claims while ensuring fundamental quality features.
The session, Clause and Effect: Seating your Arbitration in Africa, which will hold on June 18, will discuss how African jurisdictions have responded to the requirements of an arbitration friendly environment and its impact upon arbitration on the continent.
The session on: Participants Africa rising – stemming the flight of arbitral disputes, will focus on attendant issues resulting in the delocalisation and flight of arbitral disputes from Africa.
Panel Discussions will include identification and discussion of attendant factors that weigh against seating arbitrations in African Jurisdictions.
The session on ‘Supporting the arbitral process’ which will be taken on June 19, will consider the various bodies which support arbitration and the entire arbitral process.
Speakers will discuss the significant role the state plays in arbitration by providing enabling legislation that validates and legitimises arbitration. The Judiciary’s role during the arbitral process regarding issues such as challenge of arbitrators, interim measures and enforcement of awards will also be discussed. The role played by arbitral institutions will also be examined.
Another interesting session will focus on Arbitrability in Africa: New hopes or lost opportunities. Panel discusses will centre on whether the approaches to arbitrability taken by African jurisdictions give rise to new hopes (increased use of African seats) or lost opportunities (reluctance to arbitrate in African jurisdictions).
The Federal Government has been called upon to exit the Rome Statute and its creation, the International Criminal Court, ICC.
According to a Communique issued at the end of an International Conference on Human Rights and Armed Conflict in Nigeria, Amnesty International was accused of hindering the fight against Boko Haram by blackmailing the military with the ICC.
According to the conference organised by Global Amnesty Watch in conjunction with the Institute for African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, participants agreed that the government must in the interim assure the military that it is insulated from the International Criminal Court in view of its operations meeting international standard of rules of engagement.
In the communique signed by
Dr. Mutiullah Olasupo
Chairman, Communique Drafting Committee and Barrister
Maxwell Gowon
Secretary, Communique Drafting Committee, the conference agreed that a special task team should be set up to review and respond to any report emanating from Amnesty International, UNICEF and or their associates.
“The task team is to help citizens understand when they are being willfully misled by these entities. The task team is made up of representatives from the CSOs that attended the conference”, the communique said.
Participants also agreed in the communique, “We demand that the Federal Government immediately activate the necessary steps for Nigeria to exit the Rome Statute and its creation, the International Criminal Court, to ensure that the military can fight terrorism without the cloak of blackmail constantly hanging over them.
“The Government must in the interim assure the military that it is insulated from the International Criminal Court in view of its operations meeting international standard of rules of engagement.
During the conference,
participants and resource persons evaluated Nigeria’s war on terrorism in the three years from 2015 till date, the period the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has been in office.
According to them, the war against terrorism made progress in the three years under review during which senior commanders of the terror group have been killed arrested or surrendered; remnants of the group have resorted to sporadic cross border raids – they launch attacks from neighboring Niger, Chad and Cameroon as well as retreat back to these places once the Nigerian military is in pursuit.
”It is regrettable that there has been a stall in the efforts to totally eradicate Boko Haram insurgents owing to several external interferences.
These interferences include strategic support for the terrorists by international NGOs like Amnesty International and other groups representing its interests in Nigeria and the failure of Nigeria’s neighbors to honor international and regional commitments.
“The support from these NGOs has ensured that Boko Haram continues to get sympathy to use as propaganda for recruiting and radicalizing new members and continue to attempt occasional attacks on soft targets. It has in this regard moved from using hardened fighters to deploying underage girls that are able to evade security scrutiny to carry out attacks”, the Communique also said.
The communique also sad, “The International Criminal Court is constantly used to harass and intimidate military commanders and troops to discourage them from being committed to defeating Boko Haram. The myriads of false reports from Amnesty International and other groups usually have built in texts that threaten military personnel with arraignment for war crimes and crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court.
“It was noted that South Africa, Burundi, Kenya and the Gambia are countries that have taken different steps towards exiting the court created by the Rome Statute because of its confirmed selective justice and usage as a tool for modern day colonialism”.
Local and international speakers at the conference include David Falt, Global President, Global Amnesty Watch, Geneva, Professor Pita Ogaba Agbese, University of Northern IOWA, [USA]; Mary Johnson, Human Rights Lawyer, [USA]; Dr Malfouz A Adedimeji former Director, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Ilorin Kwara State and Mr. Stuart McGhie, Senior, Expert/Practitioner in Humanitarian Law, London.
Others are Professor Emmanuel O. Ezeani of the Conflict Resolution and Peace Building Unit, Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Dr. Udenta O. Udenta as Conference Moderator.