News Editor (Ag), Stanley Onyekwere NHRC unveils toll free number for complaints

By Albert Akota

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched the ‘Human Rights Situation Room’ ahead of the Saturday, February 25, Presidential and parliamentary elections.

The NHRC gave out a toll-free number of 08006472428 and short code 6472 with which the general public can report cases of Human Rights abuses, including obstruction of access to vote centres and be voted for as well as gender-based violence among other infractions.

Addressing the media, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu (SAN) said the situation room will help them monitor all human rights related cases before, during and after the elections.

The NHRC scribe said by launching the Situation Room, the Commission is set to take advantage of its wide reach in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to monitor the 2023 general elections

Elections: NCC denies planned shutdown of telecom networks

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says all fraudulent messages on network shut down in the country should be ignored.

The NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr Reuben Muoka, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Muoka said the NCC’s attention was drawn to fraudulent and misleading information circulating in some social media platforms.

He said that the platforms insinuated there was a planned shutdown of all telecom networks and relevant ICT Units, including online transfer facilities of the banks, with effect from today, Feb. 23.

“The Nigerian public, consumers of telecommunications services, and all bank customers are advised to ignore these or similar messages that insinuate deliberate network shutdown or disruption of services in the Nigerian telecom network.

“These malicious and subversive messages originated and are being circulated by fraudsters and unscrupulous elements in the society with the intent to cause chaos and panic among the populace.”

He said that the Commission had received unequivocal assurances from all the service providers to the effect that all network services were currently in optimal performance.

“No network will witness any deliberate shutdown or disruptions, especially at this very crucial period of general elections in the country,” he said.

He assured all users of telecommunications and banking services utilising network facilities continued optimal service delivery before, during, and after the general elections in Nigeria. (NAN) from the presidential down to the state assembly.

According to him, Free and Fair Elections are key tenets of a democratic system of governance.

The right to participate in the governance process including the right to vote and to stand for elections is central to a democracy.

He added, the fulfilment and enjoyment of human rights are critical cannons of a properly functioning democratic system as a thriving democracy provides an enabling environment for human rights to thrive.

“Human Rights Situation Room will be a hub inside the Commission where the Commission plans to take advantage of its wide reach by having offices in the 36 states of Nigeria to monitor the conduct of elections immediately before, during and after the elections. In doing this, the Commission is acting in line with its mandate as stated in Sections (a)(b)(j) of the NHRC Act of 2010 as amended.

2023 polls: EU condemns violent attacks, wants culprits punished

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission to Nigeria 2023 has condemned violence leading up to Election Day in particular the recent assassination, and urges authorities to hold those responsible to account.

In a statement released in Abuja Friday by EU EOM Chief Observer, Barry Andrews calls on all electoral stakeholders to engage in a manner that reflects the spirit of the Peace Accord signed on 22 February – on election day and in the days that follow as votes are counted and tabulated, and results are announced.

Furthermore, he urges security agencies to fulfill their responsibilities and ensure an enabling environment for peaceful elections.

According to the statement, “The EU EOM has been following the preparations for the 25 February general elections, including the just concluded campaign activities and the conduct of political parties and candidates as well as other stakeholders.

“Any concerns about the conduct of the elections or its outcome should be channeled through designated election tribunals and courts as provided for in the laws of Nigeria.

“The EU EOM will continue to observe the electoral process, including the transparency of the election administration, the impartiality of security agencies, and the independence of the judiciary.

“The EU Election Observation Mission has been deployed by the European Union upon an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”