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ECOWAS Court women’s forum share food items to indigents in FCT

Published

4 years ago

May 12, 2021

The ECOWAS Court of Justice Women Forum on Tuesday donated food items and other materials to some indigent citizens and less privileged persons in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The forum led by its Chairperson, Frances Ibanga, donated the food items when the group visited the Human Rights Radio in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking at the station, Ibanga said that the donation was done in the spirit of Eid-el-fitr to assist those who could not afford food items during the festive period.

“We are here in the spirit of Eid-el-fitr to share the little we have with those that are less privileged. This forms part of our project for the year.

“We have series of projects and this is part of it: reaching out to people and helping out in whatever way we can.

“Today we have come to Human Rights Radio with food stuff and other items so that we can share with those that may not be able to afford so that they will be able to put smiles on their faces,” she said.

Chairperson of the ECOWAS Court Women’s Forum, Frances Ibanga, handing out a food item to an indigent woman
Chairperson of the ECOWAS Court Women’s Forum, Frances Ibanga, handing out a food item to an indigent woman
She used the opportunity to intimate those present on the opportunities they had with the court if they suffered any human right abused caused by the state.

She explained that prior to 2005, the ECOWAS court only heard cases between countries but pointed out that with a reviews treaty in 2005, cases from individuals were now being entertained.

She however clarified that such cases from individuals must be suits against any state that is signatory to the ECOWAS treaty and so long as such cases were not clattered by politics or criminality.

“Once you can establish that your case borders on human right abuse, not human rights clattered in political or criminal matters, the doors of the courts are open.

“All you need do is to approach the court, get our rules, go through them, and know how to file your case.

“With the advent of COVID filing cases has been made easier as you can file your cases electronically.

“Even from the comfort of your office you can send in your document and be assured that the court will listen to you.

“So for indigents and those that feel that their rights ave been trampled upon, the ECOWAS Court of Justice is there to listen to them,” she said.

In his remark, Managing Director of the Human Rights Radio, Ahmad Isah, who spoke through a telephone call, commended the forum for the donation.

Isah directed that the items be shared immediately to those present also urged the court to seek other areas of assistance to indigents Nigerians who are members of the Brekete Family.

News

Anambra Traditional Rulers Confer ‘Dike Si Mba’ Title On Tinubu

Published

18 hours ago

May 8, 2025

News Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Tinubu crowned ‘Dike Si Mba’ of Anambra by Anambra State Traditional Rulers

Traditional rulers in Anambra State on Thursday conferred a chieftaincy title of ‘Dike Si Mba’ of Anambra on President Bola Tinubu.

The Traditional rulers led by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi, gave the President the title in Awka during his official visit to the state.

‘Dike Si Mba’ loosely translates to ‘Hero from another land’, was given to President Tinubu by the traditional rulers representing all the communities in Anambra State.

Tinubu, who is in Anambra State on official visit, arrived at the Chinua Achebe International Airport in Umueri around 12:15pm, and was received by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, his deputy, Onyeka Ibezim and other government officials.

Tinubu inaugurated Anambra State’s first-ever Government House on Thursday, marking a historic milestone more than 30 years after the state’s creation.

Tinubu also inaugurated several other projects done by the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

It is the President’s second visit to the South-East this year after visiting Enugu State in January.

News

Nigerian Senate Passes 2 Tax Reform Bills

Published

20 hours ago

May 8, 2025

News Editor

Senate in Session

The Nigerian Senate has passed two out of the four Tax Reform Bills which are expected to overhaul Nigeria’s tax laws.

The lawmakers approved the bills following the consideration and adoption of the recommendations of the Senate Committee chairman Senator Sani Musa during the committee of the whole

The four key bills are the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, 2025, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill.

But out of the four, only the Bill to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2025 was approved

The second approved bill is the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill which is an Act to provide for the assessment, collection of and accounting for revenue accruing to the federation, federal, states and local governments.

“Prescribe the powers and functions of tax authorities and for related matters”.

Presenting the report, Sani said that the bills sought to reform Nigeria’s tax framework, strengthen institutions and enhance accountability and compliance.

Contributing, Deputy Senate President of Jibrin Barau congratulated the entire Senate and in particular, the Committee on Finance and the Elders Committee for the wisdom and leadership that has been shown in the passage of the bills.

“Initially, there were in disagreements and there were rancors here and there.

“But the Senate, standing on its position as the highest assembly in the land, decided to establish this committee, the Committee of Elders (Special Committee).

“To look at all those areas of contention and hear the views of religious leaders, regional organisations and other stakeholders.”

In his remarks President of the Senate, Godswill disclosed that the remaining two bills will be considered in plenary on Thursday.

He commended the committee on Finance and senators for a thorough job.

“He also expressed gratitude to the group of “elder senators” who collated and deliberated on areas of contention in the Tax Bill through meetings and consultation with dissenting voices.

Akpabio expressed optimism that the tax laws would revolutionalise and optimise tax collection across the country.

He expressed satisfaction that the passage of the bills have dispelled rumours that they were meant to serve the interests of a part of the country, adding that all Nigerians will benefit from them.

News

Senate Sets Up Committee To Oversee Rivers Administrator

Published

3 days ago

May 6, 2025

News Editor

Senate in Session

The Nigerian Senate has constituted an 18-member committee tasked with overseeing the activities of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.).

This, it said, was in a bid to strengthen transparency and accountability in the state’s governance.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, was named as chairman of the committee.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, during the resumption of plenary.

Akpabio highlighted the importance of the committee’s mandate, stating that its role was critical in ensuring effective legislative oversight in Rivers State.

Akpabio also hinted that the composition of the committee might be subject to review following further consultations.

Other members of the committee include Senators Adamu Aliero, Osita Izunaso, Osita Ngwu, Kaka Shehu, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru, Adeniyi Adebire, Sani Musa, Simon Lalong, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Adams Oshiomhole, Ireti Kingibe, Onyekachi, Idiat Adebule, Ide Dafinone, and Mohammed, alongside the Clerk of the Senate.

The Senate President charged the committee to commence its oversight duties without delay, stressing the urgency of their assignment.

He also reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to upholding democratic processes in Rivers State.