Pillar Today

  • Cross River Governor’s Wife Relocates Parents Of Quadruplets

    Cross River Governor’s Wife Relocates Parents Of Quadruplets

    Father of the Quadruplets, Mr. John Obikang Ashang (2nd from right), the Team Leader, Deaconess Auwundua Richard Efa (3rd right), Mother of the Quadruplets (1st left) and others.

    By Anietie Akpan

    The Wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Mrs. Eyoawan Otu, has fulfilled her promise to provide further support to the parents of quadruplet children in Ikong Village of Obudu local government area of the state.

     

    Mr and Mrs. John Obikang Ashang, the couple, were promised decent accommodation in Obudu town, away from the Ikong village where they were living, as well as a livelihood, such as a provision store, from which they could earn daily income.

     

    The Governor’s Wife sent a delegation to Obudu to ensure that a decent accommodation was secured and furnished for the quadruplet parents and that the provision store was rented and stocked with items that would become income earners for the family.

     

    Speaking on behalf of the First Lady,at weekend, her Team Leader, Deaconess Auwundua Richard Efa, said that the Governor’s Wife had committed to ensuring affordable basic welfare for the quadruplets and their parents, hence the visit.

     

    She regretted that one of the quadruplets had died before good care and attention came to the family and that was one reason why the Governor’s Wife relocated the family to an area where health care is easily accessible.

     

    She further explained that Rev Otu wants to avoid a situation were the surviving quadruplets would be seen as a hindrance or burden to the parents.

     

    Their new residential apartment away from the village would bring them closer to basic social amenities like potable water, electricity, a good hospital, and markets, as the babies are too tender to stay in an environment that doesn’t guarantee coverage in case of emergency.

     

    The First Lady advised the parents to make judicious use of all the supplies and their business for the family, especially for the welfare of the surviving children but warned them to avoid the risk of managing any health issue at home at any time.

     

    In a remark, the father of the quadruplets, Mr Ashang, thanked the First Lady and promised not to undermine her good intentions towards his family.

     

    He fervently prayed for the Governor of the state, his Wife, and the team that came to deliver the message.

     

    He acknowledged the Governor’s good works across the state and his special interest in the less privileged.

     

    Ashang disclosed that they have decided to name the only male child among the babies after the state Governor, and the child is called “Sweet Prince Bassey Edet Otu.”

     

    The accommodation in Obudu town is a two-bedroom, furnished, and handed over to them for use. A mini-shop is also paid for and stocked for the family, among other welfare items extended by the first lady.

  • Update On Akwa Ibom Executive Jet

    OPINION

    By Etim Etim

    The Gulf Stream Executive jet used by the Akwa Ibom State Governor will soon be put up for lease to earn income and relieve the state of its rising maintenance costs. Contrary to speculations, the government has no plans to sell off the aircraft. It prefers a lease arrangement with the government as the owner.

     

    Confirming this, the SSG, Mr. Enobong Uwa told me yesterday, ‘’The jet came back from a routine maintenance check last week. We are negotiating to get the best lease agreement for it from various aviation companies. There is no plan whatsoever to sell the jet’’.

     

    The absence of the aircraft from its hangar at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, for some weeks has triggered speculations that the plane might have been sold off – five months after Gov. Eno asked the SSG to determine how best to manage its operating costs.

     

    By opting for a lease instead of an outright sale, the government wants to earn income from the plane and at the same time imposes certain restrictions on its use. For example, the government may not allow the lessee to make any alterations or modifications to the plane, including the interior and seating. Second, the lessee will never become the owner. In finance, we describe this as denying the lessee of the residual value of the aircraft.

     

    In simple terms, the government wants to keep ownership of the plane while making money from its commercial use. I imagine that the lease agreement may even contain a clause which permits the governor to use the aircraft without paying for it. A One-hour flight in a private jet in Nigeria costs about $10,000 (over N10 million).

     

    I am in total support of commercializing the plane. The cost of keeping it has become unbearably too high (one estimate puts it at over N5 billion in a year as at two years ago). For a governor that is inclined towards welfarist programmes, keeping a private jet at exorbitant costs would fly in the face of what he stands for.   Last year, I wrote an article suggesting that it be sold off. Last January when the governor hinted at putting it into commercial use, I applauded the move.

