#CSOs, Media, SDGS

CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS CONDEMN ASSAULT ON THE CIVIC SPACE BY THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION

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The undersigned civil society organizations are seriously disturbed by the alarming and troubling rate with which the ruling All-Progressive Congress (APC) government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has resorted to utilizing Nigeria’s security agencies as instruments of harassment, intimidation, and suppression against Labour groups and vocal civil society organizations (CSOs). This troubling trend raises serious questions about the state of democracy and human rights in Nigeria, as it appears to be a deliberate strategy aimed at stifling dissent and curtailing the voices of those who dare to challenge the status quo.

The actions of the government in this regard seem to be a calculated response to the growing discontent among the populace, which has been fuelled by widespread corruption, extravagant spending by those in power, and the implementation of policies that are increasingly detrimental to the well-being of ordinary Nigerians. These policies have not only exacerbated the existing socio-economic challenges but have also contributed to a climate of fear and repression, where legitimate grievances are met with force rather than dialogue.

Therefore, we condemn in strong terms possible the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to suppress dissent among citizens, restrict civil society, and undermine Nigeria’s civic environment. The actions taken by the government in recent weeks have raised serious concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in our nation. It is alarming to witness the increasing measures aimed at stifling voices that challenge the status quo, as well as the systematic targeting of organizations and individuals who advocate for transparency, accountability, and social justice.

We urge the prompt rectification of the numerous errors made in the past months, which have not only eroded public trust but have also created an atmosphere of fear and repression. It is imperative that the government acknowledges these missteps and takes immediate action to restore the rights and freedoms that are the cornerstone of a democratic society. This includes the retraction of any policies or actions that unjustly limit the ability of citizens to express their opinions, assemble peacefully, and engage in meaningful dialogue with their government.

Furthermore, we assert the necessity for the respect of constitutionally protected rights, including freedom of assembly and association, freedom of expression, and the principles of participatory governance. These rights are not merely privileges; they are fundamental to the functioning of a healthy democracy. Citizens must be allowed to gather, protest, and voice their concerns without fear of retribution. Civil society organizations play a crucial role in advocating for the needs and rights of the populace, and their work should be supported, not hindered.

Prior to September 9, 2024, analysts observing Nigeria’s civic environment would have rated the Bola Tinubu administration poorly regarding its efforts to safeguard and enhance press freedom, the right to associate, peaceful assembly, and self-expression. However, the events of September 9, 2024, marked a significant deterioration to an already bad situation for an administration that has increasingly demonstrated its willingness to suppress dissenting voices. In a manner reminiscent of Nigeria’s oppressive military regime, the Nigerian Government deployed agents from the Department of State Services to unlawfully arrest the leader of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero. Before we could fully comprehend the ramifications of this incident, we learned that agents from the same agency had also besieged the offices of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a civil society organization working to advance the social, economic, and cultural rights of the Nigerian populace.

The Tinubu administration, which took office on May 29, 2023, has been marked by a troubling pattern of neglect towards the concerns and aspirations of large segments of the Nigerian population. This administration appears to be following a path similar to that of its predecessor, the Buhari administration, which was widely criticized for its failure to safeguard the civic space and uphold democratic principles. The current government seems intent on not only maintaining but potentially exacerbating the shortcomings of the Buhari regime, raising serious concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Nigeria.

One of the most alarming developments under the Tinubu administration is the alarming frequency with which journalists are being targeted. Reports indicate that these individuals are being abducted from their homes and subjected to various forms of harassment on an almost daily basis. This systematic targeting occurs merely because they are exercising their constitutional duty to hold the government accountable to the citizens. Such actions not only undermine press freedom but also create a climate of fear that stifles dissent and discourages critical reporting on government actions.

The situation escalated dramatically when Nigerians took to the streets last month to peacefully protest against the worsening economic conditions and escalating insecurity in the country. Instead of engaging with the citizens and addressing their grievances, the Nigerian Police responded with excessive force. The deployment of tear gas and the unlawful detention of over 1,000 individuals during these protests exemplifies a troubling disregard for the right to peaceful assembly. Tragically, this brutal response resulted in at least 30 fatalities, highlighting the severe consequences of the government’s heavy-handed approach to dissent.

Moreover, the crackdown on dissent has extended to the arrest of minors, with several individuals aged between 14 and 17 facing treason charges. These young protesters, who were merely advocating for an end to bad governance under the #EndBadGovernance movement, are now entangled in a legal battle that could have devastating implications for their futures. This situation raises critical questions about the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of its citizens, particularly the youth, who are often the most vulnerable in times of political unrest.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2024, a significant new low was reached. The arrest of the NLC President and the almost simultaneous siege on the offices of SERAP, represents a threshold that should never be crossed in any nation that claims to uphold democratic principles. Democracy serves as a mechanism for participatory governance, functioning optimally when dissenters are permitted to lawfully contest the authorities in an environment where their rights are protected. This aligns with our Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to assemble peacefully, associate freely, and express their views. Furthermore, the Constitution explicitly assigns the press the duty of ensuring government accountability.

It may be beneficial for the Tinubu administration to revisit the fundamental principles of democracy. A comprehensive review of these principles can provide a solid foundation for governance that is inclusive, transparent, and accountable to the citizens of Nigeria. In this context, we recommend that the administration thoroughly examine the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which serves as the supreme law of the land and outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the government and the citizens. This examination should not only focus on the constitutional provisions but also consider the historical and social contexts in which the Constitution was drafted and adopted.

Additionally, the administration should take into account the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria has ratified. This charter emphasizes the importance of human rights, democracy, and good governance across the continent. By aligning its policies and practices with the principles enshrined in both the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter, the Tinubu administration can foster a political environment that respects individual freedoms, promotes social justice, and encourages active citizen participation in the democratic process.

In light of recent events, we strongly call upon the government and its security agencies to take the following actions:

 

  1. Immediately halt the unjust and illegal harassment of officials of the NLC.
  2. Provide a prompt and unconditional apology to the President of the NLC for his unlawful arrest and harassment.
  3. The DSS should also extend an unqualified apology for this unjust and audacious assault.
  4. Promptly release all peaceful demonstrators who were detained during the #EndBadGovernance protest, particularly ensuring the unconditional release of minors. Additionally, the treason charges against these individuals should be dropped immediately.
  5. The Nigerian government must direct its agencies and departments to implement a human rights-centered approach when addressing dissent, particularly during protests. A fundamental principle of the democratic framework we claim to uphold is the allowance of dissenting opinions.
  6. The callous and unwarranted harassment of civic actors like Omoyele Sowore should end. Nigerians should not be harassed because they choose to exercise their right to freedom of expression in a manner that the government finds unpalatable.
  7. President Tinubu should initiate a dialogue involving civil society organizations, media representatives, and professional groups in Nigeria.
     

We caution that neglecting the responsibilities will only exacerbate the struggles of Nigerians, who are already burdened by a severely mismanaged economy. It conveys to the international community that residing in “Africa’s Largest Democracy” is akin to existence under a dictatorship. It is the Government’s guaranteed ticket to both national and international embarrassment.

The period characterized by the oppressive measures of dictatorship ended in 1999. Such an era is not endorsed by Nigeria’s constitution and fails to meet the aspirations of the Nigerian populace, thereby lacking legitimacy.

