Category: International News

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) joins the nation in solemnly commemorating this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, paying heartfelt tribute to the gallant men and women who sacrificed their lives for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and sovereignty.

In a statement signed by CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the Centre called on the government and all stakeholders to demonstrate a lasting commitment to honoring the sacrifices of these heroes. This includes ensuring that the entitlements due to their families are paid without delay and implementing sustainable support structures for their dependents.

“While we celebrate the courage and selflessness of our fallen heroes, it is essential to go beyond symbolic gestures. Their families, who continue to bear the burden of their loss, deserve tangible support and recognition. It is not only a national duty but a moral imperative to ensure these families are cared for with dignity and respect,” Comrade Rafsanjani stated.

CISLAC urges the government to adopt a proactive approach in addressing the welfare of families of fallen heroes, emphasizing the following actions:

1. Timely Payment of Entitlements: The government must prioritize the prompt payment of benefits and pensions to the families of deceased service members. Delayed payments exacerbate the grief and hardship faced by these families.

2. Empowerment Programs for Widows: Comprehensive empowerment initiatives should be implemented to equip widows with the skills and resources necessary to become self-reliant. This can include vocational training, grants, and access to small-scale business opportunities.

3. Educational Support for Children: CISLAC advocates for scholarships and educational support programs to ensure that the children of fallen heroes have access to quality education and opportunities to build a brighter future.

4. National Recognition and Inclusion: The families of fallen heroes should be held in high esteem, receiving national recognition for their sacrifices. They should also be included in programs that celebrate their contributions to the nation’s stability and security.

5. Collaboration with Civil Society: CISLAC calls for stronger collaboration between civil society organizations and the government to develop and monitor policies aimed at improving the welfare of the families of fallen service members.

“Our fallen heroes have paid the ultimate price for the peace and security we enjoy today. Their sacrifices must not go unrecognized, and their families must not be forgotten. Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a call to action for us all to uphold the legacy of these brave men and women by supporting their loved ones in every possible way,” Comrade Musa concluded.

CISLAC remains committed to advocating for policies that ensure the welfare of those who have sacrificed for Nigeria’s unity and security. As we honor our fallen heroes today, let us collectively pledge to support their families and uphold their legacy. Signed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani Executive Director Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)

A coalition of 67 civil society organizations (CSOs) has strongly condemned the harassment, intimidation, and threats against Amnesty International Nigeria by the Nigerian Police Force, calling on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immediately halt the crackdown on human rights defenders, activists, and journalists in the country.

In a joint statement released on Monday, the CSOs expressed deep concern over a letter dated January 6, 2025, in which the police threatened Amnesty International with legal action following the organization’s report, “Nigeria: Bloody August: Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests.”

According to the statement, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had previously reported that 27 protesters were killed by the police, and approximately 800 individuals were arrested during the August 2024 protests. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, also disclosed that 22 protesters were killed and over 2,000 arrested nationwide. Many protesters remain in detention without charges or trial.

The coalition criticized the government for failing to investigate the alleged human rights violations and abuses, including killings and unlawful detentions, and instead targeting Amnesty International for its work in documenting these atrocities.

“This harassment of Amnesty International reflects a disturbing pattern of repression against civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and journalists. The escalating crackdown undermines the civic space in Nigeria and infringes on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association,” the statement read.

The groups reminded the Tinubu administration of Nigeria’s obligations under the 1999 Constitution and international treaties, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. They called for the protection of civil liberties and the creation of an enabling environment for CSOs and human rights defenders to carry out their work without fear of reprisals.

The statement urged the Tinubu government to:
1. Direct the police to cease all forms of intimidation and harassment against Amnesty International.
2. Investigate the human rights abuses reported during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
3. Ensure justice and adequate compensation for victims and their families.
4. Respect the rule of law and human rights in all dealings with activists, journalists, and CSOs.

The coalition reaffirmed its solidarity with Amnesty International, emphasizing that the intimidation it faces is part of a broader crackdown on dissent and human rights advocacy in Nigeria.

The statement was signed by notable organizations, including Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), BudgIT Foundation, CLEEN Foundation, Amnesty International Nigeria, and Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), among others.

This latest development adds to growing concerns over the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, as activists and organizations face increasing challenges in their efforts to hold the government accountable for human rights violations.

In a bold operation aimed at ensuring maritime security, the Nigerian Navy (NN), under Operation DELTA SANITY II, has dismantled a pirates’ and kidnappers’ camp in Fununu community, Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The raid, conducted on Saturday, January 11, 2025, resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a significant cache of weapons and equipment.

This operation follows the December 30, 2024, launch of Operation DELTA SANITY II by the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, in Rivers State. The initiative aims to tackle maritime crimes and enhance security in Nigeria’s coastal areas.

During the raid, the suspected criminals engaged Navy personnel in a 30-minute gun battle but were overwhelmed by the Navy’s superior firepower. While many of the criminals fled with gunshot wounds, two suspects—a male and a female—were apprehended at the scene.

