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Biafra: Kanu’s persecution cannot be compared to Ekpa’s conviction — Lawyer

An Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has rejected the comparison between Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa. Reports emerged on Monday that a Finland court had convicted a self-acclaimed Biafran leader, Simon Ekpa. Chidera, a member of the Nnamdi Kanu global defence team, took exception to any comparison between the two agitators. This was
Biafra: Kanu’s persecution cannot be compared to Ekpa’s conviction — Lawyer

An Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has rejected the comparison between Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa.

Reports emerged on Monday that a Finland court had convicted a self-acclaimed Biafran leader, Simon Ekpa.

Chidera, a member of the Nnamdi Kanu global defence team, took exception to any comparison between the two agitators.

This was in reaction to a recent article on social media titled “From Finland to Nigeria: What Ekpa’s Conviction Teaches Us About Kanu and the Biafran Question.”

The article tends to compare the conviction of Ekpa in Finland with Kanu’s ongoing legal ordeal in Nigeria.

In a statement on Monday, the lawyer rejected the comparison, saying, “Let it be clear from the outset: this article is not journalism, it is propaganda—crafted to deceive the public and to prepare the ground for a judicial ambush against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu ahead of his next court date.”

Ekpa, who claimed to be the Prime Minister of Biafra, was convicted for terrorism-related activities.

IPOB in an earlier statement said that Ekpa would bear his burdens alone, insisting they are not concerned about his conviction.

According to Chidera, Kanu’s case is fundamentally different from that of Ekpa.

“To compare a lawful conviction abroad with an unlawful persecution at home is shameless falsehood,” he added.

Biafra: Kanu’s persecution cannot be compared to Ekpa’s conviction — Lawyer

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Nasarawa Assembly tasks Gov Sule on strengthening environmental protection agency workforce

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to urgently address the shortage of personnel in the State Environmental Protection Agency, NASEPA, stressing that the gap is weakening the agency’s capacity to deliver on its mandate. Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Hon. Mohammed Omadefu, made the appeal in Lafia
Nasarawa Assembly tasks Gov Sule on strengthening environmental protection agency workforce

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has called on Governor Abdullahi Sule to urgently address the shortage of personnel in the State Environmental Protection Agency, NASEPA, stressing that the gap is weakening the agency’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.

Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Hon. Mohammed Omadefu, made the appeal in Lafia on Monday during the agency’s appearance for its 2025 Second Quarter Budget Performance Review.

Omadefu explained that the oversight session was meant to assess how the agency had performed within the period under review.

He stated that without adequate manpower, the agency cannot operate effectively, particularly in tackling growing environmental challenges across the state.

“I strongly appeal to His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule, to prioritize closing the manpower deficit in NASEPA.

“This step is critical to boosting productivity and ensuring sustainable development of the state,” Omadefu said.

The committee chairman further assured the management of legislative support to enable them succeed in their mandate.

Earlier, the General Manager of NASEPA, Mr. Iliyasu Adeka, pointed out the core duties of the agency, which include environmental protection, public health safety, and fumigation of public and private spaces.

He, however, admitted that understaffing remains the single biggest challenge facing the agency, hampering its operations.

Also appearing before the committee was the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project team.

Project Coordinator, Dr. Elias Globe, lauded the lawmakers for their consistent support, noting that ACReSAL, funded with World Bank assistance, seeks to combat land degradation and mitigate the impact of climate change in northern Nigeria.

Globe pledged that the project would continue to roll out interventions with direct benefits to communities across Nasarawa State.

In response, Hon. Omadefu praised ACReSAL’s initiatives, describing them as “robust and people-centered interventions,” while promising closer collaboration between the Assembly and the project for its successful execution.

Nasarawa Assembly tasks Gov Sule on strengthening environmental protection agency workforce

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Simon Ekpa’s conviction has exposed Nigeria, FG should release Kanu – Lawyer

Activist lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has said the conviction of a self-acclaimed Biafra Prime Minister, Simon Ekpa, by a Finnish Court within one year has exposed the Nigerian criminal justice system. Idam said the Finnish Court has exposed Nigeria’s criminal justice system to scorn, mockery and dishonor before the international community. In a terse statement he
Simon Ekpa’s conviction has exposed Nigeria, FG should release Kanu – Lawyer

Activist lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has said the conviction of a self-acclaimed Biafra Prime Minister, Simon Ekpa, by a Finnish Court within one year has exposed the Nigerian criminal justice system.

