EXAM FRAUD: FED. GOVT. DROPS CHARGES AGAINST SENATOR ADELEKE.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has struck out charges of examination malpractice leveled against Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Senator Adeleke was arraigned by the federal government in October 2018 for alleged exam fraud during at the Community Grammar School, Ojo-Aro, Osun state, during the National Examinations Council (NECO) examination of June/July 2017.

Adeleke was the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2018 Osun State Governorship election, which was won under controversial circumstances by Governor Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress.

COVID-19: NHRC UNVEILS ADVISORY ON RIGHTS OF ALMAJIRI CHILDREN.

Protection of the Rights and Dignity of #Almajiri #Children in COVID-19 Response

An Advisory Opinion to Federal and State #Governments issued pursuant to section 5(l)(m)(o) of the National Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Act

1.0       Introduction

1.    Addressing the social and economic challenges which have led to the growth of the Almajiri system in some parts of Nigeria, particularly the Northern region has occupied the minds of policy makers for some time.

2.    Almajiri children are exposed to increased vulnerabilities and risks, including death, trafficking, kidnapping, drug use and addiction, recruitment into terrorism, violent crimes, sexual and other forms of assault and forced/child marriages.

3.    Notwithstanding the efforts of successive governments and stakeholders, Almajiri system still constitutes a major challenge to the development of children in parts of the country, denying them the enjoyment of their fundamental human rights.

2.0       Understanding the Human Rights Dimension of Almajiri


1.     The National Human Rights Commission (hereinafter referred to as the Commission) notes that the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of its citizens in line with Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of #Nigeria 1999.

2.     Conscious of its mandate to monitor, promote, protect and enforce human rights of everyone in Nigeria in line with the national, regional and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party, the National Human Rights Commission notes the following:


a.    Nigeria has ratified and is therefore a party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

b.    Nigeria is also a party to the #African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which has been domesticated.

c.     Nigeria domesticated its obligations under the CRC and ACRWC into the Child's Rights Act, (CRA) 2003. The CRA is a comprehensive human rights instrument which seeks to protect the rights of children in Nigeria and to put in place policies and programmes for the development and survival of every child in Nigeria.

d.    Some states of the federation have also enacted Child Rights Laws (CRL) in fulfilment of the obligations of Nigeria towards its children and generations unborn. For states that are yet to enact a Child Rights Law, these rights are of universal application and form part of the international obligations of the Nigerian state.

e.    The cardinal objectives of the CRC, ACRWC, CRA, CRL and other child right related international, regional and national instruments to which Nigeria is a party, is that, in all actions concerning children, the best interest of the child shall be the utmost consideration by all particularly government (section 1 of the CRA).

f.      The provisions of the CRA are crucial to securing the human rights of Almajiri children. Implementing these rights should be at the heart of any intervention targeting the social and economic welfare of the Almajiri children. Section 4 of CRA provides that every child shall have a right to survival, development and education. Section 9 provides for freedom of movement of the child subject to parental control not harmful to the child. Also, section 14 of the CRA provides that a child shall be entitled to parental care, protection and maintenance.

g.    In addition to the foregoing subparagraph, the CRA further provides for the rights to: private and family life (section 8); freedom of movement (section 9); freedom from discrimination (section 10); dignity of the child (section 11); health and health services (section 13);  free, compulsory and universal primary education, etc (section 15);  and the right of a child in need of special protection measure (section 16) amongst others.

3.0       COVID-19 Regulations and the Best Interest of the Almajiri Child

1.    The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions have further exposed the inherent vulnerabilities of Almajiri children as possible victims of multiple human rights violations which have been enunciated in subparagraph 2.2(f)(g) above.

2.    The Commission notes that in exercise of powers conferred on them by section 45 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the Quarantine Act (CAP Q2 LFN 2004), both Federal and State authorities have made COVID-19 Regulations derogating from the enjoyment of some fundamental rights in the interest of public health, safety and purpose of protecting the rights of others.

3.    The Commission is mindful of the present circumstances under which the Regulations are being implemented, particularly the need to restrict movement and spread of the disease.

4.    Some exceptions to restriction of movement in the implementation of COVID-19 Regulations have been provided for by both the Federal and state governments. These have included the return of Almajiri children to their states of origin. This process is being implemented by various Northern state governments.

