SADIQ ISAH RADDA
Bayero University, Kano, SOCIOLOGY, Faculty Member
INTRODUCTION The right to life is the most basic of all rights. This is not only because of the sacredness of life but also because other fundamental human rights such as right to bail, right to association, right to fair and speedy... more
INTRODUCTION
The right to life is the most basic of all rights. This is not only because of the sacredness of life but also because other fundamental human rights such as right to bail, right to association, right to fair and speedy trial, right to personal liberty, right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, etc, can only make meaning and be enjoyed when the human being is living. Furthermore, life is noble, precious and enjoyable thereby making it a fundamental human right. Nigeria, being an ethnically and religiously diverse nation, has had numerous violent conflicts. The groups that constitute Nigeria, on getting independence for the country, were intensely competitive. As time went-by, the competition turned into agitation and apparently hatred has now come to replace competition and agitation. Consequent upon the deep seated divisions embedded in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscapes which appear to bear the toga of hatred, when conflicts erupt, they are astronomically deadly and materially costly. The mass massacre emanating from violent conflicts in Nigeria go contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is the supreme law of the land.
In this Chapter, efforts are made to examine the violation of the constitutional right to life as encapsulated in 1999 Nigeria’s Constitution vis-à-vis the recurring mass massacres that are witnessed in the country during and after conflicts. The Chapter is divided into five sections. The first section looks at the classical thought behind the establishment of governments. The second part discusses the 1999 Constitutional provisions on the right to life, while the third section examines the causes, nature and extent of violent conflicts in Nigeria. The fourth section offers some policy-related recommendations, and the fifth concludes the Chapter.
The right to life is the most basic of all rights. This is not only because of the sacredness of life but also because other fundamental human rights such as right to bail, right to association, right to fair and speedy trial, right to personal liberty, right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, etc, can only make meaning and be enjoyed when the human being is living. Furthermore, life is noble, precious and enjoyable thereby making it a fundamental human right. Nigeria, being an ethnically and religiously diverse nation, has had numerous violent conflicts. The groups that constitute Nigeria, on getting independence for the country, were intensely competitive. As time went-by, the competition turned into agitation and apparently hatred has now come to replace competition and agitation. Consequent upon the deep seated divisions embedded in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscapes which appear to bear the toga of hatred, when conflicts erupt, they are astronomically deadly and materially costly. The mass massacre emanating from violent conflicts in Nigeria go contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is the supreme law of the land.
In this Chapter, efforts are made to examine the violation of the constitutional right to life as encapsulated in 1999 Nigeria’s Constitution vis-à-vis the recurring mass massacres that are witnessed in the country during and after conflicts. The Chapter is divided into five sections. The first section looks at the classical thought behind the establishment of governments. The second part discusses the 1999 Constitutional provisions on the right to life, while the third section examines the causes, nature and extent of violent conflicts in Nigeria. The fourth section offers some policy-related recommendations, and the fifth concludes the Chapter.
INTRODUCTION The general election conducted in 2011 that saw Goodluck Ebele Joathan in power left many Nigerians angry and amused. This was because the elections were characterized by serious confusion, in-fighting, divisions, attacks on... more
INTRODUCTION
The general election conducted in 2011 that saw Goodluck Ebele Joathan in power left many Nigerians angry and amused. This was because the elections were characterized by serious confusion, in-fighting, divisions, attacks on political opponents, massive rigging, etc. The aftermath of the election was bloodbath, loss of lives, limbs and destruction of property. Furthermore, there was loss of confidence in the electoral system culminating into general apathy by the citizens. The future of free and fair elections appeared to be jeopardized thereby setting the hand of the clock backwards. This is because the 2011 elections were a huge problem especially in South-South and South-East of Nigeria.
Since then, INEC has been making efforts to engender positive changes capable of conducting credible elections. In 2014, Gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun states raised the hopes of Nigerians in choosing their leaders. As 2015 is approaching, the hopes are becoming even higher.
This paper examines the anomalies of 2011 elections and argues for free and fair elections so that Nigeria will experience more stability and progress. This is crucial because Nigeria’s problem revolves around its quality of leadership. Once the leadership question is squarely addressed and settled thereby enthroning the right people in the right positions, Nigeria’s social problems in all their ramifications would be significantly reduced.