Signed:

  • RULAAC – Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre
  • Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre)
  • Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)
  • Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
  • African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
  • Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
  • BudgIT Foundation
  • Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)
  • State of the Union (SOTU)
  • Tax Justice and Governance Platform
  • Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
  • Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)
  • Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC)
  • Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability
  • Centre Democracy and Development (CDD)
  • Accountability Lab, Nigeria
  • Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID}
  • Say NO Campaign – Nigeria
  • Femi Falana Chamber
  • Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
  • Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
  • Good Governance Team
  • 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative
  • Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN)
  • Mothers and Marginalised Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre)
  • Social Action
  • Centre for Transparency Watch
  • West Africa Civil Society Forum WASCSOF
  • Global Rights
  • African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)
  • Partners West Africa
  • Order Paper
  • Say No Campaign
  • Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria. ERA
  • Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity
  • Amnesty International Nigeria
  • Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)
  • Connected Development (CODE)
  • Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)
  • Praxis
  • CLEEN Foundation
  • Spaces for Change
  • Abuja School of Social and Political Thought
  • Yiaga Africa
  • Policy Alert
  • Socio Economic Research and Development Centre
  • Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative
  • Media Rights Agenda
  • Media Initiative for Transparency in Extractive industries (MITEI)
  • Centre for Social Centre for Justice Reform
  • Centre for Community Empowerment in conflict and Peace building -Kaduna
  • Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights
  • Open Society on Justice Reform Project
  • Environmental Rights Action
  • Sesor Empowerment Foundation
  • World Impact Development Foundation
  • Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation
  • Elixir Trust Foundation
  • Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA)
  • Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative
  • (WRAPA)
  • Community Life Project (CLP)
  • Women in Mining,Nigeria
  • Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre
  • Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
  • Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)
  • Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR)
  • Lawyers Alert
  • Nigeria Network of NGOs
  • INVICTUS AFRICA
#CSOs, Advocacy, Climate Change, Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, SDGS

GLOBAL WEEK OF ACTION FOR CLIMATE FINANCE AND A FOSSIL-FREE FUTURE 2024

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By Smith Nwokocha

Starting Sept 13 – Sept 20 Actions

#PayUp for Climate Finance

We will end the week with Climate Finance actions. We
urge groups and people’s movements to flood the streets and declare the need
for Climate Finance as dire and immediate. Governments of the Global
North must heed the people rising, demanding at least $5 trillion per year. The
constant denial of obligations is unacceptable. Adequate, public and non-debt-creating
climate finance is urgently needed for mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage
and a just energy transition.

OUR COMMON DEMANDS

1.
Global
North governments provide at least US$5 trillion per year to the Global South
in public finance. This amount must be revised upwards regularly as needed and
be considered as merely an initial payment toward the much larger total climate
debt owed by the Global North.
2.
Adequate climate finance that covers needs for
mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and just transition
3.
Climate Finance must be public and should not be
driven by profit intrinsic to private investments and corporations
4.
New and additional climate finance contributions on
top of the existing financial commitments of the Global North such as ODAs,
multilateral and bilateral aids, etc.
5.
Non-debt creating climate finance that will not
lead to further exacerbation of the existing debt burden of the Global South
6.
Predictable climate finance that will ensure that
resources are available when and where they are needed most and avoid further
delays in implementing urgent actio
7.
Climate Finance that is channelled through
democratic, transparent and accountable mechanisms and NOT via the existing or
new structures where the Global North dominates governance and designs policies
favouring their geopolitical and economic interests.
8.
Global North governments to tax the
polluters and profiteers and end public subsidies for fossil fuels in
order to mobilise adequate climate finance

CLIMATE FINANCE ESCALATION CAMPAIGN 2024

BACKGROUND PAPER

for consideration of various CSO constituencies in the
climate justice arena and of the wider social movement.

Why must we escalate our efforts this year?

The frequency and intensity of climate catastrophes are
skyrocketing, causing devastating economic and social impacts, especially in
the most vulnerable regions. Decades of inaction and broken promises by the
governments of the Global North have not only compounded these losses but have
also deepened the gross inequalities and injustices endured by communities,
economies, and ecosystems.

This year is a pivotal year for Climate Finance. At COP29 in
Baku, critical decisions will be made to address the soaring costs of urgent
climate action. This year presents crucial political moments that will either
propel us toward the radical transformation needed in our social, economic, and
political systems or doom us to further climate chaos. Delay is no longer an
option— we need to unite and increase pressure on all fronts to ensure decisive
action.

What is the climate debt the Global North owes to the
Global South?

The Global North has an incalculable climate debt owed to
the Global South, stemming from their historical and ongoing greenhouse gas
emissions that have caused and will continue to cause massive losses and
damages. There is a historical, ethical and legal responsibility of
the Global North to repay this debt with urgency based on their fair shares, as
part of a larger historical and continuing social, economic, and ecological
debt owed to the Global South, arising from centuries of exploitation and
inequity.

What do we want?

To begin addressing this climate debt, we demand the governments
of the Global North to provide at least US$5 trillion per year to the
Global South in public finance. The said amount must be revised upwards
regularly as needed, and be considered as merely an initial payment, toward the
much larger total climate debt that continues to accrue. It is important to
emphasize that the current climate debt is immense and incalculable. This payment
provides a realistic, attainable figure for governments of the Global North to
deliver as a starting point in addressing the urgent and rising climate needs
of the Global South.

What is the basis for the US$5 trillion/year ask?

Several studies suggest that the annual finance needed ranges from US$2.3 – US$10 trillion. For example, using the figure of $192 Trillion until 2050, the annual average from 2023 (when the study was released) to 2025 is over US$6.85 Trillion a year. Recognizing that the amounts are all underestimated, we forward the demand that the Global North collectively deliver US$5 trillion
annually as climate debt. This figure does not include the necessary and
appropriate investments that the private sector must provide as part of their responsibility.

Is US$5 trillion per year attainable?

The Global North’s claim of insufficient resources for
development and climate finance is fundamentally flawed and disingenuous. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these governments mobilized an astounding US$16
trillion in fiscal stimulus to support their economies. Additionally, the
G7 spent over US$1 trillion annually funding wars and conflicts globally. This clearly demonstrates that the resources exist—they are just being allocated based on political will and priorities. If trillions can be found for pandemic relief and military expenditures, the same financial commitment must be made to
address the existential threat of climate change.

Is the US$5 trillion the number we demand for New
Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)?

No. The US$5 trillion per year is an initial payment towards
the climate debt owed to the Global South and serves as a critical barometer for discussions on the scale of the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) on
climate finance. The climate debt is the moral framing for the new climate
finance goal, which has to be needs-based, with a core of public grant-based finance.

What kind of Climate Finance do we need?

In light of the NCQG discussions, it is important to
emphasize that the delivery of Climate Finance, as part of the payment for
climate debt, must be:

✅PUBLIC and should not
be driven by profit intrinsic to private investments and corporations

✅NEW & ADDITIONAL
to existing financial commitments of the Global North such as ODAs,
multilateral and bilateral aids, etc

✅NON-DEBT CREATING and
must not lead to the further exacerbation of the existing debt burden of the
Global South

✅ADEQUATE & PREDICTABLE
to ensure that resources are available when and where they are needed most and
avoid further delays in implementing urgent action

✅COVERS NEEDS FOR MITIGATION,
ADAPTATION, LOSS & DAMAGE, AND JUST TRANSITION

✅CHANNELED THROUGH DEMOCRATIC,
TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE MECHANISMS and NOT via the existing or
new structures where the Global North dominates governance and designs policies
favouring their geopolitical and economic interests.

When do we want to raise this?

We suggest (digitally) launching this piece of the global #PayUp campaign around the Heads of Delegation retreat happening in Baku, from July 25 to 28. We see this as a good opportunity to raise the bar of ambition high and enshrine the negotiations around the future climate finance goal in this moral framing and reflect the responsibility of the Global North to pay its climate debt to the Global South. This milestone of the Finance Escalation
is aimed to be complemented by various other moments of action and campaigns, including a Global Day of Action in September during the period of the UNGA and the Summit of the Future.

In Nigeria, Smith Nwokocha, Coordinator, of Quest For Growth
and Development Foundation will be hosting an in-person Community Event (Townhall Engagement) at Oroworukwu Community Phalga LGA Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Niger Delta, Nigeria on Friday the 20th of September, 2024.

https://payupandphaseout.org/sept20/

#Health, Climate Change, SDGS

EMBRACING ONE HEALTH IN 21ST CENTURY ERA!

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By Smith Nwokocha

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW OF “ONE HEALTH”?

One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to
sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.

It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild
animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely
linked and interdependent.

While health, food, water, energy and environment are all
wider topics with sector-specific concerns, the collaboration across sectors
and disciplines contribute to protecting health, addressing health challenges
such as the emergence of infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and
food safety and promoting the health and integrity of our ecosystems.