5.    In view of the foregoing, the Commission notes as follows:

a.    The decision by the Governors of the Northern states to relocate Almajiri children must be viewed in the light of “the best interest of the child” principles.

b.    Relocating Almajiri children to their states of origin and reuniting them with their respective families where they will receive “parental care, protection and maintenance” is for all intents and purposes, in the best interest of the child.

c.    It shall be a violation of “the best interest of the child” principles in circumstances where the Almajiri children have been relocated to places outside their homes or states of origin, leading to the denial of access to their parents or guardians (necessary for children) or home governments for a structured development, and may defeat the benefits from this current initiative.

d.    It shall be a violation of “the best interest of the child” principles in circumstances where the process of return exposes the child to danger, vulnerabilities, rejection, inhuman and degrading treatments and further denial of access to education, healthcare, food, shelter and protection.

4.0       Policy Recommendations
 
1.    In view of the foregoing, the Commission in exercise of its mandate in section 5 (l)(m)(o) of it enabling Act makes the following recommendations.

2.    Obligations of Transferring States

a.    The implementation of the returns must be carried out in line with generally applicable minimum standards of dignity, safety, health and other basic human rights considerations by the transferring and receiving states so as not to leave the children dehumanized.

b.    The transferring states shall ensure humane and dignified transfer arrangements to ensure that the children are transferred in dignity and respect.

c.     The transferring states should put in place basic facilities such as decent transfer transportation, accommodation, health screening including test for COVID-19, feeding and security for the children. This will ensure that COVID-19 positive children will receive treatment and not infect others during transportation.

3.    Obligations of Receiving States

a.    State Governments should put in place financial, institutional and programmatic frameworks in place to urgently address the needs of the Almajiri children. States shall ensure adequate budgetary allocations and other funds for the rehabilitation, education, development and welfare of the Almajiri children within their states during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

b.    There should be adequate plan for profiling, tracing and reunification with parents and guardians.

c.     There should be in place adequate protection programs, basic support services and empowerment programs to address poverty and other socio-economic vulnerabilities that made the parents to send out the children in the first place.

d.    Receiving governments should put in place adequate plans for the enrolment and retention of Almajiri children in schools, including access to existing programmes such as school feeding and free education aimed at addressing the educational needs of the children in line with their rights to basic and compulsory education as guaranteed under the CRA and the Universal Basic Education Act.

e.    Children without traceable parents or guardians should be enrolled into social welfare programmes of states, including foster care where they will be accommodated and afforded structured life, training, education, security and empowerment.

f.      Every child should be afforded right to survival, education, identity, security of person, freedom from cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment.

g.    All receiving Northern State governments should work with relevant agencies including non-state actors to design a follow up “program of action for the transfer, return and rehabilitation of Almajiri children” in line with this Advisory and the Child Rights Act.

h.    The Commission shall work with the various state governments and provide adequate technical and programmatic support to ensure that “the best interest” of the Almajiri children are mainstreamed into the “program of action” with a view to ensuring a right based dignified future for the children.

5.0       Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided yet another opportunity to permanently address the challenge of Almajiri children. The Commission believes that a right based approach will make for a sustainable solution which will put in place an effective program for the permanent rehabilitation and gradual elimination of the underlying conditions that promotes Amajiri and other socio-cultural practices that affect the development of the child.

Issued in Abuja, this 27th Day of May, 2020


Tony Ojukwu, Esq.

Executive Secretary,

National Human Rights Commission

COVID-19: NIGERIAN AIRPORTS, AIRLINES GET NEW FLIGHT PROTOCOL.

The #Nigerian Civil #Aviation Authority has published a mandatory Public #Health Protocol for Nigerian-based aircrews operating international flights.
In a letter dated 27th May 2020 and signed by the Director General, Captain Musa Nuhu, the #NCAA said flight crews must henceforth wear Personal Protective Equipment (#PPE) and observe Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) protocols throughout the duration of their flights. 

Flight crew are to ensure that passengers rub their hands with alcohol-based #sanitizer as they embark the aircraft.    It equally stipulates that flight crews will not be quarantined but must undergo testing for #COVID-19 every 14 days. The cost of the tests will be borne by the Air Operator upon return to Nigeria. Flight crew members who test positive for COVID-19 will be taken to a treatment center for further management.
The NCAA memo to all operators, airports and other service providers, states that the new protocol approved by the #Federal Ministry of Health replaces the current practice where Nigerian-based flight crew members who operate international flights are quarantined for 14 days upon their return to Nigeria.  