The general election conducted in 2011 that saw Goodluck Ebele Joathan in power left many Nigerians angry and amused. This was because the elections were characterized by serious confusion, in-fighting, divisions, attacks on political opponents, massive rigging, etc. The aftermath of the election was bloodbath, loss of lives, limbs and destruction of property. Furthermore, there was loss of confidence in the electoral system culminating into general apathy by the citizens. The future of free and fair elections appeared to be jeopardized thereby setting the hand of the clock backwards. This is because the 2011 elections were a huge problem especially in South-South and South-East of Nigeria.
Since then, INEC has been making efforts to engender positive changes capable of conducting credible elections. In 2014, Gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun states raised the hopes of Nigerians in choosing their leaders. As 2015 is approaching, the hopes are becoming even higher.
This paper examines the anomalies of 2011 elections and argues for free and fair elections so that Nigeria will experience more stability and progress. This is crucial because Nigeria’s problem revolves around its quality of leadership. Once the leadership question is squarely addressed and settled thereby enthroning the right people in the right positions, Nigeria’s social problems in all their ramifications would be significantly reduced.
BACKGROUND The state of insecurity permeating every part of Nigeria is of great concern to governments, citizens and even foreigners. Nearly all facets of life are negatively affected thereby drastically reducing Nigeria’s socio-economic,... more
BACKGROUND
The state of insecurity permeating every part of Nigeria is of great concern to governments, citizens and even foreigners. Nearly all facets of life are negatively affected thereby drastically reducing Nigeria’s socio-economic, educational, political, diplomatic, etc, standing today with palpable threat to the future. Accordingly, something must be done by the government, citizens and foreign interests to the mutual benefit of all. Hence, a National Policy on Public Safety and Security for Nigeria (the Policy henceforth) is urgently needed.
Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is committed to the security, safety and welfare of citizens, and foreigners through the establishment of reasonable practices that support the creation of a safe and secure environment, promote safety through policies and programmes, provide an appropriate level of security to the population through police functions and safeguard the nation’s property and physical assets.
The Police is committed to promoting the safety and security of the members of the community within a supportive and accessible living and working environment. It is further committed to safeguarding physical resources, identifying conditions or circumstances that may pose risks to the safety and security of the nation and prepare the police to effectively respond to emergencies. This presentation covers the elements and ingredients of a policy for human security and safety dealing with police code of conduct, schedule of duties for all ranks as they enforce the law and punishment for common offences against discipline of security personnel.
The state of insecurity permeating every part of Nigeria is of great concern to governments, citizens and even foreigners. Nearly all facets of life are negatively affected thereby drastically reducing Nigeria’s socio-economic, educational, political, diplomatic, etc, standing today with palpable threat to the future. Accordingly, something must be done by the government, citizens and foreign interests to the mutual benefit of all. Hence, a National Policy on Public Safety and Security for Nigeria (the Policy henceforth) is urgently needed.
Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is committed to the security, safety and welfare of citizens, and foreigners through the establishment of reasonable practices that support the creation of a safe and secure environment, promote safety through policies and programmes, provide an appropriate level of security to the population through police functions and safeguard the nation’s property and physical assets.
The Police is committed to promoting the safety and security of the members of the community within a supportive and accessible living and working environment. It is further committed to safeguarding physical resources, identifying conditions or circumstances that may pose risks to the safety and security of the nation and prepare the police to effectively respond to emergencies. This presentation covers the elements and ingredients of a policy for human security and safety dealing with police code of conduct, schedule of duties for all ranks as they enforce the law and punishment for common offences against discipline of security personnel.
PREAMBLE The Network for Justice (NJ for short) is a Human and Consumer Rights Organization committed to the protection and promotion of human and consumer rights in Nigeria and beyond. NJ frowns at human rights wherever and by whomever.... more
PREAMBLE
The Network for Justice (NJ for short) is a Human and Consumer Rights Organization committed to the protection and promotion of human and consumer rights in Nigeria and beyond. NJ frowns at human rights wherever and by whomever. Hence, the arrest, detention and subsequent dehumanization of some 486 Nigerians by the Nigerian military in Abia State are seriously frowned at by the NJ.
The Network for Justice is not oblivious of the security situation in Nigeria. In fact, we appreciate the enormity of the challenges the military and other security operatives are facing today. We know that these are trying times for Nigeria. Yet, human dignity, human worth and human rights cannot be sacrificed on the altar of perceived generalized insecurity.