By linking humans, animals and the environment, One Health
can help to address the full spectrum of disease control – from prevention to
detection, preparedness, response and management – and contribute to global
health security.

The approach can be applied at the community, subnational,
national, regional and global levels, and relies on shared and effective
governance, communication, collaboration and coordination. Having the One
Health approach in place makes it easier for people to better understand the
co-benefits, risks, trade-offs and opportunities to advance equitable and
holistic solutions…..World Health Organization

Key facts

  • The health of humans, animals, and ecosystems are closely interlinked. Changes
    in these relationships can increase the risk of new human and animal
    diseases developing and spreading.
  • The close links between human, animal and environmental health demand close
    collaboration, communication and coordination between the relevant
    sectors.
  • One Health is an approach to optimize the health of humans, animals and
    ecosystems by integrating these fields, rather than keeping them separate.
  • Some 60% of emerging infectious diseases that are reported globally come from
    animals, both wild and domestic. Over 30 new human pathogens have been
    detected in the last 3 decades, 75% of which have originated in animals.
  • Human activities and stressed ecosystems have created new opportunities for
    diseases to emerge and spread.
  • These stressors include animal trade, agriculture, livestock farming,
    urbanization, extractive industries, climate change, habitat fragmentation
    and encroachment into wild areas.

Overview

One Health is an integrated, unifying approach to balance
and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It uses the close, interdependent links among these fields to create new surveillance and disease control methods.

For example, the way land is used can impact the number of
malaria cases. Weather patterns and human-built water controls can affect
diseases like dengue. Trade in live, wild animals can increase the likelihood of infectious diseases jumping over to people (called disease spillover).

The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on the need for a
global framework for improved surveillance and a more holistic, integrated
system. Gaps in One Health knowledge, prevention and integrated approaches were
seen as key drivers of the pandemic. By addressing the linkages between human, animal and environmental health, One Health is seen as a transformative
approach to improved global health.

One Health applies to a range of issues, including: 

  • antimicrobial
    resistance (AMR), which happens when germs like bacteria and parasites
    develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them and continue
    growing and spreading;
  • zoonotic
    diseases, which are infectious diseases that are caused by germs that
    spread between animals and people, such as Ebola, avian influenza, rabies,
    etc.; 
  • vector-borne
    diseases, which affect people who get bitten by a vector (mosquitoes,
    ticks, lice and fleas) and include dengue fever, West Nile virus,
    Lyme disease and malaria; 
  • food
    safety and foodborne diseases, caused by contamination of food and occur
    at any stage of the food production, delivery and consumption chain, such
    as norovirus, salmonella, listeria, etc.; and 
  • environmental
    health, such as water pollution, air pollution and climate change. 

According to the World Bank, the expected benefit of One
Health to the global community was estimated in 2022 to be at least US$ 37
billion per year. The estimated annual need for expenditure on prevention is
less than 10% of these benefits.

Since 2003, the world has seen over 15 million human deaths
and US$ 4 trillion in economic losses due to disease and pandemics, as well as immense losses from food and water safety hazards, which are one health-related
health threat. 

Collaboration across sectors and disciplines through a One Health approach is a vital solution for addressing the complex health
challenges facing our society. To prevent, detect and respond to emerging health challenges, all relevant sectors must collaborate in an integrated manner to achieve together what no sector can achieve alone.

Scope of the problem

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that caused COVID-19
has underlined the need to strengthen the One Health approach, with a greater emphasis on connections to animal health and the environment (see the WHO Manifesto for a healthy recovery from COVID-19). Attempting to save money by neglecting environmental protection, emergency preparedness, health systems,
water and sanitation infrastructure, and social safety nets has proven to be a false economy, and the bill is now being paid many times over.

We now have an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen
collaboration and policies across these many areas and reduce the risk of future pandemics and epidemics while also addressing the ongoing burden of endemic and non-communicable diseases.

Surveillance that monitors risks and helps identify patterns
across these many areas is needed. In addition, new research should
integrate the impact of these different fields, particularly on the drivers
that leads to crises.

Challenges

To implement One Health, major structural changes are
required to integrate the human, animal and environmental health fields and support multi-sectoral communication, collaboration, coordination, and capacity
strengthening.

Critical gaps in One Health implementation include:

  • databases
    and resources to support information sharing and action in line with a One
    Health approach;
  • identification
    and showcasing of best practice examples for One Health implementation;
  • mapping
    of existing initiatives and capacities for One Health research and building the next-generation One Health workforce;
  • a model for an integrated One Health surveillance system;
  • mechanisms for routine and emergency coordination with relevant stakeholders;
  • a more complete understanding of the drivers of spillover of zoonotic diseases (transmitted between animals and humans). This includes animal trade,
    agriculture, livestock farming, urbanization and habitat
    fragmentation;
  • a standardized approach for assessing risks of spillover of pathogens between different animal populations and humans, and the emergence of zoonotic diseases, including those arising in food systems; and
  • methods for identifying and reducing spillover risks and spread of zoonotic diseases in ways that minimize trade-offs and maximize co-benefits with other health and sustainable development objectives.

WHO response

WHO is integrating One Health across its units and offices,
providing strategic advice relating to policy, and conducting training at the
local, national and regional levels. The goal is stronger programmes that are
led and owned by countries.

WHO is a member of the One Health Quadripartite with the
Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Organisation for Animal
Health and the United Nations Environment Programme. Together, they have developed a One Health Joint Plan of Action that includes a set of activities
that the 4 organizations can do together, including working with political leaders to establish the needed infrastructure and funding.

WHO is the secretariat for the One Health High-Level Expert
Panel (OHHLEP), which provides scientific advice to the Quadripartite partners on One Health priority setting, policies and strategies. This includes recommendations on good practice guidelines, a model One Health Surveillance
System, a comprehensive list of upstream drivers of zoonotic disease spillover and recommendations to mitigate these risks.

REFERENCE/SOURCE:

https://www.who.int/health-topics/one-health#tab=tab_1

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/one-health

Gender Based Violence, SDGS

STAKEHOLDERS PUSH BACK AGAINST NIGERIAN SENATE: ‘AMEND, DON’T REPEAL’ VAPP ACT 2015

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By Ejiro Umukoro

. . . The current VAPP Act 2015 is sufficient. What it requires is an amendment, not a repeal as more stakeholders reject Senator’s Jibrin Isah’s bill to repeal the VAPP Act in the FCT.

In a shocking move, the Nigerian Senate has secretly initiated the repeal of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, a bill passed in 2015 to protect marginalized female folks in society. Stakeholders have unanimously condemned this move, citing suspicious motives and a lack of transparency.

The VAPP Act was introduced by the Goodluck Jonathan administration’s four days to the end of his tenure in office before he handed over to President Buhari in 2015 to provide support and justice for victims of violence. However, the current repeal effort has raised concerns among stakeholders, who argue that the bill’s flaws can be addressed through amendments rather than a complete repeal.

During an emergency meeting organised by Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) in collaboration with members of the civil society, non-governmental organizations and the media, including Womanifesto, Techher and LightRay! Media criticized the secrecy surrounding the repeal, questioning the motives behind it.

Hassana Maina, the Lead at Anti-Sexual Violence Lead Support Initiative, (ASVIOL) asked, “Why the secrecy in repealing the VAAP Act? And why are they repealing the bill?” She also questioned the unwillingness of Senator Jibrin Isah’s in engaging members of the civil society, especially women-led organisations who are directly affected by the VAPP Act. She cautioned against the speedy attempt by the law-making institution that refused stakeholders input from across the country in the passage of the Repeal of VAPP Act when there are sufficient data and case studies to prove the efficiency of the VAPP Act 2015 since its passage by the 9th assembly.

The stakeholders identified several issues with the original VAPP Act, including hurried passage, defects in the law, wrong references to the constitution, low fine fees for offenders, etc., they however, emphasized that these issues can be addressed through amendments rather than a repeal.