Idam said the Finnish Court has exposed Nigeria’s criminal justice system to scorn, mockery and dishonor before the international community.

In a terse statement he signed, the lawyer said the Nigerian government should not be influenced by the court judgment but should consider releasing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

He said: “Securing a verdict in Simon Ekpa’s case in less than a year is more of interest to me than the conviction itself.

“The expeditious conclusion of Ekpa’s case by the Finnish court has exposed Nigeria’s criminal justice system to scorn, mockery and dishonor before the international community.

“Rather than gloat over the news, the government should seize the time to reflect on the practice and procedures of its criminal justice for possible improvement.

“Importantly, the Federal Government must not be influenced by the conviction but should consider the release of Mr. kanu as the best peaceable option for the southeast, especially at the moment.”

On Monday, a Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland sentenced Ekpa to six years imprisonment for terrorism offences.

Finnish authorities had on November 21, 2024 arrested Ekpa following an investigation by its National Bureau of Investigation into allegations of inciting terrorism and promoting violence through social media, activity that was believed to have contributed to unrest in southeastern Nigeria.

Ekpa was linked to terrorism activities in the Southeast.

Simon Ekpa’s conviction has exposed Nigeria, FG should release Kanu – Lawyer

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El-Rufai doesn’t understand democracy  —  Shehu Sani

Former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, has lambasted the immediate past governor of the state, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of undermining democratic values and fostering political thuggery during his tenure. The ex-senator made this statement following the blame game between El-Rufai and the Kaduna State Government over the disruption of the
El-Rufai doesn’t understand democracy  —  Shehu Sani

Former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani, has lambasted the immediate past governor of the state, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of undermining democratic values and fostering political thuggery during his tenure.

The ex-senator made this statement following the blame game between El-Rufai and the Kaduna State Government over the disruption of the inauguration of the transition committee members of the ADC coalition in the state by suspected thugs over the weekend.

Featuring on ‘Politics Tonight’, a programme on TVC on Monday, Sani said the ex-governor lacked a true understanding of democracy because he never participated in the struggle to restore it in Nigeria.

“For people like Nasir, when they found themselves in a position or office, they don’t know what democracy is all about because they didn’t fight for it.

“He’s an unknown figure before 1999 and became a PDP (member). He has never been in the cell for one. He has never been in prison. He has never worn handcuffs,” Sani said.

He also alleged that El-Rufai former fostered a culture of political violence in Kaduna during his tenure.

He further slammed El-Rufai’s leadership style, describing him as arrogant and intolerant of dissent.

El-Rufai doesn’t understand democracy  —  Shehu Sani

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Strengthen child rights awareness – UNICEF to media

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on media practitioners to amplify advocacy for child protection in Nigeria. Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief, UNICEF Field Office, Kano, made the call in his keynote address at a two-day training on Ethical Journalism and Child Rights for Media Practitioners in Northwest held in Kano. He cautioned
Strengthen child rights awareness – UNICEF to media

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on media practitioners to amplify advocacy for child protection in Nigeria.

Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief, UNICEF Field Office, Kano, made the call in his keynote address at a two-day training on Ethical Journalism and Child Rights for Media Practitioners in Northwest held in Kano.

He cautioned them to be ethical and professional, especially in reporting children’s issues in Nigeria.

According to him, “Ethical reporting builds trust and heals division, especially in nations or societies with diverse ethnicities, religions, and perspectives like Nigeria.

“The story of northwest Nigeria, especially where insecurity prevailed should not just be a chronicle of challenges, but also of resilience, community, and hope.

“The choices the media make every day on what to report, how to report it, and whom to protect— will directly shape the narrative of the region and the future of its children.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Director Child Right Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Tote Falayi said the programme is in collaboration with UNICEF.

He said the workshop is aimed at understanding the legal and ethical frameworks governing the reporting of children in Nigeria, including the Child Rights Act, identify and mitigate risks associated with reporting on children and ensuring their safety, privacy, and dignity are protected.

Strengthen child rights awareness – UNICEF to media