Why Nnamdi Kanu must be released – Reps Committee

Published

1 year ago

August 25, 2023

The House of Representative Ad hoc committee set up to interface with relevant security agencies to reduce kidnapping, assassinations and banditry in and around Isiukwuato and Umunnochi Local Government Area of Abia State, has called for release of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu for peace in to reign in the South East region.

The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Obinna Aguocha made the call at a meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, for absolute peace, reduction of crime and criminality, investment in meaningful infrastructure development, ending the unproductive sit-at-home and improving economic growth and opportunities in the South East, starts with the government’s recognition of the rule of law, justice and equitable inclusion of the South East zone.

He said to achieve the project Nigeria, the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from unlawful detention to ensure lasting peace and security in the entire region cannot be over emphasized.

While addressing the security agencies present at the meeting, he said, the insecurity challenges being faced in the areas being in focus in Abia State was a result of shared borders with other states which gives the criminals a leeway for movement across the states borders.

He added that the cross border dynamics of the primary focus areas bring additional complexity to the challenges of the task ahead adding that the common borders, shared with four other states connect the primary focus areas to Ebonyi State via Isiagu, Enugu State via Agwu, Imo State via Okigwe and Anambra via Awka.

“The opportunity for inter-state collaboration presents itself and must be explored to foster regional participation. The challenges faced by one state rippled across it’s neighbours and therefore, our strategies for resolution must be all inclusive.

“By synergising our resources, expertise, and perspective, we can create a stronger front against insecurity and strengthen the bond that binds us”.

“As we navigate the complexities of security concerns, we must also be prepared to tackle the root causes of these issues at their core and work to ensure lasting solutions that would stand the test of time.

The House of Representatives had prior to embarking on its ongoing recess, pledged to wade into the matter following a similar demand through a motion, but yet to take any action to that effect,

Aguocha stated further that “the challenges we face are not mere statistics or headlines; they are real-life manifestations that affect the lives of our people, disrupt the functioning of our institutions and communities, thus impeding the growth of our region”.

According to the lawmaker, instances of criminal activities, banditry, kidnapping, assassinations, communal and religious clashes, and threats to life have shaken the very foundation of our societies.

“As leaders and stakeholders, it is incumbent upon us to come together, transcending our differences, to find sustainable solutions that will quell these threats and pave the way for a brighter future.

News

ITUC-Africa Cheers UN for Dropping Saudi, Russia

Published

39 mins ago

October 15, 2024

Tunde-Olubo Bukunmi

African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has commended the exclusion of Saudi Arabia and Russia from the United Nations Human Rights Council.

This decision, made through a vote at the UN General Assembly, marks a significant step forward for human rights, justice, and accountability, following persistent global efforts by civil society and human rights activists.

Saudi Arabia’s removal is particularly notable, given its longstanding violations of human and labour rights, especially towards African migrant workers.

These workers have faced numerous abuses under the oppressive kafala system, including forced labour, passport confiscation, withheld wages, denial of trade union rights, and excessively long working hours without fair compensation.

In addition to these labour violations, many African migrants in Saudi Arabia experience arbitrary detention, deportation, and even death in questionable circumstances.

Without access to justice, they remain vulnerable to systemic abuse.

ITUC-Africa has long condemned these practices, calling them blatant violations of fundamental human and workers’ rights.

“The decision to exclude Saudi Arabia from the UN Human Rights Council sends a strong message that nations involved in such severe violations cannot expect to hold positions of influence in global human rights institutions,” the union said.

The exclusion of Russia also emphasizes this point. ITUC-Africa highlighted Russia’s human rights abuses, including the repression of civil society, media control, and involvement in conflicts that lead to civilian casualties.

The targeting of trade unionists and human rights defenders in Russia adds to the severity of its actions, making the UN’s decision justified.

ITUC-Africa sees this outcome as a win for coordinated civil society efforts, including the global trade union movement.

“The exclusion of both Saudi Arabia and Russia from the UN Human Rights Council is a clear triumph for multilateralism, the rule of law, and those who tirelessly defend human and labour rights across the world,” the organisation noted.

Looking ahead, ITUC-Africa expressed its commitment to continue advocating for African migrant workers’ rights.

“We are resolutely committed to ensuring that Saudi Arabia reforms its labour laws and practices to provide genuine protection for all migrant workers, especially those from Africa,” the organisation stressed, reaffirming its dedication to protecting the dignity and rights of African workers globally.

ITUC-Africa also pledged to intensify its campaigns for labour reform in Saudi Arabia and beyond. “We will take our campaign to all spaces and processes at every level to ensure that the voices of African workers are heard and their rights are upheld,” it added.

The union concluded by emphasizing the growing reputational risks for countries that ignore human rights violations.

ITUC-Africa urged for continued global pressure on countries with poor human rights records to drive meaningful change and expressed solidarity with all human rights defenders and labour activists who fight for the dignity and rights of workers worldwide.

“We stand with all those who, through their efforts, bring us closer to a world where the rights of all workers are respected and upheld.”

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Business

NNPC Strikes Deal: Petrol Now N995/Litre for IPMAN

Published

46 mins ago

October 15, 2024

Tunde-Olubo Bukunmi

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has reached an agreement to supply petrol to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) at a price of N995 per litre.

This deal comes after mediation by the Department of State Services (DSS), which helped resolve the standoff between the two parties.

As part of the agreement, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is set to pay IPMAN an outstanding N10 billion.

The negotiations also cover issues around sourcing fuel from the Dangote Refinery.

Hammed Fashola, the National Vice President of IPMAN, praised the DSS for its role in resolving the dispute, noting that the price difference in fuel— a major factor causing long queues at filling stations— is expected to narrow.

Currently, independent marketers are selling petrol for around N1,200 per litre, but with the new N995 per litre ex-depot price, retail prices may drop.

However, additional factors such as transportation costs could still influence final prices at the pump.

IPMAN is also negotiating with the Dangote Refinery to secure more direct purchasing options, while maintaining its relationship with NNPC to ensure favorable pricing for its members.

Previously, IPMAN raised concerns that NNPC was selling petrol bought from the Dangote Refinery at N898 per litre, but independent marketers were being charged up to N1,050 in certain areas.

Discussions are ongoing to resolve these price discrepancies, which have affected supply chains and put independent marketers at a disadvantage.

ROAMAN NEWS