Dorothy Njemanze, ED, Dorothy Njemanze Foundation raised concern on the increase of the number of women who are the recipients of violence on a daily basis, adding that outstanding court cases will be threatened if VAPP Act is repealed as issues of public spaces are already defined, emphasing that there is no justification for revocation or annulment of the existing act.

An analysis of the proposed repeal bill revealed significant differences from the original VAPP Act, including:

Renaming of the Act
Introduction of gender-neutral language
Provisions inimical to the Act’s objectives
Stakeholders argued that these changes undermine the Act’s purpose and protections for women.

Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Executive Director, (WARDC), emphasized that the VAPP Act is already operative in the FCT and 36 states, and repealing it would negate its successes. She therefore called for a section-by-section analysis of the law to identify areas for improvement. However, she emphasised that existing VAPP Act that has been domesticated in other states in Nigeria are not affected by the current bill for a repeal of the VAPP. She clarified that the VAPP Act Repeal is strictly for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, exclusive of other states. “We need everyone to have this clarity. The VAPP Act Repeal is for the FCT in Abuja, and not across other states in Nigeria.”

Dr Kemi DaSilva, ED, Women At Risk Foundation (WARIF) agrees with Dr. Afolabi-Akiode on current content of the VAPP Act as being sufficient enough requiring line-by-line analysis for an amendment, but not a repeal, as this is tantamount to throwing away the baby and the bath water. She explains: “We are pushing back.
VAPP Act needs review, no doubt, but beyond emotional reaction, based on the historical aspect of the past, we need to focus on specific areas already highlighted and see where amendments are needed”, she emphasised.

It would be noted that since 2015 to 2024, there has been high number of domestication violence across states, and especially more so since the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown till date.

The Moderator of the VAPP Act analysis, Lady Ejiro Umukoro, ED LightRay! Media, called on the need to have legislative aides working with senators and house of representatives be properly trained on how to write draft title of bills, language used in the content of bills, ans how to engage stakeholders and their input into lawmaking. While she commended the addition of a more definition of what consent means, she buttressed the importance of having the critical voices of women be reflected in the act that has a direct impact on women’s lives, health and survival.

Former ActionAid Nigeria Country Director, Ene Obi emphasised the need to have a follow-up stakeholders engagement with Senator Jibrin Isah from Kogi State on the need for an amendment and not a repeal as well as during the public hearing.

Other stakeholders highlighted the need for data on successful case studies under the VAPP Act, engagement with civil society, and institutional involvement in the amendment process in a more transparent and accountable manner.

In conclusion, stakeholders unanimously rejected the repeal of the VAPP Act, calling for amendments to address its flaws rather than a complete repeal. They vowed to amplify their efforts to protect the rights of marginalized female folks in society.

Media

PRESS STATEMENT BY LIGHTRAY MEDIA FOR COURAGEOUS NIGERIAN JOURNALISTS!

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By Ejiro Umukoro

LightRay! Media stands in solidarity with Nigerian journalists who courageously report on critical issues. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting a free and independent press in Nigeria, promoting investigative journalism that sheds light on important stories and fosters accountability.

As the spate against journalists is on the rise in Nigeria, the arrest of investigative journalist and pioneer Editor of BBC Pidgin Service, Adejuwon Soyinka, who was briefly detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Murtala Muhammad International Airport in Lagos on August 25, 2024, upon his return from the UK raises another layer of concern on the rights of journalists.

Following intervention by the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, Soyinka was released, but his passport remains withheld, sparking concerns about potential rights violations and the escalating intimidation of journalists in Nigeria.

We express deep concern over the ongoing erosion of press freedom in Nigeria. This year, several journalists have faced harassment, highlighting a troubling trend, including both female and male journalists: Kasarahchi Aniagolu, Segun Olatunji, Daniel Ojukwu, and
Jamil Mabai.

LightRay! Media and other press freedom advocates will continue monitoring the situation, promoting a safe and enabling environment for journalists.

We encourage the Nigerian government to uphold its constitutional obligations and international human rights commitments, ensuring a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their vital role.

1. Return Soyinka’s passport
2. Respect journalists’ rights
3. Protect press freedom

#PressFreedom #JournalistRights #Nigeria

LightRay! Media will continue to monitor developments and advocate for the protection of journalists’ rights across West Africa, promoting a culture of transparency and accountability.

Lady Ejiro Umukoro
Executive Director
LightRay! Media(LR!M)

#Health

RIVERS STATE TAKING PROACTIVE STEPS IN TACKLING MPOX EMERGENCY

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Culled from: Rivers State Ministry of Health (@MOHRiversState).

Update on Rivers State Coordinated Response to the Ongoing #Mpox Emergency by the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr @Adaeze_Oreh

“Recently, @NCDCgov, following @WHO’s declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern, stated that there are about 39 confirmed cases of Mpox across the country. Rivers State was listed amongst affected states with two confirmed cases.

➡️Mpox Overview
Mpox is a viral illness with symptoms like rashes of varying size and number, fever, body pain, and weakness. Most infected individuals recover within 2-4 weeks. However, some develop severe infections requiring hospitalization. The death rate varies widely, from 0.1% to 10%, but individual immunity plays a significant role in outcomes.

➡️Rivers State Response
The Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operations Center (@RiversPHEOC) is actively coordinating the state’s Mpox response, and key strategic interventions have been deployed across all response pillars. We currently have a comprehensive Incident Action Plan in place to guide our Mpox response.

✅Ad-hoc staff have been engaged and trained to bolster our response capacity across all the levels of health care delivery, as active surveillance will be vital for early detection and effective case management. All infection prevention and control (IPC) facility focal persons have been directed to maintain a high index of suspicion in their facilities.

✅This week active searches have commenced across all LGAs, so that the local government disease surveillance and notification officers can identify any cases that may have been missed earlier.

✅Tracking teams have been mobilised to identify, manage, and monitor both exposed contacts and exposed contacts to confirmed cases.

✅We have also recently trained key officers in surveillance, laboratory, and case management to bridge any knowledge gaps within our response chain, and community informants in all wards to swiftly identify and report potential Mpox cases. These informants are equipped to recognize symptoms, maintain a high index of suspicion, and take appropriate action when encountering suspected cases.

✅For case management, home management teams across the LGAs are available to support those on self-isolation. Infectious disease units at both @RSUTH_PH and @UpthOnline are fully equipped to handle Mpox cases requiring specialized care.

✅Guidelines for the recognition and the treatment of Mpox are being distributed across health facilities in the state.

✅Our laboratory system is actively working with the National Reference Laboratory to ensure prompt diagnosis of Mpox cases, and we are working towards upgrading our state’s PCR laboratories to enable local diagnosis, which will significantly reduce turnaround times.

✅For logistics, we are stockpiling commodities for infection prevention and control supplies for surveillance and case management at our designated isolation and treatment centers. Our state medical ambulance service is on standby for rapid patient transport between locations, and we have pre-positioned vital commodities at facilities and entry ports.

✅In collaboration with the Federal Ports Health, our surge staff are supporting with non-stigmatizing passenger screening at airports to ensure that screening procedures are conducted with respect for passenger privacy and dignity.

✅A virtual capacity-building session for all health workers in Rivers State will soon take place. This training will focus on building awareness, developing capacity for identification, and fostering a supportive environment for all health workers across the state.

✅All health facilities have been instructed to strictly adhere to existing IPC protocols – including use of personal protective equipment (PPE), isolation of suspected cases, and thorough decontamination procedures.

✅The dedicated Safe Burial Team is available to provide clear guidelines and protocols on how Mpox-infected deceased should be buried, and our team works closely with families to ensure safe burials and the protection of the uninfected, while maintaining privacy and avoiding stigma.

✅Data collection is ongoing to determine the pattern of spread, and the behavior of this ongoing Mpox strain, as research and knowledge sharing is an important response pillar just like Infection Prevention and Control, Risk Communication, Surveillance, Diagnosis, Case Management, Coordination.

✅These are the activities that the Rivers State Ministry of Health is undertaking to protect the lives of the people of Rivers State during the ongoing national Mpox emergency.”

Thank you.

Dr @Adaeze_Oreh, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Rivers State.