The letter partly reads:

    “1. Nigeria based Airlines/Aircrew wishing to conduct flight operations outside the country shall be required to comply with the following:

    (a.) Ensure orientation and sensitization of crew on Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) measures as per training and guidance from public health authorities.

    (b.) Ensure they have adequate stock of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), minimum 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizers and Universal Precaution Kits (UPK) on board aircraft before the flight.

    (c.) Ensure flight crew wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and observe IPC measures for the duration of the flight as follows:

    “Flight deck Crew: Non-medical face mask and gloves. Face mask can be removed when the cockpit door is closed for safety reasons Cabin crew – Non-medical face mask, gloves, disposal surgical gowns and safety visors/goggles.

    “Ensure safe removal of gloves after performing specific tasks (d) Avoid touching their face and eyes with unclean hands d. Flight crew are to ensure that all passengers wear a non-medical face mask for the duration of the flight except when eating or using emergency oxygen.

    (e) Flight crew are to ensure that passengers rub their hands with alcohol-based sanitizer as they embark the aircraft.

    “(f). Put up a notice in the lavatory/washroom on hand washing that requests passengers wash their hands after using the lavatory

    (g.) Flight crew are to maintain a safe distance between passengers and themselves;  avoiding direct physical contact. (h.) Cabin crew will serve only pre-packed meals to passengers.

    (i) Where practicable, flight crew will reserve one lavatory for their own use.

    (j). Cabin crew will apply disinfectant spray in lavatory every 60 minutes during the flight.

    (k). Airline will carry augmented crew to ensure the immediate turnaround of the flight with no crew member disembarking from the aircraft, except the pilot that will conduct the mandatory walk around in which case the pilot is required to wear a non-medical facemask and gloves.

    “ 1. The flight deck crew that will carry out the mandatory walk around will wear PPE  (non-medical facemask, gloves and disposable protective gowns) and will ensure he/she keeps a physical distance of at least 2 meters from ground handling staff,  fuelers, dispatchers, baggage handlers and other persons handling the aircraft. m. Airline shall carry return catering.

    “(a) n. Filing of flight plan by Flight deck crew is to be done via online channels. Where this is not possible, crew members are to exercise extreme caution (wear a face mask and gloves) when filing a flight plan and receiving documentation from ground staff/flight dispatchers. Flight deck crew members are to rub their hands with minimum 70 % alcohol-based sanitizers after interfacing with ground staff/dispatchers.

    ( 0.) After the flight, Crew members are to safely remove their PPEs and ensure safe  disposal in line with IPC procedures.

    ( p). For flights of longer duration where augmented flight crew may not be practicable, arrangements are to be made with the country of destination for flight crew to lay  over and comply with the mandatory duty time rest period requirement.

    (q) According to the NCAA,  If the flight crew will have to lay over in a foreign country to enable them observe crew duty time rest period, “the Air Operator is to coordinate with the foreign country’s Public Health Authorities at the airport and implement the following: Commute arrangements (between airport & hotel if required): the Air Operator should arrange for the commute between the aircraft and the crew’s individual hotel rooms ensuring hygiene methods are applied and the recommended physical distancing adopted, including within the vehicle to the extent possible.

    “At accommodation:  At all times, crew must comply with local public health regulations and policies One crew member to one room, which is sanitized prior to occupancy; Crew, taking account of the above and in so far as is practicable, should:

    (aa) Avoid contact with the public and fellow crew members and remain in the hotel room except to seek medical attention, or for essential activities including exercise, while respecting physical distancing requirements; (bb) Not use the common facilities in the hotel, like bars, gyms, etc.

    (cc) Dine in-room, get take-outs, or dine seated alone in a restaurant in the hotel, only if room service is not available; (dd) Regularly monitor for symptoms including fever and observe good hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and physical distancing measures when required to leave the hotel room only for the reasons specified in (aa), (cc) or emergency situations.

