By Olusegun Olanrewaju
Transparency and public accountability promoting group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has sent an urgent appeal to the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland, urging her to apply the Commonwealth Charter to hold the Federal Government to account for alleged attacks on journalists covering the #EndHunger protests and peaceful protesters in some parts of Nigeria.
In a statement yesterday by its deputy director, SERAP urged Ms Scotland to ‘’apply the Commonwealth Charter to press the Nigerian authorities to promptly, thoroughly, impartially, independently, transparently and effectively investigate reports of attacks on journalists covering the protests’ in Nigeria, and on peaceful protesters.“
SERAP also urged the Commonwealth scribe to “press the Nigerian authorities to publish the outcome of any investigation, and to hold suspected perpetrators to account and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for the affected journalists and peaceful protesters for any violations of domestic law and international standards.”
The organisation urged Scotland to press the Nigerian authorities to uphold the rights of journalists to monitor and report on protests and ensure their safety, as well as ensure that journalists are not detained, threatened, attacked or restricted when covering noteworthy events of interest to the public, such as protests.
In the ‘urgent appeal’ dated 3rd August, 2024, Louwadare stated, “The targeting of journalists with lethal or less-lethal force for doing their work is prohibited under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law and contrary to best law enforcement standards.”
Those violating such standards must be subject to accountability and disciplinary processes. The Commonwealth should take a clear stand to ensure accountability of institutions, media freedom and peaceful assembly in Nigeria.”
The appeal, copied to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, read in part: “The Nigerian authorities, over the years, have repeatedly demonstrated that they are not committed to protecting human rights.
“Respect for Commonwealth values is essential for citizens to trust Commonwealth institutions.
‘’The Commonwealth ought to take a strong stand for the protection of human rights and media freedom in Nigeria, principles which are fundamental to the Commonwealth’s integrity, functioning and effectiveness of its institutions.
“Nigerian authorities have the legal obligations to protect journalists reporting the news, including covering protests. Nigerian authorities also have an obligation to investigate and punish any violation that occurs within the framework of a public demonstration including attacks on the press.”
SERAP added, “The Commonwealth Charter and declarations recognise media freedom and the inalienable right of individuals to participate in democratic processes, in particular through peaceful exercise of their rights to freedom of expression and assembly, access to information, and media freedom, which apply both offline and online.
“Any peaceful protesters and journalists detained solely because of their exercise of the right to peaceful assembly and covering the protests should be immediately and unconditionally released.
“Law enforcement officers should only resort to force in ‘exceptional’ circumstances. Any use of force must only be the minimum amount necessary, targeted at specific individuals, and proportionate to the threat posed.
“The restrictions on the use of force including against journalists covering protests are even more important when security agents use lethal force such as firearms.”
Accod=rding to the statement, “The Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) and human rights treaties including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights contain language protecting the rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
“Nigerian authorities have the obligation to consistently promote a culture of accountability for law enforcement officials during protests. Any use of force must be investigated to determine whether the force was necessary and proportionate.
“Nigerian authorities have an obligation to investigate effectively, impartially and in a timely manner any allegation or reasonable suspicion of unlawful use of force or other violations by law enforcement officials in the context of protests.”
“The presence of journalists in protests promotes transparency and accountability and can deter the commission of such violations and abuses. To assume such a role, journalists have the right to observe, and by extension monitor, protests and to record reactions to protests by officials or other actors.
“Journalists play an essential watchdog role covering protests. Nigerian security agents have the duty to ensure the safety of journalists who are covering protests and to guarantee the right of the public to seek and receive information about these social mobilisations.
Oluwadare stated further: “Nigerian authorities must afford journalists the highest degree of protection in order for them to perform their work freely. This obligation includes both the duty to avoid the use or threat of force against journalists and to protect journalists against third party violence.
“The confiscation, seizure, and/or destruction of notes and visual or audio recording equipment of journalists without due process should be prohibited and punished.
“Even if an assembly is declared unlawful or is dispersed, that does not terminate the right of journalists to monitor protests. Nigerian authorities have a legal obligation to adequately compensate journalists for any damaged equipment.”
“According to the UN Special Rapporteurs and Human Rights Committee, the right to peaceful assembly is an individual right, not a collective right, and must be treated as such. Any isolated act of violence by some participants must not be attributed to other participants in the assembly.”
“According to our information, security agents attacked journalists and some peaceful protesters in Abuja and other parts of the country. Security agents reportedly tear gassed and shot at journalists and peaceful protesters, chasing and shooting at fleeing journalists.
“According to reports, bullets pierced a Premium Times reporter’s car conveying journalists out of the location at three different locations in Abuja. Journalists inside the car shot by security agents are those of The PUNCH, The Cable, Premium Times, and Peoples Gazette.
“Also, a commuter vehicle’s glass was reportedly shattered with bullets. These journalists visibly identified themselves as press. Security agents also reportedly arrested a freelance journalist, Ayoola Babalola and some peaceful protesters in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Saturday.
“Over 50 journalists have been reportedly arrested simply for covering the protests.” Journalist Abdulqudus Ogundapo reportedly said he was scared for his safety when caught in the gunfire.