The attitude of the security operatives today which spurs them to stereo-type Northerners and Muslims as terrorists or members of Boko Haram is misplaced. This is because Northerners and Muslims are the major victims of Boko Haram in Nigeria. Also, such stereo-typing only fans the embers of disunity, hatred, malice, callous treatment, mistrust, divisions, extremism, revenge, etc, among Nigerians. Should this ugly practice continue, all Nigerians are the losers. Hence, rather than stereo-typing Northerners and Muslims, security operatives need their support and understanding to remedy the national malaise. Experience has shown (e.g. America or Westerners and Arab Terrorism and Extremism) that stereo-typing only hardens those at the receiving end and before you know it, there is an explosive situation on your hands for you to contain. This much can be gleaned from the mayhem in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Somalia, Kenya, Eastern Nigeria, etc.
REVIEW OF FACTS
The NJ reviewed the arrest, detention and subsequent release of some Nigerians travelling to Abia State from the Northern part of the country by the Nigerian military. These are labourers in search of legitimate means of livelihood totaling 486. NJ is pleased to realize that none of them died in the hands of the military, none was physically injured and they were not financially extorted. Investigations by NJ revealed that these Nigerian were detained for over ten days. Even those that went to visit and render help to them were arrested and detained.
The Network for Justice has come to the sad realization that their arrest and detention were illegal, callous and laden with unprofessionalism. In this wise, the Network for Justice has decided to pursue justice for them. This is because, as Nigerians, they were mistreated, manhandled and detained under sub-human conditions which violated their human rights. Investigation carried out by the Network for Justice shows that the males arrested and incarcerated were tortured, insulted, dehumanized and kept to sleep in places not fit for animals. There were not adequate arrangements for their feeding, accommodation, sanitation, toilet facilities, washing and changing of clothes, medical facilities, etc. Hence, they were left starving and without drinking water. Again, they were made to sleep under squalid conditions. Due to thirst, some of them had to drink their urine!! This is sad, unfortunate and unacceptable in the modern Nigeria we hope to see!! Again, detainees were callously and unreasonably made to slap one another!!! How unfortunate and unprofessional of the military!!!
Further investigation carried out by the Network for Justice shows that the detainees were denied seeing visitors that came to render logistic support to them. Again, up till the time of writing this petition, there are some innocent people that came to render logistic support to them placed under illegal and callous detention. All these and other untoward bahaviour exhibited to them represent a gross violation of their human rights as citizens of Nigeria.
OBSERVATIONS
The Network for Justice appreciates the efforts of the Kano and Jigawa State governments at securing the release of the detainees. However, the approach by the two State governments of telling their state indigenes not to travel to other parts of Nigeria simply because of other Nigerians’ illegal and callous behavior should be revisited. To Network for Justice these state governments’ approach to the matter is defeatist.
For NJ, this is the time for all Nigerians to travel far and wide for legal and legitimate businesses which will allow for forging national unity and understanding. Moreover, as Nigerians they are constitutionally empowered to travel and settle anywhere in Nigeria in pursuit of legitimate income.
Network for Justice believes that the military and other security operatives lack the required professionalism in their daily duties. Were they professional enough, the women detained would not have experienced the trauma they did.
OUR STAND
The Network for Justice seriously condemns the treatment meted out to these Nigerians by the Nigerian military in Abia State and has resolved to seek justice for them. The Network for Justice will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion and will use all legal avenues to seek justice for these people. Hence, Network for Justice calls on all stakeholders including the victims themselves to support it in this cause. It is by thoroughly dealing with this case that future ugly practices would be averted.
PRAYER
The Network for Justice prays as follows:
1. The top hierarchy of the military should carefully and objectively investigate this illegal and callous arrest and detention;
2. The top hierarchy of the military should swiftly intervene so that innocent people that came to render logistic support to the detainees that are still under illegal and callous detention are released immediately. This should be done swiftly in the interest of justice;
3. All the military personnel that mistreated these Nigerians should be disciplined accordingly;
4. The Human Rights Commission, House and Senate Committees on Human Rights, local and International NGOs should critically investigate this illegal and callous arrest and detention;
5. The 486 victims of the illegal and callous detention must be compensated financially for their physical and psychological sufferings;
6. The female detainees should be given counseling services to eliminate their terrible experience and to build a bridge of trust between them and the Nigerian military;
7. The Kano and Jigawa State Governments, the elected representatives at the Kano and Jigawa State Assembly, and the National Assembly should take up this matter and vigorously pursue justice for these victims of injustice;
8. All security operatives in Nigeria Should be made and trained to respect the Constitution and other laws of the country.
CONCLUSION
We call on all people of goodwill and wisdom within and outside Nigeria to join us in this noble fight so that nepotistic, parochial and primordial consideration in the operations of Nigeria’s security operatives do not take over the place of fairness, objectivity, justice and national integration.