#Mpox2024
#MpoxAwareness
#RiversState
#Health4AllRivers

Climate Change, Media, Oil and Gas, SDGS

UNMASKING THE MONEY TRAIL, ACCOUNTABILITY ISSUES, AND REPORTAGE ON NIGERIA’S OIL AND GAS SECTOR IS THE ROLE OF NIGERIAN JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA

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By Lady Ejiro Umukoro

July 2024, marks the second year since the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was passed. Host
communities are yet to benefit from the 3% statutory allocation due to many communities.
To mark the significance of this year’s PIA and the role of journalists in demystifying the oil and
gas sector, the most shrouded industry in Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Journalists are reminded
of their role following the training and public discussion by Lady Ejiro Umukoro, the Executive
Director of LightRay! Media.

In the complex landscape of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, the role of the media has never been
more critical. As the country grapples with economic instability and socio-environmental
challenges, the need for effective and efficient reportage in this sector is paramount. Nigeria,
endowed with vast oil and gas reserves, relies heavily on this industry to fuel its economy.
However, despite its significant contributions, the sector remains marred by issues of mismanagement, corruption, and a lack of transparency. The Nigerian media, often referred to
as the Fourth Estate plays a crucial role in holding the industry accountable and ensuring that
the benefits of this natural wealth are felt by all citizens.

Lady Ejiro Umukoro, Executive Director of LightRay! Media, while delivering a lecture at the Nigerian Union of Journalists workshop in Delta, highlighted the urgent need for a paradigm shift
in how the media covers the oil and gas sector.
The workshop, titled “Repositioning the Mass Media for Effective and Efficient Reportage of Oil and Gas Industry in Modern Time,” aimed to address the pressing need for better media
coverage of the oil and gas sector, brought together journalists from across the country to discuss the challenges and opportunities in reporting on this critical industry.

Umukoro’s lecture emphasized the importance of distinguishing journalism from public relations and advertising, urging journalists to uphold the principles of truth, accountability, and civic duty. She pointed out that despite the oil and gas sector’s pivotal role in funding Nigeria’s
national budget, the media’s coverage has been inadequate, often failing to hold industry players
accountable for their actions. With 70% of revenues from crude oil reportedly not reinvested back into the country, there is a
pressing need for journalists to dig deeper, ask tougher questions, and ensure that the industry
operates transparently. In her words, she said “When 70% of money accrued from crude oil do not find their way back to the country, the media, which is the Fourth Estate, must do better to
follow the money trail to hold government accountable for the public good”, she asserted.

She made a strong case on the difference between journalism and other roles of communication
withing the media ecosystem, stating that “Journalism is not PR. PR is reputation and image management. Advertising is feasibility and sales. Nigerian journalists must learn to separate
these three,” she added. The Role and Responsibility of Journalists
Umukoro underscored the critical role of journalists in a democratic society, emphasizing their
duty to truth, facts, and accountability. “When you’re a journalist, you wear the garb of truth,
fact, unbiased reporting, accountability, solutions, and civic intelligence empowerment,” she
stated.

She disapproved the Nigerian media’s performance in the oil and gas sector, pointing out the lack of transparency and the resulting negative public perception. “The NNPCL, Chevron, Shell,
and other entities in the sector are seen as closed-off groups bleeding Nigeria to death while
plunging its citizens into poverty amidst vast wealth,” she stated.

According to Umukoro, journalists must embrace their role as truth-tellers, upholding principles of accountability, civic intelligence, and public good. She criticized the media’s performance in its failure to adequately cover and report on the oil and gas sector, highlighting the lack of
transparency and closed nature of the industry.
“We have enough data from within governments and businesses within this space that proves
the sector is the most closed off. This shouldn’t be, especially in a democracy,” she stated.

Journalists have a pivotal role in the oil and gas industry, acting as watchdogs, educators, and
advocates for transparency and accountability. In a sector that significantly influences Nigeria’s
economy, their responsibilities are multifaceted and crucial for fostering a well-informed public
and ensuring ethical practices within the industry.
Journalists must act as watchdogs, scrutinizing the activities of oil and gas companies and
government entities involved in the sector. This includes investigating and reporting on issues
such as mismanagement, corruption, and environmental degradation. By holding these entities accountable, journalists help ensure that the wealth generated from Nigeria’s natural resources
is managed responsibly and benefits the wider population.

A critical role of journalists is to educate and inform the public about the complexities of the oil and the gas industry. This involves breaking down technical jargon and presenting information in an
accessible, digestible, and shareable format that requires a unique set of storytelling to make reports on the oil and gas sector go viral to create citizens’ engagement and better transparency.
Journalists should provide comprehensive coverage of policies, laws, and industry practices,
enabling citizens to make informed opinions and decisions.

Economic Context and Challenges

Highlighting the economic implications, Umukoro explained that oil and gas revenues
significantly fund Nigeria’s budget. However, mismanagement and lack of reinvestment hinder
the country’s growth.
“Despite choosing democracy, which demands transparency and accountability, we see a lack of
open data and public access to information,” she remarked. This secrecy contributes to the negative perception of the oil and gas sector and undermines public trust. The country, blessed with abundant natural resources, relies heavily on the oil and gas sector, which accounts for about 90% of its export revenues and over 60% of government income according to research.

This financial dependency underscores the sector’s critical role in shaping the country’s
economic stability and growth.
The substantial revenue generated from oil and gas is intended to support various facets of
national development, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social services.

However, Umukoro pointed out that these funds often do not translate into tangible
improvements in these areas. The core issue lies in the systemic mismanagement and
misallocation of resources, where significant portions of oil revenues are lost to corruption and
inefficiency.

Mismanagement and Lack of Reinvestment
Umukoro emphasized that despite the enormous potential of oil and gas revenues to drive
economic growth, Nigeria faces persistent challenges due to the sector’s mismanagement.
Instead of reinvesting profits back into the economy to foster development, a large chunk of
these revenues are siphoned off through corrupt practices and unaccountable governance. This
diversion of funds results in a lack of reinvestment in critical infrastructure and services that
could propel the country forward.

For instance, the country’s refineries do not operate and are below capacity, necessitating the
import of refined petroleum products, which drains the economy further Additionally, the infrastructure within the oil-producing regions, such as roads, schools, and
hospitals, remains underdeveloped, exacerbating the disparity between the wealth generated by
the sector and the living conditions of the local populace.

Transparency and Public Trust

“Despite choosing democracy, which demands transparency and accountability, we see a lack of
open data and public access to information,” Umukoro remarked. This lack of transparency has
been a significant impediment to public trust.
In a democratic system, the public expects and deserves access to information about how
national resources are managed and utilized. However, the oil and gas sector in Nigeria is
notoriously opaque, with limited disclosure of financial transactions, contracts, and revenue
allocations.

This secrecy fuels public suspicion and perpetuates a negative perception of the sector. Citizens
often feel disconnected from the wealth generated by their country’s natural resources, leading
to disillusionment and scepticism about the benefits of the oil and gas industry.

The perception of the sector as a “closed-off group bleeding Nigeria to death” while ordinary
Nigerians struggle with poverty as a direct consequence of this lack of transparency.

Impact on Economic Growth and Development

The mismanagement and opacity in the oil and gas sector have broader implications for Nigeria’s
economic growth and development. When revenues are not reinvested effectively, it hampers
the country’s ability to build a diversified and resilient economy.
The over-reliance on oil and gas revenues makes Nigeria vulnerable to global oil price
fluctuations, which can lead to economic instability. Furthermore, the failure to invest in other critical sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, limits job creation and
sustainable economic development.

