BREAKING: Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally free journalist Rotimi Jolayemi who is arbitrarily detained for allegedly criticising Mr Lai Mohammed, minister of information.
The authorities must probe allegations that his wife Dorca, has been ill-treated.
We'll pursue appropriate legal action if Mr Jolayemi is not immediately released.
Keeping critics locked up is illegal and unconstitutional.
Nigeria cannot claim to respect the rule of law when politicians continue to target critics and journalists for exercising their rights.
Jolayemi’s arrest is worrying but shows the increasing attacks, threats, and intimidation of journalists and independent media in Nigeria.
Attacks on journalists will continue to have a chilling effect on the exercise of the right to freedom of expression and other rights.
Nigerian officials should stop using the Cybercrime Act to stifle freedom of expression in the country.
@UN_SPExperts@davidakaye have stated that public figures, including those exercising the highest political authority, may be subject to criticism. The fact that some forms of expression are considered to be insulting to a public figure is not sufficient to justify penalties.
Section 60 of the Electoral Act 2022:
60.—(1) The Presiding officer shall, after counting the votes at the polling unit, enter the votes scored by each candidate in a form. (2) The form shall be signed and stamped by the presiding officer and
counter signed by candidates' agents;
(3) The presiding officer shall give to the polling agents and the police officer where available a copy each of the completed forms after it has been duly signed as provided under subsection (2). (4) The presiding officer shall count and announce the result at the polling unit.
(5) The presiding officer shall transfer the results including total number of accredited voters and the results of the ballot in a manner as prescribed by the Commission.
BREAKING: Following reports that terrorists have killed three abducted Kaduna varsity students, SERAP is calling on @mbachelet@UNHumanRights to appoint an envoy to visit Nigeria to investigate the mounting attacks on students, teachers and their families across the country.
The killing of these students is a grim reminder of the horrific toll that the violence and insecurity across Nigeria is having on children and their education.
The attacks on students are increasing, and Nigerian authorities are unwilling or unable to stop the attacks.
The authorities have refused to promptly and effectively investigate reports of attacks on students, teachers and their families, to prosecute the terrorists and their sponsors, and to provide effective remedies to victims.
BREAKING: We are concerned about reports that the Publisher of Daily Nigerian Newspaper, Jaafar Jaafar, has gone into hiding after reportedly receiving threats to his life, for allegedly releasing video clips showing alleged bribery against Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
We urge President Buhari @MBuhari and @NigeriaGov to instruct @PoliceNG, the Attorney General and/or appropriate anti-corruption agencies to ensure and guarantee the safety and security of Mr Jaafar Jaafar and his family.
Nigerian authorities should promptly, thoroughly and transparently investigate the allegations of threats against Mr Jaafar Jaafar, publish the findings of the investigation, and bring to justice anyone suspected to be responsible.
Corruption is waxing stronger in Nigeria because the government is in comatose under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. - Femi Falana, SAN #FromDarknessToDarkness #LetThereBeLight
SERAP has urged Engr. Elias Mbam, Chairman, RMAFC to urgently review upward the remuneration, allowances, and conditions of service for Nigerian judges, and to review downward the remuneration and allowances of high-ranking political office-holders...
...in order to address the persistent poor treatment of judges, and to improve access of victims of corruption to justice.
We also urged him to send your review and recommendations to the National Assembly for appropriate remedial and legislative action, as provided for by the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].
BREAKING: We’ve urged RMAFC to urgently review upward the remuneration, allowances, and conditions of service for judges, and to review downward the remuneration and allowances of President Buhari, 36 governors and members of @nassnigeria to address the poor treatment of judges.
In the letter sent yesterday, we urged Engr. Elias Mbam, Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) “to send your review and recommendations to @nassnigeria for appropriate legislative action, as provided for by the Nigerian Constitution 1999.”
The letter followed the nationwide industrial action by the JUSUN to press home their demand for financial autonomy for the judicial arm of government, and the federal government’s silence on the judiciary workers’ strike that has grounded courts across the country.