    “ (c) Crew members experiencing symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 during lay over or transit should;  report it to the aircraft operator and seek assistance from a medical doctor for assessment of possible COVID-19. Cooperate with the assessment and possible further monitoring for COVID-19 in accordance with the evaluation procedure implemented by that foreign country (e.g. assessment in the hotel room, or an isolation room within the hotel, or alternative location);

    “ If a crew member has been evaluated and COVID -19 is not suspected in accordance with the evaluation procedure implemented by the foreign country, the air operator may arrange for the crew member to repatriate to base and if a crew member is suspected or confirmed as a COVID-19 case by the State or foreign country and isolation is not required by the foreign country, such crew member may be medically repatriated by appropriate modes: if there is agreement to repatriate the crew member  to home base

    “( r.) Flight crew members will have no physical contact with any persons while in the  foreign country, including ground handling staff, airline staff, embassy staff, drivers,  protocol officers, hotel/accommodation staff etc.

    “(s) Upon return to Nigeria flight crew will not be quarantined but will undergo mandatory testing for COVID-19 every 14 days at cost to the Air Operator. t. Flight crew members who test positive for COVID-19 will be taken to a treatment center for further management.”

OSHIMILI-NORTH LGA, DELTA STATE MOVES TO END INSECURITY.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

Insecurity: Oshimili North LG moves against illegal camps, orders  immediate vacation from the bush.

Attn: All Serikis/Igbo Camp Owners

Akwukwu lgbo/Ibusa/Okpanam/Illah/Ebu/Ukala/Ugbolu/Atuma/Aninwalo

Re: Immediate vacating of all illegal structures within #OshimiliNorth Local Government Area.

Be informed that due to the security challenges we recently face as a Local government and the urgency of the need to rid our area of all secret hideouts where #criminals use as #safeheavens, we herewith communicate that you vacate, advise others considered your wards within our #LGA to move  and take up rents with our people, live with our people, or build permanent structure that shall be registered and owned by you, your proxies or wards like every other #Nigerian who live and do business in our LGA.   

Take note that after seven working days of this notice, all camps and unapproved structures in our LGA shall be totally declared illegal and destroyed. Recourse shall only be given to structures approved by the #Oshimili North Local #Government and the #DeltaStateGovernment.

All inconveniences are regretted as this remains the only way we have resolved to enable us account for our residents and fish out the bad elements who only live in our bushes and shanties in the LGA.

You may wish to quote this message as #EXECUTIVE ORDER II in lieu of the #SECURITYALERT in the LGA!

Your utmost cooperation is expected.

Yours faithfully,

Hon. Ndukwe Louis

Executive Chairman

Oshimili North Local Government

E-VOTING: INEC REFUTES PRINT MEDIA REPORTS.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, #INEC has described as erroneous, some print media headlines alluding to the fact that electronic voting will commence in Nigeria in 2021.

Some of the headlines read: “INEC Okays e-voting from 2021” and “INEC To Begin E-Voting With Anambra 2021 Guber Poll.” The newspapers were reporting on the new policy framework published by the commission on Monday, regarding the conduct of elections during the #COVI1D-19 pandemic.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Chief Press Secretary to #INECChairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi said Once again, some of the headlines in today’s papers have missed it!
INEC did not say it will introduce electronic voting from 2021. What the policy says under “ICT and Voter Registration is that INEC will “PIlOT the use of Electronic Voting at the earliest possible time (not Edo and Ondo), but WORK TOWARDS the full introduction of electronic voting in major elections starting from 2021.”Mr #RotimiOyekanmi stressed that the key words here are “PILOT”, “WORK” and “TOWARDS”. These connote a different meaning from the headlines published by some newspapers.
Mr Oyekanmi further stressed that INEC cannot unilaterally introduce electronic voting, as the Nigerian Constitution does not allow or recognize it. That’s why INEC said we will “work towards” the full introduction of e-voting.
He therefore expressed disappointment that some newspapers gave a different interpretation to INEC’s policy document.

TRAGEDY!! EX DG IMO BROADCASTING CORP., IBC, OWERRI, STABS WIFE TO DEATH.

Reports coming in from Imo state say the Police are currently investigating a murder incident that occurred on Monday.

According sources, a former Director-General of the IMO Broadcasting Corporation IBC, Owerri, Sir T.C. Okere, stabbed his wife to death this morning, May 25, 2020.
Sir T.C. Okere was director at IBC between 1991-1996; while his late Wife retired from the Imo Polytechnic, Umuagwo.     They have been married for over fifty years.

Confirming the incident in a telephone interview with correspondent, Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Ikeokwu Godson Orlando, said the suspect fled the scene after committing the offense. He added that investigations are currently in progress to ascertain the reasons behind the crime as well as to arrest the murder suspect.

Meanwhile, the incident has thrown the community into mourning.