Environmental Journalism and Solutions

Umukoro delineated the various niches within environmental journalism, stressing the need for
comprehensive coverage of issues such as pollution, health impacts, and community effects.
She advocated for solutions journalism, which focuses on stories that drive positive change. “We
are not here to create false narratives. We are here to collaborate and work together for the
good of Nigeria,” she emphasized. She outlined key areas of focus:

• Climate: Pollution, weather impacts.
• Conservation: Deforestation, wildlife, water crises.
• Oil and Gas: Health and reproductive impacts, climate implications, pollution, host
communities, corporate social responsibility (CSR), policies, laws, and the impact on flora, fauna,
and tourism

A case study from Umukoro’s media tour revealed a significant gap in public awareness about the
Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Despite its passage over a year ago, many Nigerians remain
unaware of its implications.
“The radio and TV audiences were clueless even though major news outlets had reported on it. The few who knew were shocked to know it’s already a year and yet not a single positive impact of the PIA can be recalled by the citizens,” she shared. This gap in awareness underscores the
need for more effective communication and engagement by the media.

Umukoro’s lecture called for urgent reforms in how the oil and gas sector is managed and
reported. She stressed the need for greater transparency, robust anti-corruption measures, and
effective reinvestment strategies to ensure that oil and gas revenues contribute meaningfully to
national development. The media has a pivotal role in advocating for these changes by providing
in-depth, investigative reporting that shines a light on the sector’s practices and holds
stakeholders accountable.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

Umukoro stressed the importance of collaboration between the media, communities, and the oil
and the gas industry. She called for increased engagement through public hearings, roundtables, and
town halls to foster understanding and accountability. “Communities and the oil and gas
industries need to think and work as a team. These are the new narratives we want to see and
read,” she advocated.
Umukoro further urged journalists to commit to higher standards of accountability and truthtelling, engaging deeply with communities to uncover impactful stories. “May 2024 be a new zest
of oil and gas reportage in Nigeria like never seen before to speak truth to power, raise the
standards of accountability, and improve the living standards across Nigeria,” she concluded.
The media plays a crucial role in fostering transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and
gas sector. Journalists are encouraged to take inspiration from this workshop and strive for
excellence in their reporting, ultimately contributing to the country’s development and
prosperity. By embracing their role as truth-tellers and public advocates, Nigerian journalists can
help bridge the gap between the industry and the public, ensuring a more transparent and
accountable sector.
Addressing these economic challenges and fostering a more transparent and accountable oil and
gas industry, Nigeria can better harness its natural resources for the benefit of all its citizens,
promoting sustainable growth and development.

Advocacy, SDGS, Youth

PRESS RELEASE ON : #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST IN NIGERIA.

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2nd August, 2024

Day 1 of the
#EndBadGovernanace Protests: Refrain from Further Aggravation!

Global Rights calls on the Nigerian government to
respect its citizens’ right to protest and desist from further aggravating
protesters across the country. It also calls on protesters to be law-abiding
and peaceful in their conduct.

We note that the first day of the
#EndBadGovernance Protest was fraught with violence both on the side of the
government and protesters, with several incidents of violence and human rights
violations. Initial reports indicate that at least 20 people are dead following the protests.

The protests, which are a manifestation of
citizens’ frustration with the government and political class’
maladministration of the country’s assets, economy, and security, began on the 1st of August 2024 and its organisers
have estimated that it may last for 10 days. economy, and security, began on the 1st of August 2024 and its organisershave estimated that it may last for 10 days.

have estimated that it may last for 10 days.

It is important to acknowledge that the
protesters are not being flippant. Nigeria is facing one of its worst
inflations, exacerbating the quality of life of more than 63% of its
population, which the nation’s Bureau of Statistics describes as being multidimensionally
poor. The inflation has aggravated the twin maladies of deprivation and
unemployment and further pushed large swaths of the population into unbearable
levels of poverty. The protests are
channels of citizens’ demand for accountability and for the fulfilment of the
government’s constitutional duty of ensuring the security and welfare of all
citizens(S14(2)(b) Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria), and
ensuring that its policies are humane (S17(2)(c) Nigerian Constitution).

The government’s range of responses to the
protests have done little to restore trust or assuage their frustrations.
Rather than listen to their demands, it has for the past few weeks invested in
a plethora of activities to gag protesters through scare tactics, obtaining
court orders barring or limiting the freedom of assembly, and supporting
counter-protests against them even before they began.

Having been notified weeks before the protests,
the failure of the government to guarantee their right to dissent only worsened
an already precarious situation. For instance, nothing justifies the use of
live bullets in Kaduna, Niger, Kano, and Borno states when restless gatherings
could have been dispersed through less violent means. The result was the
avoidable killing of protesters in these places. We also noted the unlawful
arrest of peaceful protesters in Delta,Abuja, and Lagos states, and the unjustified use of teargas to disperse
protesters in Abuja and Niger state.

Abuja, and Lagos states, and the unjustified use of teargas to disperse
protesters in Abuja and Niger state.

Abuja, and Lagos states, and the unjustified use of teargas to disperse
protesters in Abuja and Niger state.

The media, constitutionally mandated to hold the
powerful accountable, were not spared. In Lagos and Abuja, some journalists
reported being barred by security agents from accessing protesters. Several
journalists including the Chair of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Abuja
chapter, Mr. Jide Oyekunle, were harassed or detained. In some instances, their
phones and cameras were seized or destroyed.

While in most parts of the country, the protests
have been peaceful, there have been pockets of violence, with unscrupulous
elements taking advantage of the situation to loot and vandalize public
property, especially in Kano and Jigawa states.The situation in Kano degenerated into a riot, in which miscreants
destroyed public infrastructure and looted government buildings. Pockets of
protesters across the country were also aggravated by the response of law
enforcement agents to the protests, predictably inflaming an already tenuous
situation.

The situation in Kano degenerated into a riot, in which miscreants
destroyed public infrastructure and looted government buildings. Pockets of
protesters across the country were also aggravated by the response of law
enforcement agents to the protests, predictably inflaming an already tenuous
situation.

The situation in Kano degenerated into a riot, in which miscreants
destroyed public infrastructure and looted government buildings. Pockets of
protesters across the country were also aggravated by the response of law
enforcement agents to the protests, predictably inflaming an already tenuous
situation.

It is apparent to any keen observer that the
actions of the Government over the next few days will determine whether these
protests, which were intended to be peaceful, will become anarchic. The
Nigerian government will therefore be wise to change its posture and responses
to the protests. Protests are a universally recognized tool of social
engineering in a democracy. They are an expression of the freedom of
association, freedom of expression, and right to peaceful assembly. These
rights are guaranteed under Sections 39
and 40 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and in several human rights
instruments which Nigeria has ratified including Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights; and Article 11 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
Unfortunately, these rights are often glossed over when the Nigerian Government
crafts its response to protests. A similar response to the #ENDSARS protests in
2020 left at least 246 dead and at least 352 arrested. In order to navigate this
trajectory in the nation’s history without further damage to national cohesion,
it is our considered opinion that the Government must change course and adopt
the notion that even when protests become unruly and chaotic, the government’s
reaction must be
proportional and consistent with international human rights standards.

Rooted on
the foregoing, we issue the following advice to both the government and protesters:

  1. The immediate cessation of the use of fatal
    violence aimed at peaceful protesters by Nigerian security agents. The
    role of law enforcement in a democracy is not to clamp down on people
    exercising their right to dissent, but rather to ensure their peace and
    safety when they do so.
  • An immediate release of all peaceful protesters
    without preconditions.
  • Law enforcement should refrain from harassing
    or arresting the press while covering protests.
  • The police should abide by the playbook for
    protest which provides them with guidelines for respectful engagement with
    protesters.
  • Protesters should exercise their right to
    protest in a peaceful and lawful manner while being mindful of the lives
    and properties of their fellow citizens.
  • Protesters should refrain from unnecessarily
    aggravating law enforcement agents, who are only fellow citizens engaged
    in maintaining public order and peace.
  • Engender greater transparency and
    accountability in governance, and create stronger platforms for citizens
    to engage in their own governance.
  • Promote humane, pro-poor policies and urgently
    seek to address food insecurity.
  • Most importantly, rather than seek to quash
    protests, end bad governance, which is the true cause of the protests.

Global
Rights reiterates its commitment to promoting citizens’ rights to participate
in their own governance and their right to dissent. We sue all parties to
engage peacefully and respectfully. We remain committed to monitoring the
current protests and demanding accountability of all involved.