Recovered items from the hideout include:
– One AK-56 assault rifle
– Three locally fabricated guns
– Five pump-action guns
– One foreign double-barrel gun
– 68 rounds of 7.62/39mm ammunition
– Six rounds of 7.62/51mm NATO ammunition
– 25 shotgun cartridges
– Four empty AK rifle magazines
– N11,500 in cash
– Several personal items, including ID cards, phones, and SIM cards

The operation is part of the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing efforts to rid the maritime domain of criminal elements. Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff, emphasized the Navy’s commitment to eradicating piracy and other illegal activities in Nigeria’s waterways.

The success of this raid underscores the effectiveness of Operation DELTA SANITY II and highlights the Navy’s role in fostering maritime safety and supporting the nation’s economic growth. The public is encouraged to support these efforts and report suspicious activities to authorities.

The Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its mission to secure the nation’s waterways and ensure a safe environment for legitimate maritime activities.

The renowned scholar, revolutionary activist and feminist, Prof. Bene Madunagu, 77, who died last year will be laid to rest on January 17, the funeral planning committee has announced.

The distinguished professor passed on November 26 at the Madunagu residence in Calabar, Cross River State.

Announcing details of her burial arrangement in a statement on Monday, Prof. Biodun Jeyifo, said the Funeral Planning Committee noted that the service will be preceded by a celebration of her life on January 16, 2025.

“This event will feature a feminist forum, a funeral conference, cultural performances, and tributes from comrades, friends, and well-wishers, all reflecting her significant contributions to Nigeria’s intellectual and social movements,” he said.

Born Benedicta Afangide on March 21, 1947, in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Professor Madunagu was the daughter of Chief Michael Afangide and Madam Angelica Afangide.
She received her education at the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan before becoming an assistant lecturer at the former.

In 1976, she moved to the University of Calabar, where she became a Professor of Botany and a revered mentor to generations of students.

Madunagu’s legacy is also deeply tied to her activism. In 1978, she and her husband, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, were dismissed from their academic positions during a nationwide student protest against the commercialisation of education under the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo.

The protest, known as “Ali Must Go,” led to widespread student unrest and eventually the reinstatement of the Madunagus and other affected scholars under the government of President Shehu Shagari.

Throughout her career, Professor Madunagu was a prominent member of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), where she made history as the first female chairperson of the University of Calabar branch.

She was also an active member of several scientific organisations, including the Botanical Society of Nigeria, the Science Association of Nigeria, and the Association of African Women for Research and Development.

Her commitment to progressive causes was central to her involvement in building a strong socialist and feminist movement in Nigeria.

She played a key role in the establishment of Women in Nigeria (WIN) and served as the Chairperson of the Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI), an organisation focused on the health and empowerment of girls and women.

Throughout her life, Professor Madunagu received numerous accolades, including the “Erudite Scholar and Advocate of Equality and Girl Child Rights” award from Cross River State in 2005, as well as recognition from the Centre for Reproductive Rights at the University of California.

She was also a Fellow of the prestigious MacArthur Foundation.
Professor Madunagu is survived by her husband, Comrade Edwin Madunagu, their children – Mrs. Unoma Madunagu-Agrinya, Ikenna Madunagu, and Michael Madunagu – and countless comrades within the Nigerian Left.

The funeral planning committee, led by Prof. Biodun Jeyifo, invites all those whose lives were touched by her legacy to join in celebrating her life’s work and contributions.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has commended the United States government for repatriating $52.88 million in assets linked to Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke. The organization also praised the collaboration between the Nigerian and US governments, describing the milestone as a significant victory in the fight against corruption.

In a statement released by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC urged the Federal Government to ensure the transparent and accountable utilization of the recovered funds. Rafsanjani emphasized the need for these funds to be directed toward development projects that directly benefit the Nigerian populace.

“According to the Minister of Justice, the majority of the funds will be allocated to rural electrification projects through the World Bank,” Rafsanjani stated. “However, more details are needed about how these funds will be managed. Will government agencies play a role, and how much will genuinely reach the citizens?”

He expressed concerns about the proposed 2025 budget, which allocates substantial sums to what he described as frivolous expenses, including luxury cars. Rafsanjani noted that such allocations fail to reflect Nigeria’s economic challenges and the urgent need to address widespread hunger.

CISLAC called for adherence to the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022 to ensure openness in managing recovered assets. The organization underscored that transparent and impactful use of the funds would restore public trust in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.

Rafsanjani warned against the potential re-looting of recovered assets, urging the government to end the era of mismanagement. “If these funds are not used transparently for the benefit of Nigerians, public confidence will erode, and suspicions of re-looting will emerge,” he cautioned.

CISLAC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the recovery of looted assets and their proper utilization for national development. Rafsanjani highlighted the organization’s global advocacy efforts in achieving this recovery and pledged continued support for initiatives promoting justice, accountability, and socio-economic progress.

The organization also urged the government to pursue other pending asset recovery cases and to ensure that all proceeds are channeled toward improving the lives of Nigerians.