UniAbuja: SERAP threatens to sue FG over attack on media

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has threatened to sue should the Federal Government fails to investigate assault on Channels TV crew at University of Abuja. The nonprofit, nonpartisan, legal and advocacy organization committed to promoting human rights, transparency, and accountability in governance claimed security operatives brutally assaulted Channels TV crew covering a protest at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) and vandalised the crew car, after detaining them for over an hour on Tuesday. The organisation however urged the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to immediately instruct the Inspector General of Police to thoroughly investigate the alleged assault on the media crew. In a statement on the organisation’s official X handle on Wednesday, SERAP demanded that those suspected to be responsible must be identified and prosecuted. “The authorities must ensure justice and effective remedies for the journalists and crew affected, including financial compensation and repair or replacement of the damaged vehicle and equipment. “We’ll see in court if the recommended measures are not promptly taken. “Those responsible for physically attacking journalists and the UniAbuja authorities need to be held to account. The administration needs to make clear that attacks against journalists and media workers will not be tolerated. “No journalists should face physical violence for doing their jobs. “Nigerian authorities should guarantee that all journalists in the country are able to carry out their work without fear of reprisals. The de facto impunity for crimes against journalists and media workers must end. “The Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] in section 39 guarantees the rights to freedom of expression, information and the media. Similarly, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party protect freedom of expression, information and the media. “The constitutional provisions and international standards serve as a critical check on authorities at all levels,” SERAP stated. Professors at UniAbuja were protesting the selection process for the university’s vice-chancellor, and the Channels TV crew was present to cover the demonstration.

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Sanwo-Olu greets Lagosians at Christmas, assures of better 2025

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has rejoiced with residents of the State, particularly the Christians as they join the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Speaking at the Lagos House, Marina on Tuesday during the presentation of a book, titled “Beyond Rhetorics: Sanwo-Olu Unprecedented ” which was written in his honour by the Lagos State Governors Office Correspondents (LAGOCO), Governor Sanwo-Olu assured that his administration will do more for Lagos residents next year. “We wish you all the very best of the season. We say to you that, next year, we will work better, smarter, bigger for the citizens of Lagos,” he said. Governor Sanwo-Olu, while appreciating LAGOCO for the book, described journalists, particularly those covering the Lagos State Governor’s Office as the “real engine of growth.” He said: “We want to assure you that we will not disappoint you. We will ensure that the book is available in every nook and cranny of the State and even beyond the State. “Through its pages, readers will find insights into the governance and leadership principles that guide our administration, as well as the collaborative spirit that drives our vision for a better Lagos. “I extend my gratitude to LAGOCO for this initiative and to everyone who has contributed to the creation of this book. Together, we will continue to work towards a Lagos that is not only a hub of innovation and opportunity but also a beacon of hope for future generations.” Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos State Governors Office Correspondents (LAGOCO), Mr. George Okojie, said Governor Sanwo-Olu has endeared himself to the residents through the projects executed in various sectors as captured in the book. He commended the Governor for sustaining the giant strides being recorded in the development of Lagos State. The book presentation was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso and other cabinet members.

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Senator Dino Melaye visits mom’s tomb at Christmas

A former Senator of the Federal Republic, Dino Melaye has again visited the graveside of his mom, Deaconess Comfort Melaye, on Christmas Day. Melaye on his X handle former Twitter was spotted observing solemn moment, he bowed down his head and walked away. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Gubernatorial candidate in the 2024 Kogi State elections and a member of the 8th Nigeria National Assembly, representing Kogi West Senatorial district, against the video he posted on social wrote; “Mummy I miss you, till we meet to part no more.” The Senator’s mum, Deaconess Comfort Melaye JP died in 2019.

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Dozens perish in plane crash

Dozens of people have died after a passenger plane crashed with about 70 people on board in Kazakhstan, local officials said. Authorities in Azerbaijan, where the flight originated, said there were at least 30 survivors. Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 caught fire as it attempted to make an emergency landing near the Kazakh city of Aktau. The plane was en route to Grozny in Russia but it was diverted due to fog, the airline told the BBC. Footage shows the aircraft heading towards the ground at high speed with its landing gear down, before bursting into flames as it lands. The airline said the plane “made an emergency landing” about 3km (1.9 miles) from Aktau. It took off from the Azerbaijani capital Baku at 03:55 GMT on Wednesday, and crashed around 06:28, data from flight-tracking website Flightradar24 showed. Reports from Russian media say the aircraft collided with a flock of birds before crashing, but this has not yet been confirmed. Officials from the countries involved have stated different numbers for those who were on board and for those who survived. The airline said 62 passengers and 5 crew members were on board the Embraer 190 but other reports put the total at 72. The reported number of survivors ranges from 28 to 32. Those on board were mostly Azerbaijani nationals, but there were also some passengers from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Unverified video footage showed survivors crawling out of the wreckage, some with visible injuries. Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have launched investigations into the accident. Embraer told the BBC it was “ready to assist all relevant authorities”. The BBC has contacted Azerbaijan Airlines for comment. Embraer, a Brazilian manufacturer, is a smaller rival to Boeing and Airbus, and has a strong safety record.