Signed by

Abiodun Baiyewu

Executive
Director

#CSOs, Capacity Building, SDGS

COMMUNIQUE AT THE 2024 SOUTH-SOUTH REGIONAL CONFERENCE FOR CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN CALABAR, NIGERIA.

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By Global Rights Nigeria

COMMUNIQUE

Issued at the 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO Operations
in Nigeria

Calabar,

Cross River State – Nigeria

Cross River State – Nigeria

Background

Global Rights in collaboration with the Community
of Practice (COP) on Civic Space Strengthening and the European

Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS convened

the 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO Operations
in Nigeria. The theme of the conference
was “Forging Partnerships for Sustainable Operational Environment for
Non-Profit Sector in Nigeria”. The hybrid event took place in Calabar, the Cross River State capital on the 27th of June
2024 with over 200 in-person

participants and over 50 virtual participants.

The conference was primarily focused on driving critical conversations among stakeholders on ways of improving the regulatory environment for
the non-profit sector in Nigeria particularly to highlight
the need for the harmonization of the CSO regulatory framework at the subnational levels to address
issues such as the multiplicity of registration requirements with different MDAs. Also, the conference

further sought to facilitate a shared understanding of the opportunities in extant laws that could enhance CSO operations at the subnational level.
The Conference reflected on efforts

to strengthen the civic space and
improve the regulatory environment in
South-South Nigeria, particularly through the project presently implemented by Global Rights in collaboration with the Community of Practice

on Civic Space Strengthening with support from the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and the
ECOWAS.

Participants at the conference:

Acknowledged
the pivotal role CSOs play in our society; agreeing that significant challenges
and overbearing standards mark the landscape in which CSOs operate in Nigeria, particularly the regulatory multiplicity and registration requirements. They agreed to leverage a multi-sectoral

stakeholder engagement approach in facilitating a model framework
for improving the regulatory environment for CSO operations in Nigeria.

Reckoned sustained support of the European Union
Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS and commended

the efforts of Global Rights

and the Community of Practice

(COP) on Civic Space
Strengthening and sustaining conversations
to promote an improved regulatory environment for CSOs in Nigeria.
Underscored the need for the harmonization of regulatory frameworks at the subnational level.
The pivotal role of the legislature in facilitating an improved regulatory environment for CSO operation in Nigeria.

Furthermore, the conference recognize

The importance of forging partnerships between the Arms of government and civil society
organizations in strengthening the ethos of democracy in Nigeria.
That the
multiplicity of registration requirements serves as a major bottleneck to the
operation of CSOs, especially at subnational levels.

The imperativeness of improving CSO regulatory framework through effective policy

and legislations
That the convergence
of processes for registration eliminates multiplicity, reducing costs
and enhancing accountability and transparency. This partnership will
further infer trust, confidence, and credibility on the State.
The imperative of co-creating regulatory framework with inputs of civil society organizations.

That the Constitutional right to freedom of association lies central to the efforts of CSOs to improve

their ability to operate in Nigeria.


●


The limitation CSOs registered at the subnational level face in accessing funds and attracting

recognition from financial institutions.


●


That CSOs in the South-South region face the particular challenge of accessing government

offices to obtain relevant documents necessary for obtaining funding.


●


The challenges

posed by inadequate resources and funding of the CSO sector.


●

The lack of institutionalized framework for
coordination of CSO interventions at the subnational level.


●


The recent and
developing practice of excluding State
and Local Government registered CSOs from access to

bank accounts and, by
implication, other financial services. This
is a result of SCUML’s decision to discontinue its
onboarding/issuing of SCUML’s certificate to State/Local Government registered CSOs.

Conference

Resolutions

Having acknowledged the value CSOs bring and the role they play in fostering democracy, promoting

social justice, driving development and facilitating social change, and recognizing the overbearing

standards and regulatory bottlenecks that hinder the effective operation of CSOs, the conference

resolved as follows:


1)


The governments including the executive, legislature, and judiciary in the south-south region

will work in harmony with the civil
society organizations to adopt a regulatory framework that allows a single MDA

to register CSOs
in the States – such a model will promote the accessibility needed for improving

the regulatory environment for CSO operations.


2)


All stakeholders including the regulators, CSOs, legislature, and donor agencies commit to drive the process of developing a model harmonization policy or law for CSO registration
requirements at the state level
with input from all relevant stakeholders which will not only enhance
the operational effectiveness and efficiency of the sector but also provide opportunity to the state government to coordinate CSOs interventions within the state better.


3)

To promote

holistic inclusion in efforts to improve the regulatory environment for CSOs including paying attention to key actors, gender,
disability and other parameters

for inclusion including

access to bank accounts and other financial services by State/Local Government

registered CSOs).

Conference

Recommendations

The Conference consequently proffered the following recommendations:


1.


A mutually beneficial relationship between the arms and three tiers of government with civil society organizations playing pivotal roles in national development.


2.


Harmonizing regulatory
compliance requirements and identifying
a unanimously agreed single body responsible for registering CSOs in the State to avoid multiplicity of registration and
regulations.


3.


Improved collaboration between the State and CSOs to foster the implementation of their
plans and programs,

including financing CSOs.


4.

Enhanced collaboration between

the State and CSOs to drive the process of developing a model

framework that would

improve the regulatory environment for CSO operations in Nigeria.


5.

Deemphasizing

the multiplicity of registration requirements within the State,

to ensure accessibility, centralization, and simpler
regulatory compliance

requirements.


6.

The legislature should

work in concert with the office of the Commissioner of Justice to propose a bill to confer body corporate to organizations registered at the state and local government
levels based on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the judicial precedent
set by the Court of Appeal and the principle of federalism operating in Nigeria.


7.


An amendment to the Constitution to remove the ambiguity of Item 32 Part 1 of the second

schedule. The focus

on Item 32 should be examined through

this lens to ensure simpler registration and regulatory requirements for CSO operations.

Conclusion

The 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment for CSO Operations

in Nigeria was a great opportunity for continued engagements between the
various arms of government, donor communities, the private sector, and Civil Society Organizations. The conference

allowed the stakeholders to define a model for facilitating enhanced

collaboration between the regulators, policy/lawmakers, and CSOs.

It is expected that if adopted, it will lessen

the burden associated

with compliance. The Conference gave all stakeholders the opportunity to discuss their concerns

and proffer sustainable
solutions to improving the regulatory framework for a
sustained CSO operational environment.

The participants at the 2024 South-South Regional Conference on Improving Regulatory Environment

for CSO Operations in Nigeria, outlined

in this communiqué the need to improve

the regulatory environment for CSO operations in Nigeria.

Conference Participants

The conference served as a
convergence point, bringing together an array of stakeholders,
including civil society organizations, government representatives
including the office of the Governor of Cross River, Office of the Chief Judge of Cross
River State, Office of the Secretary to the Cross
River State Government, Office of the First Lady of Cross River State, the Clerk of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Cross River State House Committee on Due Process, Anti-Corruption, International Donor Support,

and SDGs, Cross River
State Ministry of Women Affairs, Akwa Ibom
State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare,

Cross River State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs,

Cross River State Ministry of Social Welfare and
Development, Cross River State Ministry of International Donor Coordination, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), House of Representative Committee on Civil Society

Organizations and Development Matters, and donor agencies including the European Union Commission and Ford Foundation.

Civil Society Organizations and Networks that participated in the south-south regional conference
include:


1.


African Child Initiative


2.


African Potential Developers Initiative


3.


Arc Initiative Africa


4.


Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative


5.


Advocates of Peace, Nature and Gender Justice (APNAG)


6.


Akwamfon
Sustainable Community

Association


7.


Alive for Health and Progress Initiative


8.


Atycare Initiative


9.


A Well-informed Adolescent Initiative


10.


Sustainable Movement for Equity


11.


Basic Foundation for Socio-Economic
Development of Rural Women and Youths


12.


BenCare Foundation


13.


Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation


14.


Bestway Initiative

for Health Education and Self-sufficiency


15.


Biakwan Light Green Initiative


16.


Biodiversity Rescue Club


17.


Breaking

Barriers Against Persons with Disabilities and Women


18.


