Navigating the Storm: A Day of Challenges to Accountability and Rights
Today’s news cycle presents a disquieting mosaic of events, highlighting persistent challenges to governance, accountability, and fundamental rights across Nigeria and echoing similar struggles on the international stage. From closed borders and protests against alleged abuse to criticisms of legislative overreach and accusations of deep-seated corruption, the stories paint a picture of systems under strain and citizens pushing back.
In Nigeria, headlines reveal a troubling landscape of alleged misconduct and disregard for democratic principles. In Abia State, for instance, a father reported that police at the Eastern Ngwa Division demanded ₦30,000 to register a case of a brutal machete attack on his 14-year-old daughter by a suspected rapist. While the Abia State Police Command denied the specific allegation of demanding money, the victim’s father claimed he paid it, fearing the suspect, who is from the same village, might be released. The police did confirm the suspect’s arrest and that investigations are ongoing. Such accusations of requiring payment to register serious crimes underscore a critical breakdown in the fundamental duty of law enforcement to protect citizens and ensure access to justice.
Further illuminating the challenges within public institutions, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) reported that over half of IT projects in Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) failed, citing non-compliance with IT project clearance guidelines. The Director-General of the Bureau of Procurement (BPP) alleged that some organizations leverage the intangible nature of IT projects to siphon public funds, emphasizing the need for standardization to avoid corruption and duplication. This paints a stark picture of potential financial malfeasance and inefficiency hindering the nation’s digital progress.
The legislative arm is not immune from scrutiny. In Oyo State, a crisis erupted in the House of Assembly over an amended bill for the Council of Obas and Chiefs. The bill, which ultimately passed despite dissent, reinstated a rotational chairmanship among the Alaafin of Oyo, Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Soun of Ogbomosoland, a departure from an earlier proposal to make the Alaafin the permanent chairman. Critics, including lawmakers who staged a walkout and the Palace of the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, slammed the bill as politically motivated, lacking adequate consultation, and potentially favoring Ibadan over other regions. This saga highlights the ongoing tension between political expediency and the preservation of historical and traditional structures, with accusations of manipulation undermining transparency and fairness.
Meanwhile, a proposed bill in the National Assembly seeking to make voting compulsory and impose penalties like fines or imprisonment for non-voters has drawn sharp criticism from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The NBA described the bill as “unconstitutional,” “draconian,” and a “grave assault” on democratic freedoms. They argue that voting is a right, not a duty enforceable by penal law, and that compelling citizens to vote violates fundamental civil liberties like freedom of expression (including the right to abstain) and freedom of association. The NBA asserts that the bill ignores the root causes of voter apathy in Nigeria, such as systemic disenfranchisement, vote-buying, and insecurity, and warns against criminalizing dissent. This proposed legislation appears to miss the mark entirely, focusing punitive measures on citizens instead of addressing the systemic failures that erode trust in the electoral process.
Concerns over the treatment of citizens also surfaced in the education sector. Students at Lagos State University (LASU), Epe Campus, protested alleged “dehumanizing and prison-like treatment” by the Dean of Agriculture. Students claimed they were forced to live and work on the university farm without proper accommodation, sanitation, or medical care, banned from hostels, and threatened with failure or expulsion for disobedience. One student recounted being forced to stand in the rain for hours as a punishment. Audio evidence reportedly revealed the Dean berating students for speaking to the press and threatening punishment for leading protests. While the Vice Chancellor acknowledged awareness and promised institutional action, the allegations point to a disturbing environment where academic authority is allegedly misused to the detriment of student welfare and fundamental rights.
Adding to the climate of concern for civil liberties, teenage activist Hamdiyya Sidi Shareef has gone missing in Sokoto State amid alleged persecution from Governor Ahmad Aliyu. Hamdiyya reportedly disappeared after leaving her residence to buy foodstuff. Her lawyer raised the alarm, noting that she had been entangled in a legal battle with the Sokoto State government since November 2024 after criticizing the administration in a TikTok video, facing charges like “use of insulting or abusive language” and “inciting disturbance”. She was reportedly denied access to legal representation and family during her initial arraignment. Her disappearance has fueled fears of involvement by state authorities or affiliated actors, given the history of alleged harassment. The disappearance of an activist critical of the government is a grave issue that strikes at the heart of freedom of expression and personal security.
