The Nation Newspaper

Tag: UN HOUSE

  • Group to protest in support of Akpabio at UN House Friday 

    Group to protest in support of Akpabio at UN House Friday 

    A group, The Women for Change Vanguard, has announced a peaceful protest at the United Nations (UN) House in Abuja on Friday, March 14, starting at 11 a.m.

    The group is calling on women to gather and demand evidence from Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan regarding her allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    In a statement by its spokesperson, Arc (Mrs.) Margaret Adesuwa Ehilebo, the organisation emphasized the importance of accountability in addressing sexual misconduct claims.

    “We stand at a critical juncture in our fight against sexual harassment and misconduct. The recent claims made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senator Akpabio raise serious concerns that warrant scrutiny,” the statement read.

    The group reiterated that in any allegation of misconduct, the burden of proof lies with the accuser.

    “If Senator Natasha claims to have been a victim of sexual harassment, we urge her to come forward with credible evidence to support her accusations. The gravity of such claims necessitates accountability,” Ehilebo added.

    The group expressed concern over what they described as a troubling trend of misusing the #BelieveAllWomen mantra, which they believe can shield unfounded accusations against men.”

    Read Also: Akpabio-Natasha crisis exposes leadership failures in NASS – Security expert Mumuni

    Thr group cautioned against the potential consequences of false accusations, stating that such behavior not only harms the accused but also diminishes the experiences of genuine survivors. 

    “We call on Senator Natasha to provide concrete evidence of her claims against Senator Godswill Akpabio. Should we be presented with such evidence, we will stand firm in ensuring that justice is served,” Ehilebo affirmed.

    “Senator Akpabio must clear his name, while Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan must present substantial evidence regarding her allegations. We must not be perceived as weak. Instead, we must embody strength and resilience, particularly in the workplace and beyond,” Ehilebo concluded.

  • ‘Army committed to UN humanitarian services in North-East’

    ‘Army committed to UN humanitarian services in North-East’

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday expressed its readiness to collaborate with the United Nations humanitarian agencies to achieve the goals of the counter-insurgency campaign.

    The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, reiterated the commitments of the Nigerian Army to work in synergy with UN and other development organisations to address the humanitarian crisis in the North-East region.

    He said: “The Nigerian Army is very aware of the need of the UN agencies to discharge their duties and we are ready to support them.

    “The army will continue to work toward providing enabling and conducive environment to UN agencies to enhance their operations.

    “We are working in the front line with the UN, it is complimenting the effort of the government by providing succour to the displaced victims.

    “Such working collaboration is imperative to ensure success of the counter-insurgency campaign in the country.”

    Commenting on Friday’s raid on UN facility in Maiduguri, Borno State, Attahiru said the action was based on intelligence report made available to the military and not intended to tarnish the image of the UN.

    The commander disclosed that the army conducted cordon operation in the Pompori area of Maiduguri in search of high profile Boko Haram insurgents.

    He added: “The house in question does not bear UN designation. We later discovered that the building housed some staff of UN humanitarian agency.

    “The cordon and search operation was not specifically targeted at the UN facility, but rather done in the general area of operation.”

    NAN

     

  • Fed Govt vows to complete bombed UN House in six months

    Fed Govt vows to complete bombed UN House in six months

    •Ban ki-Moon praises govt efforts

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Permanent Secretary, John Chukwu, yesterday assured the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban ki-Moon, of the commitment of the Federal Government to complete and handover the damaged United Nations, (UN) Common Building in six months.

    Chukwu gave the assurance after laying of wreath in honour of the 23 victims that died in the unfortunate bomb attack on the UN House on August 26, 2011.

    He said the Federal Government would do everything possible to avoid further delay.

    The permanent secretary challenged the contractor, M/S Julius Berger Nigeria, handling the job, to work round the clock even if it meant running three shifts to complete the work in order to put that sad event behind us.

    His words: “The contractors already said they would need between five to eight months to get the job fixed but I have asked them to fast track their approach by working 24 hours to get it done within 5 months.”

    According to him, “we cannot afford to delay here anymore, this project is very important, because Nigeria government is committed to its obligations”.

    He reiterated that the FCT Administration and the United Nations had sorted out all grey areas as some of the meetings even included the UN experts.

    Speaking on the occasion, the representative of the contractor, who also serves as the Division Manager, M/S Julius Berger Nigeria, Mr. Marco Braun, assured that with adequate funding the firm would try its best to deliver.