     

    Now, I ask the government to be very diligent in choosing the charter company. There are many of them in the country, but a reputable one with impressive track records will bring less headaches. In fact, the anomaly in Nigeria’s aviation is that there are more private jets than commercial planes in the country. I urge the governor to be open, transparent and honest in this transaction and all other dealings with our finances. The reason he enjoys so much goodwill is because our people have seen some sincerity of purpose in his actions.

    Etim is a Journalist and a Political Analyst based in Abuja.

  • Brazen Robbery Leaves Customers Traumatized At Popular Calabar Eatery

    Brazen Robbery Leaves Customers Traumatized At Popular Calabar Eatery

     

    By Ita Williams, Calabar

    In a shocking turn of events, a group of armed robbers invaded a well-known eatery in Calabar, leaving a trail of terror and theft in their wake.

     

    The incident, which occurred last Friday night, has left the local community shaken and authorities determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.

     

    According to eyewitness accounts, the robbery took place at around 9:30 pm at the popular eatery (name withheld) located along Marian Road. The eyewitness, who preferred to remain anonymous, provided a chilling description of the events that unfolded.

     

    “It was a scene straight out of a nightmare,” the eyewitness recounted. “About six young men, who appeared to be between the ages of 22 and 25, stormed the eatery, blocking the gate and firing shots into the air. They were demanding to see the manager, his wife, and the POS operator.”

     

    The robbers, described as “daredevil” by the police, wasted no time in wreaking havoc on the unsuspecting patrons.

     

    “They were firing sporadically into the air, combing through every corner of the eatery in search of the manager, his wife, and the POS attendant, who had managed to flee and hide as soon as they sensed the robbers’ presence,” the eyewitness continued.

     

    The brazen attack left many of the guests, who were watching a Champions League game that night, as victims of the robbery. The robbers reportedly made off with phones, money, necklaces, and chains belonging to the patrons.

     

    “Some of the guests who tried to escape by jumping through the fence sustained various levels of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed facility in town,” the eyewitness said.

     

    One of the victims of the robbery was a high-profile politician from Akwa Ibom State, who pleaded with the robbers to let him keep his phone in exchange for money. However, his request was met with a firm refusal.

     

    “The robbers were relentless in their pursuit of valuables. Even the high-profile politician’s pleas to keep his phone in exchange for money were turned down,” the eyewitness lamented.

     

    The POS attendant, who attempted to resist parting with her phone and bag of money, was also among the injured when the robbers caught up with her.

     

    “The POS attendant put up a brave fight, but the robbers overpowered her and took her phone and money,” the eyewitness said.

     

    The brazen attack has left the local community shaken, with many expressing concerns about the safety and security in the area.

     

    “This is a popular eatery, and it’s supposed to be a safe place for people to gather and enjoy themselves. But now, we’re all wondering if we’re truly safe anywhere,”

     

    “It was absolute chaos. People were screaming and running in all directions, trying to escape the gunfire. I’m still trying to process what happened,” said, a visibly shaken local resident, who also pleaded anonymity.

     

    In the aftermath of the traumatic event, the police have launched a manhunt for the suspects.

     

    Following the statement provided by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, regarding the incident, she affirmed, “Police are fully informed about the incident and are actively managing the situation. While no arrests have been executed thus far, our investigation remains in progress.”

     

    Additionally, the police has emphasized that business owners established connections with their respective Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) for immediate assistance during challenging circumstances.

     

    The adoption of security measures, such as the installation of CCTV cameras within business establishments, was also recommended as a proactive approach to enhancing safety and security.

     

    Therefore, police have assured the public that they are working tirelessly to apprehend the suspects and bring them to justice.

     

  • Searching For A New Generation Of Pan Africanists

    OPINION

    By Etim Etim

     

    Africa is always in perpetual struggle for survival. It is the world’s second largest and second-most populous continent after Asia, but its past and future always seem to be in constant collision.

     

    In the past, our forebears confronted slavery, enslavement and colonialization, and this gave birth to pan Africanism. Now, the continent is at the crossroads of historical occurrences. The clash of civilizations between Islamic fundamentalists and the West; the fight for geopolitical dominance between China and the US; the breakout of war in Europe for the first time since the end of the Second World War and the growing wealth gap between the global north and global south are some of the forces that African leaders have to deal with to chart the continent’s socioeconomic direction in the coming decades.

