Business

Allegation of 10,000 Deaths: Amnesty International Past Its Prime – Centre

Published

2 weeks ago

December 8, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Allegation of 10,000 Deaths: Amnesty International Past Its Prime – Centre

…advises Amnesty International to Fold Up Voluntarily

The African Centre for Human Rights and Rule of Law has criticized Amnesty International following its latest report, which alleged that up to 10,000 individuals have died in Nigerian Army custody since the onset of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Grace Ameh, Head of the Centre, described Amnesty International as an organization that has outlived its relevance. She argued that instead of attempting to use Nigeria to repair its tarnished global reputation, Amnesty International should focus on voluntarily shutting down. Ameh asserted that the group has failed to prevent genocides globally and has become ineffective in its operations.

Reacting to the report in Abuja, Ameh stated, “The organization has become a shadow of its former self. It lacks creativity in its strategies and aims to distract the military from securing Nigeria from terrorists.”

She added, “One would have thought that Amnesty International would have moved beyond deploying blatant lies, fake news, and baseless allegations in its work in Nigeria. Instead, it has issued this misleading report to undermine the military’s efforts to liberate citizens held captive by Boko Haram terrorists.”

Ameh emphasized that Nigerians must recognize the transformation of their military into a professional fighting force that adheres to human rights, the rule of law, and global best practices. She argued that Amnesty International’s claims are inconsistent with the military’s demonstrated commitment to accountability and transparency.

“The Nigerian military operates under strict rules of engagement and complies with international human rights standards. Amnesty International has failed to substantiate its claims with credible evidence and has ignored the complexities of Nigeria’s security situation,” she said.

Ameh criticized Amnesty International for disregarding the Nigerian government’s efforts to investigate and address reported abuses. She challenged the organization to focus on global crises like the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine rather than treating Nigeria as a convenient target to bolster its image.

“Amnesty International continues to recycle discredited reports under new titles and manipulated contexts while neglecting human catastrophes unfolding elsewhere. Its failure to contribute meaningfully to global issues has led to this misplaced attack on Nigeria,” Ameh said.

She urged Amnesty International’s Nigeria office to redirect its efforts toward addressing internal issues, including recent allegations of fraud and collusion with terrorists by former staff members and whistleblowers.

“Instead of perpetuating false narratives about Nigeria, Amnesty International should reflect on the revelations of misconduct within its ranks and take steps to regain credibility,” she concluded.

Related Topics:Amnesty International Featured

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Business

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

Published

17 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

Business

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

NNPC Debunks Shutdown Rumors, Confirms Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports circulating in certain media outlets claiming that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down.

In a statement released by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company clarified that the refinery is fully operational. The statement noted that the facility’s operational status was recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC during a site inspection.

“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing,” the statement confirmed, emphasizing that allegations of the refinery’s shutdown are baseless and intended to create panic or artificial scarcity in the fuel market.

NNPC Ltd urged members of the public to disregard such misleading reports, labeling them as the work of those seeking to exploit Nigerians.

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been in operation since its re-streaming, and the company remains committed to ensuring stability in the supply of petroleum products across the country.

Business

Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

Published

2 days ago

December 20, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Nigerian Banks Donate Multimillion Naira Relief Materials to Jigawa Flood Victims

In a show of solidarity, the Committee of Banks in Nigeria has extended a helping hand to victims of the September 2024 floods in Jigawa State. On Thursday, a high-profile delegation led by Dr. Oliver Alawuba, Chairman of the Committee and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), visited Dutse, the state capital, to present relief materials to the state government.

The donated items, worth several million Naira, included essential food supplies such as rice and cooking oil, along with mattresses and beverages. Dr. Alawuba highlighted that the gesture aimed to alleviate the hardship faced by flood victims and support critical institutions, especially public hospitals, in their efforts to assist those affected.

“We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Jigawa State during this difficult time. This donation is our way of expressing empathy and supporting those who have lost loved ones, properties, and livelihoods,” Dr. Alawuba stated.

The delegation included notable banking leaders such as Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna of Access Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji of Zenith Bank Plc, and Dr. (Mrs.) Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank Plc, among others. Their collective presence underscored the banking sector’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development.

Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi expressed profound gratitude for the donation, describing the visit as a rare and commendable act of compassion. He assured the delegation that the relief materials would be judiciously distributed to the intended beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in rebuilding lives and communities.

The Committee of Banks also reiterated their commitment to supporting Nigerians during emergencies, drawing attention to previous interventions, including relief efforts during the 2011 and 2013 floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and security initiatives like the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

This humanitarian gesture reflects the collective resolve of Nigeria’s financial institutions to foster social and economic growth, making a meaningful impact in times of need.