    Ban ki-Moon commended the Federal Government for rebuilding the UN House and urged UN workers to be patient for the completion of the building.

    His words: “I am happy to be with you today I know the troubled you are passing through and very soon all will soon become history. I pay tribute to all our 23 friends who lost their lives during the Bomb blast. We still remember them.

    “I also commend the survivors for the courage that they continue to show in working for a better future.

    “I commend Nigerian government for the commitment to rebuild the UN House as a symbol of our working relationship. I thank the UN staff for their cooperation and patience. We have the mandate to help promote peace. Please do not allow the sad development hinder your performance and commitment.”

    The Chairman of Federation of United Nations Staff Association in Nigeria (FUNSAN), Dr. Noma Owens lamented that United Nations agencies were scattered all over town because of the delay in the completion of the UN House.

    His words: “UN workers are people that work hard and are committed to the promotion of peace in Nigeria and all over the world. His coming is a moral booster and to share some of the challenges we have had.

    “The key challenge is the fact that Unite Nations agencies are scattered all over town because of the delay in the completion of the UN House. We appreciate all that the Nigerian government has done.”

    The solemn wreath laying is part of the United Nations Secretary-General’s programme of activities lined up for his two-day official visit to Nigeria.

     

  • Jonathan: Police HQ, UN House bomb suspects held

    Jonathan: Police HQ, UN House bomb suspects held

    Four Boko Haram ‘kingpins’ in custody

    The brains behind some bombings have been held, President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday.

    The suspects, who were not named, are being held for the bombing of the Police Headquarters, the UN Building and St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, Niger State.

    Dr. Jonathan spoke yesterday at the Naming and Circumcision of Jesus Christ and New Year Service at the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Abuja, All Saints’ Church, Zone 5, Wuse.

    The president was accompanied to the church by his wife, Dame Patience, his mother Eunice, some lawmakers, some members of the cabinet and senior aides.

    Also present were Minister of Police Affairs Caleb Olubolade and Minister of state, FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide.

    The president said: “It is the ambition to get rich overnight that leads to robbery, kidnapping and all sorts of crime”.

    “The church’s prayers have been helping us to stabilise the country at the time of our challenges. There was time the country was drifting and everyone thought the country will not endure but the prayers rescued us.

    “We have moved to another phase of terror, kidnapping and armed robbery but these are momentary challenges.

    “I receive constant briefings on security daily, though we don’t publish them. Most of the terror suspects have been arrested. People may not know what our men in uniform have been doing, they have been doing a lot to check the situation.

    The people who bombed the Police Headquarters, the United Nations Building and St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla have been arrested. We will continue to improve on our security architecture.

    “The new year will be better for the country. We have a huge population and we will continue to provide employment for our people and encourage entrepreneurship,” he said.

    In his sermon, titled: “circumcise your heart”, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, urged Nigerians to circumcise their hearts- the church, businessmen – civil servants and politicians at all levels.

    He also challenged teachers and academicians and their students who dress indecently on campuses to: “circumsize your hearts.”

    To the market women who sell fake products and transporters who hike prices in festive periods, kidnappers, armed robbers and members of the Boko Haram sect he said “circumcise your hearts”.

    To the young men who are in a haste to ride Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV), Rev. Okoh advised them to be patient.

    Rev. Okoh urged traditional rulers, university authorities who sell doctorate degrees and titles to those who are not worthy of them to also “circumsise your hearts.”

    He said:

    “To be regarded as uncircumcised means you are a godless person. Jesus demonstrated his circumcision by being obedient. We ought to be obedient to God’s laws.

    “Circumcision as it affects us today means cutting of sin, corruption, bitterness and so on and so forth.

    “As we enter the New Year, we should cut off certain things. I ask Nigerian clergy, business community who exploits people, civil servants who hide files, politicians at all levels, teachers who persecute girls for refusing to sleep with them, traders who sell substandard products, transporters who hike prices, petroleum product sellers who short change Nigerians, kidnappers, armed robbers and Boko Haram to circumcise their hearts.

    “This is important so that in the new year we will build a nation that our children will be proud of.

    “Those looking for opportunity to make money without working, young graduates seeking contracts instead of employment, who wants to ride a jeep. This is a deformity of the heart. It is a wrong lifestyle to start from the top. All of us Nigerians should circumcise our hearts.

    “The Name of Jesus Christ must not be joked with else when you need Him to work for you and you evoke the name, it will not work.