     

    Africa is also facing what appears to be another round of colonialism characterized by massive exploitation of its natural resources by agents of foreign countries notably, China and Russia. Illegal mining of natural resources in many African countries, including Nigeria, DRC, Niger Republic, Chad and many others are the major causes of insecurity, violence and poverty. A new wave of migrant from the continent pours into Europe and America every day. Without a doubt, our continent remains the most exploited continent in the world. In the welter of all these, the continent suffers from incompetent, corrupt and weak leadership.

     

    Worried by the fate of their continent, a group of African academics, professionals and civic society activists have come together in search of a new generation of pan Africanists who will save their continent from collapse.

     

    Although Pan Africanism was born in the struggles of African people against enslavement and colonization, and this struggle goes back to the rebellions on the slave ships and plantations across the West, the new generation of pan Africanists are fighting at intellectual level, trying to decolonize the minds of Africans.  They have established an organization known as The Pan African Dialogue Institute (TPADI).

     

    It was conceived in 2016 by a couple of African academics and professionals led by Nigeria’s Dr. Effiong Udo of the University of Uyo and Prof. Mutombo Nkulu-N’Sengha, a US citizen originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. TPADI is headquartered in the University of Uyo.  Dr. Udo has unfathomable passion for pan Africanism. I caught up with him in his office at the University of Uyo last week as he was preparing for hosting an international conference on Dialogue and Pan Africanism.

     

    TPADI, he says, is a network of academics, professionals, civil society and grassroot leaders in different fields of life, within Africa and the diaspora, who are motivated by the best principles of Pan Africanism to serve the continent and its people worldwide. It is a civil society think tank for the study, practice and propagation of Pan-Africanism. Its programmes and activities revolve around three thematic areas: education, policy and projects.

     

    On education, the institute hopes to create programs to educate ourselves, all Africans and other interested persons in Pan-Africanism. It offers certificate, executive and postgraduate programs in Pan-Africanism and create public awareness through seminars, workshops, webinars and convoke cultural events and academic conferences on dialogue and Pan-Africanism. On policy, it engages in local, continental, and global policy analysis, formulation and advocacy, within the threshold of Pan-Africanism. The aim is to inform and advise stakeholders and decision-makers on resolving African problems with African solutions.

     

    On projects, TPADI conducts needs assessment to identify, design and implement projects to build and advance the living conditions of African communities and empower our peoples.

     

    ‘’Our educational, policy and project engagements intersect under social, economic, political, religious and cultural issues, as well as scientific, environmental, educational, legal, gender and business domains’’, he said, gesticulating frantically. ‘’This is why we have 10 dialogue commissions who regularly engage with these issues. So far, we have members from 22 African countries. Some of them are based in the Americas, Europe and United Kingdom’’. Dr. Udo said he was inspired into Pan-Africanism when he attended a program at the University of California in 2016 and had to team up with many Africans in diaspora on a research programme .

     

    ‘’The experience opened my eyes to what is wrong with Africa and the fact that it is only Africans that can create African solutions to our problems’’, he told me.

     

    Pan Africanism emerged as a response to the long history of the indignities of colonization, enslavement, and systemic oppression and exploitation faced by African people across the globe. The African Union defines Pan-Africanism as: “… an ideology and movement that encourages the solidarity of Africans worldwide. It is based on the belief that unity is vital to economic, social and political progress and aims to ‘unify and uplift’ people of African descent.

     

    The ideology asserts that the fates of all African peoples and countries are intertwined. At its core, Pan-Africanism is “a belief that African peoples both on the continent and in the diaspora, share not merely a common history, but a common destiny.” From the early days of Pan Africanism till today, the advocacy for the unity, solidarity, and empowerment of people of African descent worldwide continues to be a potent force driving discussions on identity, liberation, and socio-political progress of the continent and its people.

     

    The Pan African Dialogue Institute (TPADI), according to Dr. Udo, is therefore established to pursue the decolonization of the mind through education, policy analysis, policy building and advocacy around multi-faceted issues within the threshold of Pan-African principles.

     

    He said, ‘’Our job is to inspire excellence and best practices in Pan Africanism, promote African values of community, hospitality, respect for human and environmental dignity, unity in diversity, love and solidarity with all, as encapsulated in the Ubuntu philosophy. We are seeking to reverse the mentality that Africans are not capable of helping themselves and solving their problems.

