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HURIWA condemns court order seizing Dele Farotimi’s book

Published

1 week ago

December 12, 2024

Dele Farotimi’s book

HURIWA condemns court order seizing Dele Farotimi’s book

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the recent court order directing the seizure of Dele Farotimi’s book, ‘Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System’ describing it as a glaring example of anti-intellectualism and a setback for democratic ideals.

HURIWA also decried the warning reportedly issued to bookstores by Afe Babalola’s law firm, stating that such actions are unconstitutional and amount to an infringement on the fundamental rights of individuals and businesses.

The court order, which mandates the confiscation of Farotimi’s work, has been criticized by HURIWA as a disturbing echo of medieval practices that suppress intellectual freedom.

“This order is anachronistic and reminiscent of the actions of the Crusaders nearly a thousand years ago, who burned books they deemed contrary to their interests. Such a move has no place in a modern democratic society that prides itself on freedom of expression and intellectual debate,” HURIWA said in a statement issued by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, on Thursday.

HURIWA particularly faulted the warning issued to bookstores, asserting that it is unconstitutional to hinder legitimate trading in books, especially when those bookstores were neither parties to the legal suit nor given a fair hearing in line with Section 36(5) of the Nigerian Constitution. The organization emphasized that the principle of fair hearing is a cornerstone of justice, and any action that undermines it is not only unconstitutional but also morally indefensible.

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“The blanket warning to bookshops not to stock or sell the book without their involvement in the suit is a gross violation of their rights. This action effectively punishes entities that have not been accused or convicted of any wrongdoing, setting a dangerous precedent for freedom of commerce and expression,” HURIWA noted.

Rather than resorting to judicial actions that stifle free thought, HURIWA challenged the lawyer who sought the court order to adopt a more constructive approach by writing a counter-book to refute the alleged defamatory claims made by Farotimi. “The most effective response to ideas, whether agreeable or not, is to present superior arguments and evidence. Intellectual battles should be fought with reason, not repression,” HURIWA argued.

The organization further highlighted the risks of the court order, pointing out that such actions inadvertently encourage piracy and underground trading of the book, which could have dire consequences for intellectual property rights and the publishing industry. “When legitimate avenues for accessing a book are blocked, it creates a fertile ground for black-market operations. This undermines the very fabric of intellectualism and erodes respect for the rule of law,” HURIWA warned.

Encouraging healthy debate, HURIWA reiterated the importance of allowing controversial works to spark debate and dialogue, stating that it is through such processes that societies evolve and grow. Suppressing dissenting opinions, the organization argued, only creates a utopian illusion where critical issues are swept under the carpet rather than addressed.

“Books, irrespective of their content, serve as mirrors of society. They reflect our strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Attempting to erase such reflections is not only futile but also detrimental to our collective progress as a nation,” HURIWA emphasized.

The human rights group called on the judiciary to exercise caution when issuing orders that have far-reaching implications on fundamental freedoms. It also urged the Nigerian Bar Association and other stakeholders to advocate for a system that prioritizes intellectual engagement over censorship.

HURIWA’s statement concluded with a reminder that the suppression of ideas has historically led to societal stagnation and conflict. “From the Crusades to authoritarian regimes of the 20th century, history is replete with examples of how the suppression of books and ideas only fuels resentment and undermines progress. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past. Nigeria must embrace the path of intellectual freedom and robust debate to build a society where justice and knowledge thrive,” the group asserted.

HURIWA condemns court order seizing Dele Farotimi’s book

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NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment

Published

1 minute ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to the public, reiterating that enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is entirely free of charge. The Commission emphasized that it neither charges nor authorizes its staff or Front End Partners (FEPs) to demand payment for NIN registration.

In a statement released on Friday by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for extortion and pledged to take decisive action against offenders. To ensure compliance, the Commission has directed security agencies to identify and prosecute any staff or FEPs involved in such illegal activities.

“Anyone caught engaging in extortion will face sanctions in line with the provisions of the law, including the withdrawal of licenses for culpable FEPs,” the statement read.

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NIMC also urged the public to report any cases of extortion. Complaints can be sent via email to [email protected] or by calling 0700-2255-646. The Commission assured Nigerians that all reports would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures would be taken to address any violations.

