Metro

Nigerian advocacy group SERAP sues electoral body over failure to prosecute electoral offenders

Published

1 month ago

October 27, 2024

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Chairman of the Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, over his failure to investigate allegations of electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections, identifying suspected perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensuring their effective prosecution.

In a statement on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the advocacy organization stated that despite a court order by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on 18 July 2024, INEC has failed to implement the judgement.

According to SERAP, Justice Egwuatu in his ruling, had directed the electoral body to pursue cases of bribery against state governors and their deputies, as well as other electoral offences committed during the 2023 general elections

It noted that the judge also tasked INEC “to seek the appointment of independent counsel to investigate allegations of electoral offences, including bribery, vote-buying, conspiracy, and undue influence against state governors and their deputies during the 2023 general elections,” among others.

“Take notice that unless you obey the orders contained in the judgement of 18 July 2024, made by Justice Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/583/2023, a copy of which is hereto attached, you will be guilty of contempt of court and liable to be committed to prison,” SERAP stated in it’s notice to the electoral commission.

It also warned that it was unacceptable for INEC to ignore or fail to abide by court orders, adding that Nigeria was being mocked for its recurring cases of electoral bribery and violence.

“It’s unacceptable to treat the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, with disdain. A democratic state based on the rule of law cannot exist or function if INEC and its chairman routinely ignore and/or fail to abide by court orders. Despite the service of the certified true copy of the judgement on INEC and Professor Yakubu, they have failed and/or refused to obey it.

“The recurring cases of electoral bribery and violence mock Nigeria’s electoral process and participatory democracy. The latest allegations of electoral offences in Edo State show that INEC has learnt little or nothing from the well-documented problems of the 2023 general elections.

“The substance of SERAP’s grievance is the violence associated with elections in Nigeria, which tends to prevent citizens from exercising their franchise, thereby obstructing credible elections and, in the long run, credible leadership.

“There is no gainsaying that electoral violence and related crimes during elections in Nigeria are a major impediment to the country’s democratic and economic development. As citizens of this country, SERAP and its members have a legal interest whose enjoyment or enforcement depends on the performance of public duty by INEC.”

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Metro

Zambian Police thwart attempt to traffic 13 Ethiopians in Lusaka

Published

2 hours ago

December 3, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A human trafficking syndicate has been busted by the Zambian Police while attempting to traffic 13 Ethiopian nationals en route to South Africa.

The National Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, who revealed this in a statement on Monday, said the police intercepted the operation in Lusaka during routine patrol.

Hamoonga said officers from the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Police Station set up a screening point at Hellensdale Junction, near Kalimba Farms, and stopped a suspicious vehicle with registration number ABF 4650 with fully tinted windows and a red number plate painted black which drew suspicion by the patrol team.

The police spokesman said upon inspection, officers discovered individuals lying on top of one another inside the van.

“When questioned, the driver and two accomplices abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Although officers pursued them, they escaped into a nearby farm,” Hamoonga said.

He added that inside the vehicle, police found 13 Ethiopian men who appeared frail and weak.

“Preliminary interviews revealed they had traveled from Ethiopia, passing through Kenya and Tanzania, before heading to South Africa to meet an unidentified individual.

“Reinforcements were called, and all 13 victims were taken into protective custody for further questioning.

“Two suspects, the driver Siaumpe Kaumbe and Patrick Kombe, an unlicensed driver, were later apprehended, while a third suspect remains at large,” the statement said.

“The Zambia Police Service remains committed to combatting human trafficking and ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals,” Hamoonga said and urged the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, while assuring that investigations were ongoing to dismantle the trafficking network responsible for facilitating the crime.

Metro

Nigeria seeks SA’s support for G20, BRICS membership

Published

6 hours ago

December 3, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigeria has sought the support of South Africa in its bid to attain full membership in the G20, BRICS and the BRICS New Development Bank.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who made the request at the ministerial session of the 11th Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in Cape Town on Monday, also pleaded with the South African government to support Nigeria’s bid to assume leadership roles in thematic discussions of interest under South Africa’s G20 presidency which commenced on December 1.

While delivering her speech,
Ojukwu said President Bola Tinubu, who is a member of the ad hoc mediation committee established by the African Union, had prioritised resolving crisis in Africa to foster peace and stability in Sudan and other conflict-affected parts of the continent.

‘‘We are strongly committed to seeking a resolution of the crisis in Sudan and in this guise, we seek South Africa’s support to further accelerate the peace process and to ensure that within our region, conflicts are de-escalated,” she said.

‘‘We can hope that with peace, greater progress and development can be achieved across all spheres,’’ the ambassador added.

She lauded the officials of both countries for working hard to present a draft communique facilitating amendments and submissions raised at the ministerial session of the BNC which will be presented to President Tinubu and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the presidential BNC session later on Tuesday in Cape Town.

In his response, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Roland Lamola, also affirmed that his country would amplify Africa’s voice during its G20 presidency.

“We will count on Nigeria’s wise counsel as we assume this major responsibility.

‘‘Our people expect South Africa and Nigeria, given our common roots, to continue working together and more closely in order that their conditions and prospects are improved and the quality of life enhanced,’’ Lamola said.

He further highlighted priority areas of collaboration, including trade, investment, tourism, health, education, agriculture, ICT, artificial intelligence, arts and culture, climate change, defense, and security, and stressed the importance of expediting the finalisation and implementation of outstanding agreements under the BNC framework.