     

    ‘’We want to reverse that culture of dependency on external assistance that unfortunately still prevails on the continent. If people become too reliant on getting their support, their nourishment and their safety from outside sources, they do not strive to find the power within themselves to rely on their own capacities. Pan Africanism calls upon Africans to drawn on their own strengths and capacities and become self-reliant. Again, we are seeking to celebrate our Africanness, the unity, resilience and collective identity as Africans. And, we want to achieve all these by using dialogue and collaboration among individuals, communities, institutions and nations’’.

     

    The institute is marking the 2024 International Africa Day with pomp and pageantry. Nigeria is among the multitude of African countries that have never celebrated Africa Day which is May 25. It was on May 25, 1963, that leaders of the then 32 independent African States signed a founding charter in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which brought the Organization of African Unity into existence.

     

    In 2002, the OAU established its own successor, the African Union, and adopted May 25 every year as a day to celebrate Africa and highlight the continent’s continued struggle against neo-colonialism, exploitation and adversity. Surprisingly, ever since the day was declared, only nine African countries (The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) are known to observe May 25 as public holiday with celebrations. The other 46 countries, including Nigeria are less aware of this very important day. By marking the day with many festivities next week, TPADI is has made Nigeria join the other nine countries to celebrate Africa Day for the first time ever.

     

    ‘’Our institute will be formally launched on May 25 in a grand ceremony at the University of Uyo with former President Goodluck Jonathan as the chairman of the occasion. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Ndaeyo and hundreds of distinguished personalities from Nigeria and outside the country will be present. Gov. Umo Eno will lay the foundation for the International Headquarters of the Institute at the University. There will be speeches, fairs, cultural displays and other events on the Africa Day’’, Udo enthused.

     

    Between May 23 and 26, 2024, the institute will host the first international conference on “Dialogue and Pan Africanism’’. The conference is held in collaboration with Centre for Deep Dialogue and Critical Thinking, Directorate of International Programmes and faculties of Arts, Law, Social Sciences, and Communication and Media Studies of the University of Uyo.

     

    Already, Professor P.L.O Lumumba has confirmed his participation as the keynote speaker at the conference, while plenary speakers will include Prof. Wole Soyinka; Prof. Mutombo Nkulu-N’Sengha (DR Congo/USA), Prof. Mary Nyangweso (Kenya/USA), Prof. Emmanuel Akpabio (Nigeria), Amb. Daniel Guttierez (Rep. of Belize), Prof. Joseph Ushie (Nigeria), Dr. Donatus Ukpong (Nigeria), Prof. Chris Ekong (Nigeria), Prof. Peter Esu (Nigeria), Dr. Jean-Louis Ikambana (USA), Prof. Aniekan Brown (Nigeria), Prof. Mojisola Iseyin (Nigeria), Prof. Gabriel Umoh (Nigeria), Dr. Ubong Essien Umoh (Nigeria), among others. The conference seeks to provide informed Pan-Africanist perspectives on a wide range of issues affecting Africa and its people everywhere in the world. Presenters are expected to explore the trajectories of development in the continent from the lens of Pan-Africanism. They will probe the different approaches, theories, philosophies or ideologies that have been adopted at community, national and continental levels by key players to drive developmental efforts.

    Etim is a Journalist and a Political Analyst based in Abuja.

  • Betta Edu Congratulates First Female Elected NUJ Chairman In Cross River

    Betta Edu Congratulates First Female Elected NUJ Chairman In Cross River

    Dr. Betta Edu has congratulated Archibong Bassey Eso as the first Female Elected NUJ Chairman In Cross River

    In a statement on Friday personally signed by her, reads: “I heartily rejoice with and felicitate the first female elected Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Cross River State Council, Comrade Archibong Bassey, on her well-deserved victory.

     

    “Your success and ascension to this exalted position speaks to your diligence,  hard work, integrity and professionalism.

     

    “Your emergence was not a surprise to me, because I have watched you closely over the years and noted with satisfaction your dedication, commitment and contributions to advancing na­tional unity and equity through your quality reportage.

     

    “As the Assistant News Manager, NTA Calabar, you showed capacity and objectivity, especially in humanitarian response reporting, hence my special interest in you.

     

    “Please note that to whom much is given, more is expected. Your election as the first female leader of the NUJ in Cross River State Council should, therefore, be an example of how good leadership in a prime position for women should be exemplified.

     

    “Once again, congratulations and best regards”.