Centre for Creative

Development Strategies (CCDS)


19.


Center for Development Support Initiatives (CEDSI)


20.


Centre for Justice

Empowerment and Development


21.


Centre for Healthworks, Development and Research Initiative (CHEDRES)


22.


Centre for Peace
Education and Community

Development


23.


Child Protection

Network (CPN) Nigeria, Cross River State


24.


Citizen Community Aid and Development initiative


25.


Citizen Solution Network


26.


Civil Society National Self-Regulation Council (CNSRC)


27.


Clean Technology

Hub


28.


CLEEN Foundation


29.


Coalition

of Youth Advocates on Electioneering in Nigeria


30.


Community of Practice on Civic Space Strengthening


31.


Community Resource Development Foundation (CREDEF)


32.


COMPPART

Foundation for Justice and Peace Building


33.


Connected

Advocacy


34.


Cross River State Civil Society Network


35.


CSO Accountability and Transparency Initiative (CATI)


36.


Development Research and Synergy Initiative


37.


Ebase Sam Foundation


38.


Edem Children Foundation (ECF)


39.


Egbema

Clean and Green Initiative


40.


Emerging

Gender Plus Outreach Team (EGOT)


41.


Environmental Development Initiative (EDI)


42.


FACICP Disability Plus


43.


Fringe Voices Development Foundation


44.


Frontier

for Peace Advocacy and Governance Initiative


45.


Forther

Girls Empowerment organization


46.


Gender and Development Action


47.


Girls Power Initiative (GPI) Calabar


48.


Global Rights


49.


Go Learners


50.


Great Step Initiative


51.


Green Concern for Development


52.


Green Hands International for Health Development


53.


Greenlife Organization


54.


Green Vision for Community

Development Initiative


55.


Habitat Protection

and Sustainable Development Initiative


56.


Hazethal

Women Foundation (HWF)


57.


Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)


58.


Hope Ability

Empowerment Initiative


59.


Hope for Coastal Women Empowerment Initiative


60.


IBDN


61.


Initiative

for Community Development (ICD)


62.


Initiative for Contemporary Rights


63.


Jeksume Foundation Nigeria


64.


Justice Development

and Peace Caritas, Calabar


65.


Lawrence

Igbudu Foundation


66.


League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV)


67.


Lekah Development Foundation


68.


Lemu Charity Foundation


69.


Life Assurance

for Future Initiative


70.


Life Empowerment Foundation


71.


Lighthope

Succor Worldwide initiative


72.


Liman Iwara Foundation

(LIFO)


73.


LITE-Africa


74.

MAAG Africa


75.


Milestone

Initiative for Human Rights and Empowerment


76.

MIND Initiative


77.


Mirabel

Centre


78.


Neighbourhood Environment Watch (NEW) Foundation


79.


New Nigeria

Foundation


80.


Noble Classic


81.


Ofure Centre for Peace and Development


82.


Omoye Women and Youth Foundation


83.


Onyx Foundation Africa


84.


Panacea

for Development and Infrastructural Challenges for African Initiative (PADIC Africa)


85.


Partners For Peace in the Niger Delta


86.


Partnership

for Social and Development Initiative (P4SEDI)


87.


Peace Point Development


88.


Peace Mindset

Ambassadors


89.


Policy Alert


90.


Preventive Youths for Empowerment Network


91.


Psychomodelling Health and Wellness Initiative


92.


Quest For Growth and Development Foundation


93.


Rainbow Watch and Development Centre


94.


Rebuilders Foundation


95.


Refugee ICT Livelihood Initiative


96.


Rights Academy


97.


Rights and

Humanity Development Initiative


98.


Rubies Development Foundation


99.


Safe Space Development Foundation


100.

SBM Intelligence


101.


Search for Common Ground


102.


Spaces for Change


103.


Sterling Diamond Foundation


104.


Support for Girls Boys and Women Initiative (SUGBW)


105.


Support Persons in Trauma Initiative


106.

Surge Africa Organization 107.Sustainable Movement for Equity


108.


The Green Child International Organization


109.


Transparency Elderly Care


110.


VaccidriveNG


111.


Vitonia Lead International Foundation


112.


WANEP


113.


We the People


114.


White Ribbon Alliance

for Safe motherhood


115.


Women Assist Foundation


116.


Women Empowerment and Rights Initiative (WERI)


117.


Women for Environmental Protection and Food
Security


118.


Women in Disabilities for Innovation


119.


Women Youths and Aged Succour Foundation


120.


World Leadership Network


121.


Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center


122.


Youth for Change and Social Life Development Foundation


123.


Youth Torch
Initiative (YOTI)

Advocacy, SDGS, Youth

PRESS STATEMENT: THE RIGHT TO PEACEFUL PROTEST IN NIGERIA!

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For Immediate Release

29 July 2024

Press Statement

The
Right to Peaceful Protest: A Pillar of Democratic Governance as Constitutionally Guaranteed

Abuja,
Nigeria: In light of recent events and ongoing discussions
surrounding the appropriateness of citizens expressing their dissatisfaction
with government policies and actions, we, the undersigned civil society
organisations, are compelled to reaffirm the fundamental right of citizens to
peaceful protest as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance. This right
is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to
express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change.

Protesting is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international human rights instruments,
including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others. It allows citizens
to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively

in the democratic process.

Protests serve as
a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government
actions reflect the will and needs of the people. History has shown that
protests can lead to significant changes in government policies, processes and
practices, highlighting the power of collective action to address grievances
and promote good governance.

While
the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations, we concede that it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly without
violating the rights of others. Accordingly, we urge all parties

engaged, including protest

organisers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritise safety and the rule of law. Law enforcement
has a duty to safeguard protesters while upholding public order. Demonstrators
must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest or threaten
public safety.

Attempts to
suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use of force, or unjust
legal actions are unacceptable and counterproductive. Every protest is deemed peaceful, and if intelligence
indicates otherwise, it is the role of the appropriate government agencies to
identify such saboteurs and arrest them immediately. Arresting protest
organisers shows a lack of understanding of the enemies of the state.

We urge the
Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to uphold
the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to promptly address and
dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from these protests.

The demands
include reducing the cost of living, curbing insecurity, reducing the cost of
governance, electoral reform, judicial reform, and constitutional reform, which
are all recurring themes in Nigeria’s journey towards a healthy democracy.

We reaffirm our
commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights and stand in
solidarity with those who decided to exercise the right to peaceful protest.

We encourage all
citizens to actively participate in shaping a just and accountable society, and
we call on all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy, human
rights, and the rule of law.

Signed:

1.


21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative

2.

Accountability

Lab Nigeria

3.


Africa Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO) Uganda

4.


BudgIT Foundation

5.


Centre for Accountability and Inclusive Development (CAAID)

6.


Centre for Inclusive Social Development (CISD)

7.


Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)

8.


Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)

9.


Dataphyte Foundation

10.

DigiCivic

Initiative

11.

Enough is Enough

(EiE) Nigeria

12.

Farnnel

Women Foundation

13.

Gee Foundation

for Social Justice and Development

14.

Global Rights

15.

Health Education

and Human Rights Advocacy Initiative (HEHRAI)

16.

HIFWAC Relief

17.

Hope Behind Bars Africa

18.

Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation ( ISDF)

19.

International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC)

20.

International Press Centre (IPC)

21.

Invictus Africa

22.

Kilimanjaro Youth Foundation

23.

Media Rights Agenda (MRA)

24.

Mothers United

and Mobilised

25.

Nigeria Network

of NGOs

26.

Paradigm

Initiative (PIN)

27.

Policy Alert

28.

Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)

29.

Research

Centre for Development Action

30.

Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy

Centre (RULAAC)

31.

Sesor Empowerment Foundation

32.

TechHer NG

33.

The
Meluibe Empowerment Foundation

34.

We the People

35.

WikkiTimes

36.

Women Advocates

Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)

37.

Yiaga Africa

2

Abuja: edosao@globalrights.org; odeh@accountabilitylab.org | Lagos: edet@mediarightsagenda.org; yemi@eienigeria.org

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