The challenges extend beyond internal governance to Nigeria’s immediate neighbor. The Republic of Benin has extended its border clampdown by shutting down a key waterway linking Ota in Ogun State, Nigeria. This waterway is described as a longstanding route for local commerce, critical for legal trade in goods between southwestern Nigeria and southern Benin. The closure of a Beninese customs checkpoint on the water corridor has disrupted the flow of goods and caused hardship for local traders. While the Beninese government reportedly frames these actions as a national security strategy amidst suspected arms smuggling and terror threats, sources cited in reports suggest it may be “more political between Cotonou and Abuja”. Opposition voices in Benin allege the clampdown is influenced by French geopolitical interests aimed at weakening Nigeria’s regional economic influence, destabilizing the Naira, and pressuring Nigeria to adopt the CFA Franc. This situation highlights the intricate and often fraught relationship between neighboring countries, where economic actions can be intertwined with complex political and geopolitical motivations.
Meanwhile, global events continue to unfold, presenting their own set of challenges and cooperation efforts. In the West Bank, Israeli troops reportedly fired warning shots during a visit by a diplomatic delegation from the European Union to Jenin. The Palestinian Authority accused Israeli forces of “deliberately” shooting at the delegation, releasing video footage that appears to show soldiers aiming rifles at a group. The Israeli military stated the delegation deviated from the approved route and entered an unauthorized area, and that soldiers fired warning shots to distance them, expressing regret for the inconvenience. An AFP journalist and a European diplomat present heard repeated shots coming from the Jenin refugee camp area. This incident underscores the volatility in the region and the risks faced by observers and residents alike.
On a different global stage, US President Donald Trump unveiled details and initial funding for the “$175bn ‘Golden Dome’ missile shield” designed to protect the US from missile threats. This multi-layered system, intended to intercept missiles from land, sea, and space, was criticized by geopolitical rival China, which accused the US of undermining global stability and fueling an arms race. China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman warned that the plan risks turning space into a battlefield. Drawing inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome but significantly more expansive, the Golden Dome reflects growing concerns over missile technologies being advanced by countries like China and Russia. While presented as a defensive measure, such initiatives can be perceived by other global powers as escalatory, highlighting the delicate balance of international security.
Amidst these numerous challenges, a note of international cooperation comes from the World Health Organization (WHO), where Member States approved a 20 per cent increase in assessed contributions and endorsed a $4.2 billion budget for 2026-2027. The WHO Director-General noted that insufficient predictable funding has hindered the organization’s ability to carry out long-term projects. Member States had previously agreed to gradually increase their membership dues to represent 50 per cent of WHO’s core budget by the 2030-2031 cycle. This move signals a commitment to global health solidarity, acknowledging the critical role of the WHO despite governments facing financial constraints.
Finally, grappling with a severe security challenge, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum alleged that some Nigerian politicians and members of the armed forces are acting as informants and collaborators for Boko Haram insurgents. Governor Zulum vowed to strengthen intelligence and deal with these saboteurs “ruthlessly,” stressing the need to avoid politicizing insecurity. While acknowledging that not all surrendered insurgents may be fully reformed, he believes the majority contribute positively, and advocated for both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, lamenting the military’s lack of necessary equipment. His statements are a powerful, albeit unsettling, reminder that the fight against insurgency is hampered not just by external threats but potentially by internal complicity, calling for a fundamental look at trust and loyalty within key institutions.
Taken together, these reports from some of today’s headlines reveal a world grappling with complex problems. From local police stations to international borders, from university campuses to legislative chambers, the threads of accountability deficits, threats to fundamental rights, and the intricate dance of power are evident. Addressing these challenges requires more than just acknowledging them; it demands a steadfast commitment to transparency, justice, and the protection of civil liberties at every level of governance. The voices of protesting students concerned lawyers, traditional leaders, and even state governors highlight the urgent need for reform and a renewed focus on serving the public interest over political or personal gain.
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