     

     

  • NUJ Cross River Council Gets First Female Chairman

    NUJ Cross River Council Gets First Female Chairman

    NUJ Cross River Council Chairman, Archibong Eso

     

    By Ita Williams , Calabar

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Cross River State Council, has elected Archibong Eso as its new first female State Chairman.

     

    Eso is a career broadcast journalist with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Chapel, Calabar.

     

    She replaces Comrade Nsa Gill, who was recently appointed as Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu.

     

    Prior to her election, Eso had served as the council’s Financial Secretary for six years.

     

    The election took place during a Special Congress held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar on Thursday and was supervised by two National Officers from Zone ‘F’ (South South).

     

    Other officials elected include Vice Chairman Comrade Sunny Inah, from the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) Chapel, Comrade Mike Abang from the Business Day Newspaper of the Correspondent Chapel and Comrade Ekong Okpa from the Chronicle Chapel.

     

    Zone “F” South South Zonal Vice President, Comrade, Okpaka Dokubo charges the new EXCO to join hands together and build a disciplinary and formidable union, voids of rangor and disunity.

     

    In her acceptance speech, the new elected Chairman, Comrade Eso thanked the entire union for finding her and her new EXCO worthy of handling the affairs of the Union, promising not to disappoint the Union throughout her time as a chairman.

     

    Commenting also, one of the Union members, Comrade Joseph Ephraim of Correspondents’ Chapel who works for the Nigeria Tribune said “the election was historic in nature for the emergence of a female state council Chairman for the first time in the history of the Union is a call for celebration”.

     

    He maintained that the process was satisfactory and pledged to cooperate with the new leadership of the Union.

     

    The new leadership will be in charge of the state council until April 2025.

  • Legal Luminary Criticizes Tinubu’s Policies, Calls For Empathetic Leadership In Nigeria

    Legal Luminary Criticizes Tinubu’s Policies, Calls For Empathetic Leadership In Nigeria

    Barr. Fidelis Onyebueke

    BY Ita Williams, Calabar

    A renowned legal luminary and public affairs analyst, Barr. Fidelis Onyebueke, has raised serious concerns over the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s policies since taking office last year, particularly focusing on the controversial removal of oil subsidies.

     

    In a recent interview with Journalists in his Calabar Chamber, Chief Onyebueke enumerated the detrimental consequences of such decisions and called for a more empathetic leadership approach in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

     

    Speaking on the sudden removal of subsidies from crude oil importation by President Tinubu, Chief Onyebueke expressed his conviction that it was not a well-thought-out move, leading to a sharp increase in prices of goods and services in the country.

     

    He remarked, “I am convinced beyond doubt that it was not part of his written speech,” emphasizing the political and economic ramifications that have resulted in widespread hunger and suffering among the populace.

     

    Chief Onyebueke further criticized the allocation of exorbitantly priced cars to legislators by the President, stating that it had sparked public outrage.

     

    He suggested that better monitoring of lawmakers’ expenses and prudent cost-cutting measures could have prevented the inflationary crisis currently plaguing the nation.

     

    In a poignant plea for divine intervention, Chief Onyebueke decried the escalating dollar rates and called into question the functionality of Nigeria’s refineries.

     

    He identified a missed opportunity in not leveraging the expertise of Biafran scientists who had discovered alternative fuel refinement methods during the Civil War, stressing the essence of incorporating diverse ideas and talents into government decision-making processes.

     

    Drawing parallels with past administrations, Chief Onyebueke lamented the lack of comparable leaders like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in President Tinubu’s administration and raised doubts about the performance of key individuals within the government.

     

    He urged a reevaluation of present policies and echoed the need to reduce the cost of governance to benefit the ordinary citizens.

     

    Regarding the Oresenya Report, Chief Onyebueke argued that effective management, not mere reports, was crucial in addressing Nigeria’s deep-rooted issues.

     

    He pointed to the bloated government structure with 42 ministries as a drain on the economy, suggesting a more selfless service and prompt decision-making to tackle existing challenges in Nigeria.

     

    Identifying the instances of irresponsibility and corruption within the government, Chief Onyebueke warned of a potential revolution if urgent actions were not taken to curb embezzlement and address pressing social welfare concerns of the ordinary Nigeria citizens.