We will keep you posted as events unfold and we count on your support towards just treatment of all Nigerians irrespective of religion, region and/or level of income.
Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda,
Network for Justice
1.Chieft of Defence Staff,
Defence Headquarters,
Abuja.
2.The Director General,
Department of State Service,
Abuja
3.The National Security Adviser,
State House,
Abuja
4.The Commissioner of Police,
Kano State,
Kano.
5.The Commissioner of Police,
Jigawa State,
Dutse.
6.The Director,
Department of State Service,
Kano.
7.The Director,
Department of State Service,
Kano.
8.The Director,
Department of State Service,
Jigawa.
9.The Brigade Commander,
144 Battalion,
Asa, Aba,
Abia State
10.The Commanding Officer,
14 Brigade,
Army barracks,
Ebem Ohafia,
Abia State.
11.Attorney General,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Chairman,
12.Attorney General,
Kano State
13.Attorney General,
Jigawa State
14.Attorney General,
Abia State
15.House Committee on Human Rights,
NASS, Abuja
16.The Chairman,
Senate Committee on Human Rights,
NASS, Abuja
17.All Senators and House Members (Kano and Jigawa State)
NASS, Abuja
18.Speakers of State Houses Assembly (Kano and Jigawa State),
The Chairman,
19.National Human Rights Commission,
Abuja
20.The Executive Governor
Kano State
21.The Executive Governor
Jigawa State
22.The Chairman,
Voice of NGOs,
Aminu Kano Way,
Kano.
23. Civil Liberties Organization (CLO)
24. Civil Rights Congress (C/o) Shehu Sani
25. Human Rights Watch,
26. Committee for the Defense of Human Rights
27.Foreign Embassies in Abuja
The Network for Justice (NJ for short) is a Human and Consumer Rights Organization committed to the protection and promotion of human and consumer rights in Nigeria and beyond. NJ frowns at human rights wherever and by whomever. Hence, the arrest, detention and subsequent dehumanization of some 486 Nigerians by the Nigerian military in Abia State are seriously frowned at by the NJ.
The Network for Justice is not oblivious of the security situation in Nigeria. In fact, we appreciate the enormity of the challenges the military and other security operatives are facing today. We know that these are trying times for Nigeria. Yet, human dignity, human worth and human rights cannot be sacrificed on the altar of perceived generalized insecurity.
The attitude of the security operatives today which spurs them to stereo-type Northerners and Muslims as terrorists or members of Boko Haram is misplaced. This is because Northerners and Muslims are the major victims of Boko Haram in Nigeria. Also, such stereo-typing only fans the embers of disunity, hatred, malice, callous treatment, mistrust, divisions, extremism, revenge, etc, among Nigerians. Should this ugly practice continue, all Nigerians are the losers. Hence, rather than stereo-typing Northerners and Muslims, security operatives need their support and understanding to remedy the national malaise. Experience has shown (e.g. America or Westerners and Arab Terrorism and Extremism) that stereo-typing only hardens those at the receiving end and before you know it, there is an explosive situation on your hands for you to contain. This much can be gleaned from the mayhem in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Somalia, Kenya, Eastern Nigeria, etc.
REVIEW OF FACTS
The NJ reviewed the arrest, detention and subsequent release of some Nigerians travelling to Abia State from the Northern part of the country by the Nigerian military. These are labourers in search of legitimate means of livelihood totaling 486. NJ is pleased to realize that none of them died in the hands of the military, none was physically injured and they were not financially extorted. Investigations by NJ revealed that these Nigerian were detained for over ten days. Even those that went to visit and render help to them were arrested and detained.
The Network for Justice has come to the sad realization that their arrest and detention were illegal, callous and laden with unprofessionalism. In this wise, the Network for Justice has decided to pursue justice for them. This is because, as Nigerians, they were mistreated, manhandled and detained under sub-human conditions which violated their human rights. Investigation carried out by the Network for Justice shows that the males arrested and incarcerated were tortured, insulted, dehumanized and kept to sleep in places not fit for animals. There were not adequate arrangements for their feeding, accommodation, sanitation, toilet facilities, washing and changing of clothes, medical facilities, etc. Hence, they were left starving and without drinking water. Again, they were made to sleep under squalid conditions. Due to thirst, some of them had to drink their urine!! This is sad, unfortunate and unacceptable in the modern Nigeria we hope to see!! Again, detainees were callously and unreasonably made to slap one another!!! How unfortunate and unprofessional of the military!!!
