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CASTRATION OF RAPE OFFENDERS: NHRC Urges El- Rufai To Withhold Assent

Published

4 years ago

on

Alhassan Bala,Abuja.

 

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concern over the recent amendment of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law No.5 of 2017, providing stiffer penalties to the offence of rape, including castration of offenders, saying that castration in this regard negates human rights standards and principles and therefore should be jettisoned.

 

The Commission is therefore calling on the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai to withhold his assent to the amended Penal Code Law until the State Assembly expunges the aspect of the law that stipulates castration of culprits “because this is contrary to Section 34 (1)(a) of the Constitution of Nigeria and its implementation therefore constitutes a violation of right to dignity of human person”.

 

Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu Esq. who stated this in Abuja weekend while reacting to new Kaduna State House of Assembly legislation on rape and other Sexual Gender Based Violence (SGBV) observed that the said amendments violates Section 2(ix) of Anti-Torture Act of 2017, which outlaws “mutilation such as amputation of essential parts of the body such as the genitalia, ears or tongue and any other part of the body”.

 

According to the Executive Secretary, the amendment violates principal corpus of international human rights norms, including article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which provide that no one shall be subject to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. “Which means there can be no justification for torture, no exceptional circumstance whatsoever, whether a state of war or a threat of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency, may be invoked as justification for torture”, the human rights Chief Executive Officer recalled.

 

The Commission, whilst acknowledging the power of the Kaduna State House of Assembly under section 4(6) and (7) of the Constitution of Nigeria “to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the State or any part thereof,” states that in this circumstance, legislative power has not been exercised for the common good, for human rights and dignity of citizens of Kaduna State, he emphasised.

 

Ojukwu therefore restated that torture cannot be justified even with criminal jurisdiction exercised in accordance with internal law such as the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State, otherwise it will be tantamount to legislating torture.

 

The Chief Human Rights Officer in Nigeria cited the 2017 Penal Code Law, wherein the offence of rape carried a sentence of 21 years imprisonment for the rape of an adult and life imprisonment for the rape of a minor, and “the Commission considers these provisions to be comprehensive in line with national best practices, whereas the new amendment is capable of undermining the progress Nigeria is making in the protection of human rights and advancement of the rule of law.

 

He stated the readiness of the Commission to work together with Kaduna State and relevant stakeholders to implement a state-wide strategy of combating rape and other sexual and gender-based violence(SGBV) which will be focused on social mobilisation and communication, enhance reporting of rape and SGBV cases, effective investigations and prosecution based on the pre-existing legal regime.

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Dangote Cement places premium on Community engagement, sustainability in Host communities

Published

1 day ago

on

May 13, 2024

By

Alhaji Aliko Dangote

Dangote Cement Plc, is prioritizing  community engagement, empowerment, and environmental stewardship to sustain its upward trajectory,

The cement manufacturing firm said it believed that true progress is measured not only by economic prosperity but also by the holistic development of all stakeholders.

The Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc Obajana, Mr. Azad Nawabuddin, who disclosed this during a media chat in Obajana, said that the relationship between Dangote Cement and its host communities and other stakeholders transcends transactional exchanges as it is built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and shared aspirations.

“The communities in which we operate are not just beneficiaries; they are our partners in progress,” he affirmed.

While reaffirming the company’s commitment to its host communities, Nawabuddin, who recently moved from the Ibese plant, emphasized that the company would collaborate with key stakeholders in Obajana to implement impactful projects.

He said crucial to the vision is the empowerment of residents through skills development and capacity-building initiatives. “We recognize the importance of equipping community members with the requisite skills to thrive in today’s competitive landscape,” Nawabuddin asserted.

The Dangote Cement boss said this will enhance employability and foster entrepreneurship among youth and women in the host communities.

With a steadfast commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development, Nawabuddin outlined initiatives to strengthen the bond between Dangote Cement and the communities. He emphasized that the company views its host communities as partners.

“In terms of community engagement, we will hold meetings to explore avenues for supporting them, including opportunities for businesses and contracts. The communities are integral partners for us. Through dialogue with them, we aim to execute significant projects that will bring them lasting benefits,” he stated.

Nawabuddin also stressed the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainable practices in Dangote Cement’s operations. “We are custodians of the environment, and it is our duty to ensure that our activities leave a positive impact on the ecosystem,” he added.

Nawabuddin explained that in addition to socio-economic development is the importance of addressing security concerns in the host communities. He said through collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies and community-based initiatives, security risks will be mitigated, and the well-being of residents will be upheld.

“We are working closely with local authorities and community leaders to enhance security measures and create a safe and conducive environment for all,” he added.

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Kano-Kaduna-Abuja Passengers Spent Night In Kaduna Due to Traffic Jam

Published

2 days ago

on

May 13, 2024

By

Some passengers traveling from Abuja to Kano found themselves stranded in Gwanin Gora town, Kaduna State, due to a traffic jam.

An eyewitness and passenger, Dr. Lado Bala, informed NIGERIAN TRACKER that they had been stranded since 3 AM with no indication of movement.

Regarding the cause of the traffic jam, Dr. Bala mentioned that it may be attributed to an unknown accident that occurred further down the road.

As of the time of reporting, no security agency had responded to clear the jam.

The Kano-Abuja-Kaduna Express is a major Nigerian road that links Northern and Southern Nigeria.

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Nigeria Tracker Congratulates Sarkin Bai Mansur Mukhtar On Wedding of His Daughter Amina

Published

2 days ago

on

May 12, 2024

By

The wedding ceremony

 

The management of Nigeria Tracker Communications, publishers of Nigerian Tracker online newspaper, has extended its congratulatory message to the family of Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank ,Dr Mansur Mukhtar on the wedding of his daughter, Amina Mansur Mukhtar.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of the leading online newspaper, Abbas Yushau Yusuf.

The wedding fatiha and solemnization which took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, had in attendance family, friends, and well-wishers, with a dowry of $1000.

On behalf of the board of directors of Nigeria Tracker Communications, we wish the couple a happy married life and Allah’s blessings, and success to the entire Sarkin Bai of Kano’s family, Dr. Mansur Mukhtar.

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