     

    He concluded by urging President Tinubu to pursue accountability, embrace empathetic leadership, prudent governance, and swift measures to steer Nigeria towards a path of sustainable development and inclusive prosperity.

     

    Chief Onyebueke’s critical analysis provides a compelling narrative of the state of the nation under President Tinubu’s leadership, calling for a shift towards more people-centric policies and decisive action to uplift the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

  • Human Rights Groups Kick As Liberty Gospel Church Commences Campaign On Witch Hunting

    Human Rights Groups Kick As Liberty Gospel Church Commences Campaign On Witch Hunting

     

    Cross River State Commissioner of Police, Dragon Grimah

    By Anietie Akpan

    Current crusade by Pastor Helen Ukpabio and the Liberty Gospel Church in Calabar, Cross River state in South South Nigeria to free people from witchcraft attacks has attracted criticisms and condemnations from human rights groups.

     

    Accordingly the human rights groups in a statement on Friday have called “for the arrest of the renowned Witch-Hunting Pastor – Helen Ukpabio”.

     

    Widespread international and national outrage and disbelief has greeted this week’s announcement that Pastor – Helen Ukpabio – has commenced her witch-hunting activities once more in Cross River State, Nigeria.

     

    The witch hunting campaign is titled: “Freedom from Witchcraft Attacks”, with preaching to her followers that commenced on May 8 and will end on May 12 and according to the flyer will be on how they can “regain freedom to be happy, established, prosper, excel, elevated, healthy.

     

    According to her and the Liberty Gospel Church the “covens are in trouble” and the “witches are on the run”.

     

    However this current campaign is not going down well with the human rights groups as they said “Ukpabio’s witch-hunting activities have been widely linked in a variety of UN papers, academic studies and TV documentaries to the high rates of children being accused of witchcraft in Cross River state and Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria”.

     

    According to the Lead Counsel of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, Barr. James Ibor, “Helen Ukpabio’s continued witch-hunting activities not only bring shame and embarrassment to Nigeria, they are also illegal. The Child Rights Law in both Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State now criminalises the act of accusing children of witchcraft”.

     

    He argued that Section 210 of the Nigerian Criminal Code criminalises the act of “accusing anyone of being a witch or having the power of witchcraft” and “we therefore call on the Commissioner for Police to arrest Helen Ukpabio and any other person promoting beliefs that lead to the abandonment, torture and murder of innocent children”

     

    In 2021 the United Nation Human Rights Council passed an historic resolution on the elimination of harmful practices related to accusations of witchcraft and ritual attacks. The resolution called on state parties to take action to prevent such atrocities being carried out and, in particular, called for more action to be taken to combat the malevolent activities of pastors such as Helen Ukpabio.

     

    They said “in 2022 the Pan-African Parliament even went so far to label Ukpabio a “pastropreneur” who “is believed to have contributed to the torture and abandonment of thousands of children in Nigeria”.

     

    Leo Igwe, Director of Advocacy for Alleged Witches said: “ These renewed witch-hunting activities by Liberty Gospel Church once more promote the misguided belief that children can be witches. Such harmful beliefs and practices lead to children we have worked with being macheted to death, set on fire, drowned and/or forced to drink poisonous concoctions in order to dispel the perceived ‘witchcraft’.

     

    “Such beliefs and practices have no place in the 21st century and government and police agencies need to uphold the law to ensure justice for the innocent victims of this horrific abuse”.

     

    Speaking from the UK, Chairman of Safe Child Africa, Gary Foxcroft said: “the activities of fake prophets have demonstrably led to some of the worst human rights atrocities seen in the world today.

     

    He said, “despite this, she has shown zero remorse or willingness to stop her religious profiteering. Her renewed witch-hunting activities in Calabar are not only illegal, they also paint a negative picture of Nigeria to the international community. As someone who loves Nigeria and it’s people, I personally find this saddening.

     

    “We therefore call on state agencies to do the right thing and arrest Helen Ukpabio, so that Nigeria may help uphold its International, National and State-level legal obligations”.

     

    Recall that on an international level, visits by Ukpabio to the USA and UK have seen protesters taking to the streets to demonstrate against people like her being allowed into the countries to promote beliefs that incite violence against children.

     

    Foxcroft said a particular high point for such protesters came in 2014 when the UK Home Secretary, Theresa May, deported Helen Ukpabio from the UK on the grounds that she was a threat to public safety.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Arase Harps On International Human Rights Based Policing

    Arase Harps On International Human Rights Based Policing

    Dr. Solomon Arase

    By Anietie Akpan

    Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police has harped on the need for nternational human rights based policing.

