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NHRC Expresses Readiness To Work With NACA/UNDP On Rights issues of PLWHA’S

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Executive Secretary Human Rights Commission

 

 

 

 

Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC), Tony Ojukwu Esq. has expressed the readiness of the Commission to work with the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in addressing issues affecting people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA’s) in Nigeria.

 

Human Rights Commission Condems Child Abuse In Kebbi

 

Ojukwu stated this during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of NACA, Dr. Aliyu Gambo in Abuja.

 

 

 

The Executive Secretary who commended the Agency for its achievements which have helped in ameliorating the condition of PLWHA’s as well as reducing the spread of the disease said more needs to be done in addressing human rights issues affecting PLWHA’s like stigmatization and discrimination, access to healthcare services, inhuman and degrading treatment and other human rights issues bordering on the mandate of the Commission.

 

 

 

He encouraged NACA to mainstream human rights into its work, saying the Commission has its presence in the 36 states of the Federation and is therefore ready to use its strength and spread to work with NACA in reaching out to people whose rights are violated as a result of their health status. Concluding, the Executive Secretary said he looks forward to an MOU with NACA to collaborate especially in areas concerning the rights of PLWHA’s and by extension rights of persons affected by Malaria and Tuberculosis.

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Responding, the DG of NACA expressed delight at the gesture of the NHRC saying stigma and discrimination have become a big challenge for PLWHA’s and persons suffering from Malaria and Tuberculosis.

 

 

 

Dr. Gambo said the services of the Commission remain key in the work of NACA because the Agency is always in the field working in the hospitals and attending to patients. The intervention of the Commission in addressing the human rights abuses of PLWHA’s and others will be a great relief to the agency. “We can work with each other to realize our common goals and improve the lots of the less privileged”. Dr. Gambo added.

 

 

 

Dr. Alex Ogudipe, Director of Community Prevention care, and support services said NACA has confidence in the ability of the Commission to deliver on its mandate and he made reference to the giant strides of the Commission in its report of human rights violations during the COVID-19 lockdown.

 

 

 

Dr. Ogundipe urged the Commission to use the same vigor to address the issue of human rights violations affecting so many Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS. He said NACA’s records have shown a lot of workplace discrimination and stigmatization on health ground.

 

 

 

He disclosed that the agency is proposing to establish human rights reporting desks in 6 geo-political zones where people can report human rights violations experienced as a result of their health status. This is an area that NACA can easily collaborate with the Commission considering its capacity and strength on the ground.

 

 

 

In her remarks, the focal officer on gender UNDP, Ms. Onyiye Ndubuisi said relevant stakeholders have a role to play in addressing the issues of human rights violations affecting various sectors of the society.

 

 

 

She expressed optimism in the ability of the Commission to hold violators accountable, saying, “access to justice is the way to go in curtailing violence against women”. She pledged the support of UNDP to work with both agencies in the fight against human rights affecting women generally.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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NGO Criticizes Police Over Disrespectful Address of Kano Emir

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The Coalition of Concerned Kano Civil Society Groups (CCKCSG), a collective of organizations advocating for justice, cultural preservation, and good governance in Kano State, has expressed strong disapproval of the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) handling of the ongoing Kano Emirate dispute.

The group condemned the police for referring to His Royal Highness, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, as “Alhaji Sanusi,” describing the act as disrespectful and undermining the sanctity of one of Nigeria’s most esteemed traditional institutions. This criticism was conveyed in a press statement issued by Nura Idris, the group’s coordinator.

“The Kano Emirate is a centuries-old institution that symbolizes our cultural heritage, spiritual leadership, and communal unity,” Idris stated. He further criticized the police’s decision to summon Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II to the national headquarters in Abuja following the Eid al-Fitr durbar in April 2025. Idris argued that this move, later withdrawn after public outcry, reflected political interference and an attempt to diminish the Emirate’s authority.

The coalition highlighted the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold law and order impartially. However, Idris pointed out that the police’s actions in the Kano Emirate tussle, including contradictory enforcement of court orders and selective bans on protests, suggested alignment with political interests. “Reports of federal interference and the deployment of military personnel in a state matter further fuel perceptions of bias,” he added.

Idris emphasized the need for the police to remain neutral in the ongoing dispute between Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and Aminu Ado Bayero. He called for dialogue, cultural sensitivity, and legal resolution rather than heavy-handed enforcement. “The police must not allow themselves to be weaponized in this conflict,” he said.

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The coalition also condemned the police’s reference to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II as “Alhaji Sanusi” in official communications, describing it as a deliberate act of disrespect. “This strikes at the heart of our cultural identity,” Idris remarked. He demanded a public apology from the police and urged them to address the Emir by his proper title in all future engagements.

In his statement, Idris called on the Inspector General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and other relevant authorities to ensure the neutrality of the police in the Kano Emirate dispute. He urged the police to engage traditional leaders respectfully and focus on their constitutional role of protecting lives and property without prejudice.

The coalition appealed to all stakeholders, including government officials, traditional leaders, and the people of Kano, to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over confrontation. “The Kano Emirate tussle has already caused significant unrest, with protests and clashes threatening the peace of our state,” Idris warned. He stressed that the police must avoid actions that appear politically motivated or culturally insensitive.

The Coalition of Concerned Kano Civil Society Groups reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for justice, cultural preservation, and good governance. Idris concluded, “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will not hesitate to mobilize further action if the police fail to heed this call.”

 

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Killings: Kogi Women Stripped Naked

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Some angry women from Oke-Ere in the Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State came out on Wednesday to protest what they called the “endless reign of terror” in their community.

The women, many of whom are elderly, marched through the town with sad chants in a local dialect.

In a video sighted by PUNCH Online on Wednesday, they appeared half-naked, holding sticks and leaves as they cried and sang about the constant attacks, kidnappings, and killings happening around them.

They begged the government and security forces to step in quickly and stop the violence.

This protest comes not long after armed men kidnapped three people and injured four others along the Ayere-Kabba Expressway in March.

The injured victims were taken to St. John’s Hospital in Kabba for treatment

 

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Stop Dragging NBA into Kano Emirate Tussle – Barrister Nafisa Replies Gandu

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The Chairperson of the Northern Women Lawyers Congress Barrister Nafisa Abba has called on Badamasi Sulaiman Gandu to stop dragging the Nigeria Bar Association into the State Emirate Tussle which is before the court of law.

It would be recalled that the lawyer has advised Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II to tender his statement to the Police in regards to the sallah durbar incident that led to the lost of lives, reminding the Emir that he is not above the law.

But in a response, Badamasi Gandu, a lawyer, described the call as unprofessional and unbecoming of a member of the Kano Bar.

” I was amazed by the response of my colleague Badamasi Sulaiman Gandu, it’s so sad that a lawyer like him would go so low like this; lawyers are known for always being comprehensive to any matter before making their opinion.

As the Chairperson of Northern Women Lawyers Congress, we have the right to issue a statement, it’s our constitutional responsibility, we didn’t do that on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association; it’s ridiculous that Badamasi is bringing NBA into the matter.

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All we are saying is for Emir and his supporters to stop using faceless organisations on this matter.

Like I did, I wrote my name, and the organisation I’m representing is not a pseudonym.

Badamasi Gandu has taken side on the matter. Everyone knows that he is a kwankwasiyya supporter but just hiding under human rights activism.

It’s good that you have shown the world your true colour. ” She said.

The lawyer further maintains her stands that the Emir is not above the law while asking him to tender his statement before the police for the interest of peace and the rule of law.

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