    “To the President, the year 2013 will come with challenges, and you need the Name Jesus and once you bind that name around you, your victory shall be sure.

    “Some of us limit our lives to just money while God can give you a name, a promotion that is bigger than money. Nigeria shall rise up and walk in 2013.

    “The year 2013 is a trackless sea, a desert. The guiding hand you have is that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. The most important thing for those holding high, low and oversised responsibility in the nation is to bind Jesus to yourself and it shall be well.

    “God will be gracious to us as a people and to our nation Nigeria”.

    The First Lady took the Bible reading from Gen. 17: 9-16.

     

  • Amaechi inaugurates UN House

    Amaechi inaugurates UN House

    Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi yesterday inaugurated the United Nations (UN) Office in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

    Amaechi expressed appreciation to the UN for its presence in the state, despite the challenges in the Niger Delta.

    He urged the UN team to ensure proper planning in maintaining functional structures in the state.

    The governor said: “Although proper planning is an issue in this country, there is need for the office to ensure proper planning of functional structures and institutions to promote good governance and better welfare for the people.”

    He said the government would partner the UN to improve the living standard of the people.

    The UN Area Security Coordinator, Dr. Larry Boms, thanked Amaechi for his support in the acquisition of the land on which the building was built.

    Boms said: “The UN House in Port Harcourt would go a long way in reducing poverty, improve the living standard of the people and provide enlightenment to sustain the peaceful co-existence in Rivers State.”

    The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Daouda Toure, said the UN House would provide professional advice and assistance towards achieving set objectives of the UN agencies in the state.

  • Profligacy

    •Only a wasteful government would offer N3.2 billion to rebuild an already insured UN house
    The reconstruction of the United Nations House that was bombed in August last year by Boko Haram insurgents is absolutely necessary; but should it be undertaken by the Federal Government? Of course it is not that we are not concerned about the fact that people lost their lives in the unfortunate incident. Or that we want the Federal Government to jettison the traditional hospitality for which Africans are renowned.
    But we do not see any need for earmarking N3.2bn of tax payers’ money to rebuild the UN structure, especially if it is true that it was insured, as the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), an opposition party has claimed. The party reasoned that since all UN buildings worldwide are usually insured, not only against fire or other mishaps, but also against terrorist activities like it happened in the Nigerian case, the Federal Government has no business spending such an amount to rebuild the office bombed in the country.
    The CPC last week exposed moves by the Federal Government to commit the amount to what should be the concern of another institution. Mr Rotimi Fashakin, CPC’s national publicity secretary, was apt: “…. it is our belief that, before embarking on this expensive venture, there is the need to ascertain the appropriateness of this expenditure. Indeed, in its world-wide operations, UN has a comprehensive insurance policy for its buildings and a separate insurance for terrorism! This is why we see the offer by the Federal Government to spend money on what was already provided for by the UN as totally wrong-headed and preposterous.’’
    Till date, there is no evidence that the UN ever sought for pecuniary assistance from the government in its bid to rebuild the building. We are bothered because of the present administration’s proclivity for embarking on very unpopular policies and implementing projects outside of the budget. On the issue of fuel subsidy, the government was unreasonably adamant until it was forced to see reason (even if partially); also, the needless issue of N5000 currency denomination that it has insisted on going on with is still very fresh in mind. We only hope that this unsolicited gesture for the rebuilding of the UN House will be stopped by the National Assembly.
    The move, ab initio, is fraught with so many pitfalls. For example, how did the government arrive at the figure for rebuilding the edifice? Was the money appropriated by the legislature? More importantly, has it been carefully ascertained in other places where UN buildings were damaged that this is the way it is done? Are we sure that some powerful forces somewhere are not trying to capitalise on the UN House bombing to siphon public funds? We can only hope that the proposed assistance is not another way of telling the world that money is not our problem but how to spend it!
    Since the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, the US came up with the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) of 2002. When this expired in 2005, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Programme Re-authorisation Act 2007 extended it through to December 31, 2014. Unfortunately till date, the Federal Government has not seen the wisdom in adopting this important legal framework despite the avalanche of terrorist activities in the country since 2009.
    We know that those running the UN realise the hazards that the institution and its personnel face as a result of its activities worldwide and must have made provision for the kind of insurance that the CPC is talking about. It is only in our type of environment that we resort to ‘fire brigade’ approach in dealing with issues. Those running the United Nations are more proactive. We therefore submit that there are more productive ways that the government can spend the country’s hard-earned resources instead of squandering money on an unsolicited venture like this.