“On Thursday, some law enforcement officials reportedly abducted and carted away the camera and phones of The PUNCH photojournalist, Kayode Jaiyeola. On Friday in the Federal Capital Territory, police officers reportedly fired teargas at journalists covering the protest at the Berger roundabout.
“In Borno State, nine Radio Ndarason Internationale staff members were reportedly arrested by security officials in Maiduguri as they were covering the protests.”
Livestock Devt Ministry has potentials to generate over N33trn yearly to Nigeria’s economy — Stakeholders
By Anthony Otaru, Abuja
Stakeholders in the Agricultural sector have applauded the recent creation of the Livestock Development Ministry announced by President Bola Ahmed Tibubu with every hope that the subsector is capable of generating over N33 trillion yearly to nation’s economy.
They said, apart from the expected revenues, the subsector is estimated to contribute no less than 17 per cent to Agricultural Gross Domestic Products [AGDP] and 5 per cent to the nation’s GDP and creating massive employment for the citizens.
Recall that President Tinubu made the announcement at the State House, Abuja while inaugurating the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee he personally chaired to workout modalities for its effective take-off that will catapult the nation’s economy to support crude oil sales put at over 70 percent revenues to national purse.
Findings from B -Fortune Business Insight Report indicates that the global beef market size is valued at $436,60 billion in 2022and is projected to grow from $459,87 billion in 2024 to $656,44 billion by 2032 exhibiting a CAGR of 5.52 percent during the forecast period ,even as the export value of milk market is projected to amount to $6,5 billion in 2024 .an annual growth rate of 10.94 percent is expected [CAGR 2024-2029].
The report also shows that North America command the beef market with a market share value of 39,08percent in 2023.
However, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures shows that Nigeria currently, produces between 560,000 and 570,000 tones of fresh milk annually as against the expected industry and domestic consumption and market demand of 1.7 million tones livelihood and human sustainability
Although a Directorate of Livestock already resides with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, stakeholders say, it has remained redundant in taking care of the numerous challenges of poor funding, inadequate staff , lack of clear-cut policy direction, all of which, has made the subsector failed to meet the yearnings of the people.
A former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe in his last message to the inauguration of Edo State Chapter of Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN), said that apart from its ability to generate over N33 trillion yearly, the live stock subsector remains vital to the socio-economic development of the country and it represents an important source of high-quality animal protein.
He stressed, “It provides about 36.5 percent of total protein intake by Nigerians, generate employment, income and earns foreign exchange for the country’’
According to him, the creation of a full-fledged ministry for the sector will further boost and empower the country in all ramifications.
Also, a Senior Staff at the Livestock Department, Federal Ministry Are 11, Abuja (name withheld), who spoke with ThisNigeria on the subject matter explained that the news came as a surprise to all the personnel in the department.
‘’I must tell you, we are all excited, I do believe all the challenges of poor funding, late release of project funds, staff shortages, unnecessary interference from the National Assembly on what we do and what we ought not do have come to an end,’’ he said.
Speaking from his end, the National Secretary of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria [AFAN], Dr, Yinusa Ali said, ‘’We at (AFAN appreciates President Tinubu for the step so far, it is expected that going forward, job seekers will have opportunity to be engaged .
Ali however, said ‘’The point is, Nigerians wants to know and understand the objectives for creating the ministry , like the ministry of Niger Delta that was created because of the militancy in that region but if its objective is to solve the problems of farmers/herders clash, that will be fine. Like I said some days ago, who are the people that will run the ministry in the first instance? Who are the target audience, are they the crop farmers or the livestock farmers because both farmers are under AFAN, now, can this ministry solve the problems of the two groups? Please government should not create any ministry that will further exacerbate the problems already on ground, It will also be ridiculous to bring people outside the sector to manage the ministry, this is to avoid unnecessary rifts’’
‘’My advice to government is to find lasting solution to the grazing of animals from one end of the country to another, herders should be compelled to embrace ranching, this will put a stop to frequent clashes, government should collaborate with the ECOWAS leaders in view of finding solutions to the clashes because these cattle comes from far away Niger, Mali Cameroon among other far countries to enjoy the rich vegetation following abundant water supply from rivers Niger and Benue along the belt during the dry season, government can also put in place necessary laws prohibiting open grazing, this will go a long way to curb the menace of herders/farmers clash’’.
In his contributions, a Professor of economics, Sheriffdeen Tella described the creation of the ministry as unnecessary as it will further aggravate cost of governance .
The renowned Professor of Economists from the Olabisi Onabanjo University Agon-Iwonye told ThisNigeria that a ‘’Specialized Development Agency’’ headed by a Director who is a specialist in that aspect of Agriculture would have been sufficient.
On his part, a former Director of Communications, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Alphonsus Okorafor, warned that the sudden announcement made by the Tinubu administration is another hasty,ill-advised decision which is bound to fail woefully as a solution to the almost intractable problems of farmers /herders clashes and all the other problems associated with the management of Livestock development in Nigeria lingers.