    Accordingto a press release by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, Arase said this in a training workshop organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross on international Human Rights based policing and effective oversight for staff of the Commission in Abuja Tuesday, May 7th 2024. The workshop is organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

    Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police who declared the workshop open, said the imperativeness of the workshop can not be over-emphasized in view of the need for the Commission to optimally discharge its duty as the statutorily empowered executive body of government to oversight the Police.

    Dr. Arase noted that the Commission cannot effectively deliver on its mandate if its Staff are not properly equipped with requisite knowledge on Police oversight and accountability.

    Dr. Arase who was represented by his Special Assistant ACP Ogbonna Nwota said the training programme will in no small measure help in repositioning the Commission towards greater efficiency and effectiveness in the discharge of its duties.

    He observed that the Nigeria Police Force as the primary Agency of Government empowered for the maintenance of law and order in our society “in the course of performing these statutory functions has often times been accused of corruption, high-handedness, biased investigation and infractions of human rights of the people”.

    This the PSC Chairman noted underscores the essence of an oversight body over the Police in Nigeria as it is obtainable in other climes in line with international best practices.

    Dr. Arase said oversighting the Police aims at ensuring transparency, effectiveness, legitimacy, responsibility and accountability of the Police to the Policed”.

    He implored the staff to be attentive during the training and ensure “you learn, re-learn and unlearn (if need be) different issues and nuances on human rights and policing in our contemporary society.

    He expressed appreciation to the International Council of Red Cross for collaborating with the Commission and assisting “us train our staff. ” Your collaborative efforts in the Commission, in rebirthing a Police Force in Nigeria that is accountable, responsible and carries its duties in adherence to global best practices and respect for human rights is commendable and appreciated “.

  • Reinstate Betta Edu To Continue Renewed Hope Agenda, IYC Begs Tinubu

    Reinstate Betta Edu To Continue Renewed Hope Agenda, IYC Begs Tinubu

     

    By Anietie Akpan

    The need to reinstate the suspended Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, to continue with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda On Humanitarian Response and Poverty Alleviation Programmes in Nigeria have been stressed.

    The national leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council,(IYC) made this known in a press release signed by its spokesman,Comrade Bedford Berefa,after its monthly meeting, in PortHacourt, the Rivers State Capital.

    The IYC said Dr Edu has been a formidable force in President Tinubu’s Cabinet ,delivering on core mandate and the brief of her Ministry, stressing that returning her to continue her national assignment in the federal cabinet was a popular request.

    “Following our investigations and general assessment of her stewardship, Nigerians ,especially the poor and vulnerables are calling for her reinstatement ,and IYC has joined in this popular call”

    “While we are not undermining the anti-graft Agency’s efforts to dig in full, what has been happening in the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry, it is clear that the enemy of the current administration is out to go after the faces of ‘first eleven’ of the Renewed Hope Team,where Betta Edu is visible and standing tall, “the IYC added.

    Continuing, the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide said: “According to Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Poverty and Inequality in Nigeria” Report, 40.1% of the total population, or almost 83 million people, live below the country’s poverty line.

    “These statistics have increased significantly owing to the current harsh economic realities and inflation rate of 33.2% in March 2024.

    “The hope of vulnerable and poor Nigerians on on President Tinubu is high and they fervently expect him to reach out to them as part of the renewed hope agenda of his administration to end hunger, through a Minister who can match words with action and visibily across the six geopolitical zones of the country and that Minister is Dr Edu.

    “Dr Betta Edu within her four and half months in office had significantly, impacted on the poor and vulnerable population irrespective of their locations.

    “We use this medium to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government,to as a matter of urgency reinstate Dr Edu.We observed that she attracted so much enemies within the Ministry due to her cleanse operation which got some with soiled hands bittered about her result oriented approach in tackling the humanitarian and poverty alleviation issues in the country”

    The Ijaw youth body believes that “the witch hunting of Dr Edu was orchestrated by mischief makers who do not mean when for the Tinubu administration and because ,one of his poster girls is a young ,dynamic,energetic and result oriented Minister from the South South region”

    The IYC lamented that “her suspension has exposed the intervention-gap within the humanitarian and poverty Alleviation cluster in the country”