Reaffirming its commitment to efficient and transparent service delivery, NIMC pledged to provide seamless and hassle-free enrollment processes for all Nigerians. The Commission expressed its determination to eliminate corruption and protect citizens from exploitation during NIN registration.

This announcement is a clear signal of NIMC’s dedication to upholding integrity and ensuring that the NIN enrollment process remains accessible and free for all. Nigerians are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any attempts at extortion to help maintain the credibility of the system.

NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment

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Like Ibadan, stampede claim 10 lives for Abuja Catholic church, 17 in Anambra

Published

11 minutes ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

Like Ibadan, stampede claim 10 lives for Abuja Catholic church, 17 in Anambra

The stampede occurred on Saturday morning during an event for the distribution of rice and other palliatives at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Maitama area of Abuja.

It was gathered that the church had made it a point of duty to give back to the society every year.

Victims of the stampede are mostly women and children.

Confirming the incident, the FCT Police Command said ten individuals died, while eight others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

A statement signed by SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, reads: “This tragic event, which happened at about 6:30 am, led to a stampede that claimed the lives of ten (10) individuals, including four (4) children, and left eight (8) others with varying degrees of injuries. Four (4) of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims are receiving medical care.

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‘’To prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future, the Command hereby directs that all organizations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning any public event, charitable activity, or large gathering in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance. This will allow the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.

“Failure to comply with this directive will result in the organizers being held liable for any incident or loss of life resulting from their negligence.

’The FCT Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property in the Territory. Members of the public are encouraged to collaborate with the Police by adhering to these guidelines and promptly reporting emergencies through the FCT Control Room via 0803 200 3913 or 0806 032 1234”

In a related development, 17 residents of Okija community in Anambra state have reportedly lost their lives in a stampede.

The stampede was said to have occurred on Saturday morning during an event for the distribution of rice.

This comes days after the death of about 40 children following a stampede during a funfair in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Like Ibadan, stampede claim 10 lives for Abuja Catholic church, 17 in Anambra

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Electricity: We installed 184,507 meters, issued 50 licences in Q3, says FG

Published

10 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

prepaid meters

Electricity: We installed 184,507 meters, issued 50 licences in Q3, says FG

The Federal Government has recorded significant progress in Nigeria’s electricity sector with the installation of 184,507 new meters and the issuance of 50 licences, permits, and certifications during the third quarter of 2024 (Q3).

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) revealed in its Q3 2024 report released on Friday that 184,507 meters were installed, marking a remarkable 256.01% increase compared to the 51,826 meters installed in Q2 2024.

The increased metering pushed the net end-user metering rate in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to 46.15%, up from 45.43% in Q2, a rise of 0.72 percentage points.

The installations were largely carried out under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) framework, which accounted for 178,715 meters or 96.86% of the total. The Vendor Financed framework contributed 3,508 meters, while the DisCo Financed framework added 2,298 meters.

This development signifies a concerted effort to address challenges like estimated billing and promote consumer satisfaction across the electricity distribution value chain.

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Power sector development: 50 licences issued

To complement the surge in meter installations, NERC issued 50 licences, permits, and certifications aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector infrastructure. These include:

Six (6) new off-grid generation licences with a combined capacity of 30.06 MW.
One (1) renewal of an on-grid generation licence with a gross capacity of 39 MW.
Two (2) new electricity trading licences.
Eleven (11) captive generation permits with a total gross capacity of 63.36 MW.
One (1) registration certificate for a mini-grid.
Seven (7) certifications for Meter Service Providers.
Twenty-two (22) permits for Meter Asset Providers.

These licences are expected to encourage investments, improve power supply, and expand access to renewable and off-grid energy solutions, especially in rural areas.

Key Implications for the Power Sector

The surge in meter installations and issuance of licences marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s electricity sector. By prioritizing metering through initiatives like MAP, the government is tackling the pervasive problem of estimated billing, which has long plagued electricity consumers.

Furthermore, the rise in off-grid and mini-grid licences underscores a growing shift towards renewable energy and decentralized power solutions, vital for enhancing energy access in underserved regions.

A Promising Outlook: These advancements highlight the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s power sector and creating an enabling environment for both consumers and investors.

With metering and licensing activities gaining momentum, stakeholders anticipate further progress in Q4 2024, laying the foundation for a more reliable, sustainable, and inclusive energy sector.