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UNICEF appeals to Nigerian authority to sign Handover Protocols for children
UNICEF appealed to the Nigerian authorities for the immediate signing of the Handover Protocol so that children caught in the web of conflict can swiftly access the psychosocial, medical and educational support they need.
The UNICEF Chief Maiduguri Field Office, Ms. Phuong T. Nguyen who stated this Monday at Prime Lodge Maiduguri during the commemoration event revealed that with support from government and other stakeholders, over 1,572 children have been released from the ranks of the CJTF since 2017, saying,” but the reality today is that many girls and boys are still in custody of armed groups, abducted and used as soldiers, armourers, spies, cooks and farmers.”
“Many girls have been forcefully married to their abductors, beaten, raped and violated in many ways unimaginable. In 2021, UNICEF with the support of partners, supported over 3000 children with skills and reunited them with their families.
“UNICEF will continue to work with the Borno State Government, through the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and other stakeholders to give more girls and boys a chance to survive, dream and thrive.
“UNICEF calls for action to stop the use of child soldiers , negotiate their release and support their reintegration into their communities and the prevention of recruitment and re-recruitment of children,” Nguyen said.
She called on governments, community leaders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, families, women, men and youths groups , UNICEF and other partners and indeed everyone to work together to stamp out the recruitment and use of children as child soldiers.
The UNICEF Maiduguri Field Office added that the right place of Children is to be in their homes, schools and communities and not in the bush and certainly not on the the battle ground.
“The right tools for children are pens, papers, water colours and not guns and bullets. UNICEF remains committed to its mandate of promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, no matter their circumstances. UNICEF will remain an un-relentless advocate of every girl and boy, tomorrow and rest of the future. UNICEF will not give up girls and boys who did not start this conflict, but now suffer the effects of the conflict, the most,” Nguyen said
The Permanent Secretary, Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Alhaji Mohammed Hamza has called for action to stop the use of chidren in armed conflict by non state and state armed groups and provide support for children affected by the Boko Haram crisis rather.
He also urged all stakeholders and partners including NGOs, CSOs, NLC, organized private, parents and guardians as well as communities and religious leaders to put concerted efforts towards peace building, conflict prevention and prohibition of any forced recruitment or conscription of children under 18 years.
Alhaji Hamza who stated this also said that Borno State state government has prohibited forceful recruitment of under age by government forces and the participation of Children under 18 years in active hostilities by any party.
He warned also that the state government has placed obligations on non state armed groups recruitment of children as child soldiers while condemning in totality the practice and appreciated the support of Govenor Babagana Umara Zulum who stood firm to ensure peace return to the state and region as well as UNICEF for their support and encouragement.
The Theater Commander, Operation Hadin Kai Theater Command Headquarters Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, Major General Chris G Musa represented by the Chief of Staff, 7 Division, NA headquarters Maiduguri, Brigadier General Sadisu Yakasai commended the organizers and supporters for organizing the event as symbol of honour and regard for the child while emphasizing on the need for de-radicalization of the children before reintegration.
He also sympathized with the children describing them as victims of circumstances while condemning the recruitment of the child soldiers.
General Yakasai stressed the need for thorough rehabilitation of the children and proper care to change their life and turn them into future leaders by providing them with the necessary facilities and opportunities in the society.
He also explained the role Nigerian Army has played in the fight against the insurgency and efforts made to checkmate the activities of the insurgents, especially, in conscription and use of the children as child soldiers.
The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Jere LGC, Super Overall Commander, Abbati Isa already in September 2017, the Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (CTFMR) in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners have signed an Action Plan with the CJTF to put an end to child recruitment and use.
He added that with the support of the CTFMR and Borno state Ministry of Justice (MOJ), CJTF took significant steps to put an end to the practices while significant progress has been made by the CJTF in implementing the Action Plan including Standing Orders to all Commanders and their Sectors to stop recruiting children and the separation of 2,203 children comprising 363 girls, 1,840 boys from the armed groups rank and file resulting in the delisting of the group by the Secretary General from the annexes of the Secretary General Annual Reports on CAAC.
Abbati also said there was the establishment of child protection units in all sectors of the CJTF and introduction of Disciplinary Committee to deal with issues relating to any deviation from the standing order reflecting the the commitment of the CTF to continue to ensure that all members and commanders respect the rights of children in the communities they serve .
He commended the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, UNICEF and other partners for their initiatives, efforts and commitments to support the noble cause of stopping recruitment of child soldiers.
Highlights of the event include group photographs, presentation of Red Hands, experiences of beneficiaries and goodwill messages from stakeholders and partners among others.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.
The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
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