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Nigerian Army intensifies efforts to combate oil theft

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed the troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to strengthen operations against oil theft to ensure a significant increase in the nation’s oil production. The COAS issued this directive during a working visit to the 6 Division in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Condemning the current level of crude oil output as inadequate, Lieutenant General Oluyede emphasized that for Nigeria’s economy to thrive, efforts to protect oil production must be ramped up. He called on the troops to work with greater resolve in creating a secure environment for oil exploration and production. He also underscored the importance of maintaining integrity and avoiding any association with criminal elements or activities. The COAS warned that any personnel found colluding with economic saboteurs or engaging in unlawful acts will face severe consequences in line with military and national laws. The COAS also urged the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their operations and reassured them of his commitment to improving their welfare and providing the necessary resources to enhance their operational effectiveness. General Oluyede reminded the troops that they are pivotal to the success of the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians, and therefore must approach their duties with the utmost dedication and integrity.

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Tinubu preaches love, peace and unity at Christmas

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace love, peace and unity as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ across the country. The President, stated this in his message on the Yuletide on Tuesday. “On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures. “Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us,” the President pointed out. On the recent stampede in Ibadan, Okija and Abuja, the President was saddened by the incident, saying: “Our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents. We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short. “I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fires, or accidents. May we all find comfort and solace in our faith, the support of loved ones, and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Our compassionate and merciful God stands with the weak, the brokenhearted, and the sick. “As we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us—our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms. “Kindness transcends financial status. Those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement. “We must also honour our brave troops, who risk their lives to safeguard our nation. They deserve our prayers and steadfast support. “Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation’s leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity. “Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria. “For those travelling during this festive period, I wish you safe journeys. Rest assured, the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure our transportation routes are secure and convenient. We also provide free train services and subsidized road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels. “Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a joyous and prosperous New Year.”

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LPDC rejects Afe Babalola’s petition seeking Farotimi’s disbarment

The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has rejected petition seeking the disbarment of Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer, by Emmanuel Chambers, Afe Babalola’s law firm. While rejecting the petition, the LPDC in its report which became public knowledge on Tuesday, determined that the alleged offences occurred in Farotimi’s capacity as an author, not during his practice as a legal professional. The committee then concluded that it lacked jurisdiction to address complaints about publications and advised aggrieved parties to seek redress in regular courts. READ ALSO: UPDATED: Dele Farotimi Released From Ekiti Prison “The publication is an intellectual property and not a conduct or action committed while practising as a Legal Practitioner. All aggrieved parties who find the publication ‘defamatory’ should ventilate their grievances through the regular courts,” LPDC’s report stated. Emmanuel Chambers had alleged in its 90-page petition that was sent to the LPDC on December 6, that Farotimi, in his book titled Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, made defamatory statements against the Supreme Court and the legal profession. The Chambers’ petition also accused Farotimi of distorting case facts, disrespecting fellow lawyers, and engaging in actions that obstructed justice for personal gain. READ ALSO: Afe Babalola’s Relative Vows Anyone Who Protests Farotimi’s Arrest in Ekiti ‘Will Suffer’ The petition claimed that the human rights lawyer’s book violated several sections of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners 2023 and requested that his name be struck off the Roll of Legal Practitioners. The LPDC is responsible for investigating and addressing cases of misconduct among legal professionals in Nigeria. The committee’s decision to reject the petition coincides with Farotimi’s release by the Ekiti State Police Command after spending three weeks in their custody. Farotimi’s arrest on December 3 was inspired by a petition the same Babalola had written to the police, claiming he had been defamed by the lawyer in his book.

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Kidnappers demand N30m each as ransom for travellers

A suspected ring of kidnappers have demanded the sum of N30 million each for travellers captured on Sunday. The bus, according to media reports, was ambushed by the gunmen at Emure Ile, near the borders of Ekiti and Ondo States. The bus was returning from Onitsha when the assailants took all passengers, including the driver, Sunday Emmanuel, into captivity. Meanwhile, a member of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) at the Ado-Ekiti Motor Terminal who pleaded anonimity hinted that the kidnappers have demanded N30 million each as ransom for the abductee. The situation highlights ongoing safety concerns for travellers in the region, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures to protect individuals on the road.

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