Further investigation carried out by the Network for Justice shows that the detainees were denied seeing visitors that came to render logistic support to them. Again, up till the time of writing this petition, there are some innocent people that came to render logistic support to them placed under illegal and callous detention. All these and other untoward bahaviour exhibited to them represent a gross violation of their human rights as citizens of Nigeria.
OBSERVATIONS
The Network for Justice appreciates the efforts of the Kano and Jigawa State governments at securing the release of the detainees. However, the approach by the two State governments of telling their state indigenes not to travel to other parts of Nigeria simply because of other Nigerians’ illegal and callous behavior should be revisited. To Network for Justice these state governments’ approach to the matter is defeatist.
For NJ, this is the time for all Nigerians to travel far and wide for legal and legitimate businesses which will allow for forging national unity and understanding. Moreover, as Nigerians they are constitutionally empowered to travel and settle anywhere in Nigeria in pursuit of legitimate income.
Network for Justice believes that the military and other security operatives lack the required professionalism in their daily duties. Were they professional enough, the women detained would not have experienced the trauma they did.
OUR STAND
The Network for Justice seriously condemns the treatment meted out to these Nigerians by the Nigerian military in Abia State and has resolved to seek justice for them. The Network for Justice will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion and will use all legal avenues to seek justice for these people. Hence, Network for Justice calls on all stakeholders including the victims themselves to support it in this cause. It is by thoroughly dealing with this case that future ugly practices would be averted.
PRAYER
The Network for Justice prays as follows:
1. The top hierarchy of the military should carefully and objectively investigate this illegal and callous arrest and detention;
2. The top hierarchy of the military should swiftly intervene so that innocent people that came to render logistic support to the detainees that are still under illegal and callous detention are released immediately. This should be done swiftly in the interest of justice;
3. All the military personnel that mistreated these Nigerians should be disciplined accordingly;
4. The Human Rights Commission, House and Senate Committees on Human Rights, local and International NGOs should critically investigate this illegal and callous arrest and detention;
5. The 486 victims of the illegal and callous detention must be compensated financially for their physical and psychological sufferings;
6. The female detainees should be given counseling services to eliminate their terrible experience and to build a bridge of trust between them and the Nigerian military;
7. The Kano and Jigawa State Governments, the elected representatives at the Kano and Jigawa State Assembly, and the National Assembly should take up this matter and vigorously pursue justice for these victims of injustice;
8. All security operatives in Nigeria Should be made and trained to respect the Constitution and other laws of the country.
CONCLUSION
We call on all people of goodwill and wisdom within and outside Nigeria to join us in this noble fight so that nepotistic, parochial and primordial consideration in the operations of Nigeria’s security operatives do not take over the place of fairness, objectivity, justice and national integration.
We will keep you posted as events unfold and we count on your support towards just treatment of all Nigerians irrespective of religion, region and/or level of income.
Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda,
Network for Justice
1.Chieft of Defence Staff,
Defence Headquarters,
Abuja.
2.The Director General,
Department of State Service,
Abuja
3.The National Security Adviser,
State House,
Abuja
4.The Commissioner of Police,
Kano State,
Kano.
5.The Commissioner of Police,
Jigawa State,
Dutse.
6.The Director,
Department of State Service,
Kano.
7.The Director,
Department of State Service,
Kano.
8.The Director,
Department of State Service,
Jigawa.
9.The Brigade Commander,
144 Battalion,
Asa, Aba,
Abia State
10.The Commanding Officer,
14 Brigade,
Army barracks,
Ebem Ohafia,
Abia State.
11.Attorney General,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Chairman,
12.Attorney General,
Kano State
13.Attorney General,
Jigawa State
14.Attorney General,
Abia State
15.House Committee on Human Rights,
NASS, Abuja
16.The Chairman,
Senate Committee on Human Rights,
NASS, Abuja
17.All Senators and House Members (Kano and Jigawa State)
NASS, Abuja
18.Speakers of State Houses Assembly (Kano and Jigawa State),
The Chairman,
19.National Human Rights Commission,
Abuja
20.The Executive Governor
Kano State
21.The Executive Governor
Jigawa State
22.The Chairman,
Voice of NGOs,
Aminu Kano Way,
Kano.
23. Civil Liberties Organization (CLO)
24. Civil Rights Congress (C/o) Shehu Sani
25. Human Rights Watch,
26. Committee for the Defense of Human Rights
27.Foreign Embassies in Abuja