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Humanists Outraged By US Removal Of Nigeria From Religious Freedom Blacklist

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Humanists Outraged By US Removal Of Nigeria From Religious Freedom Blacklist

Humanists are deeply appalled by the removal of Nigeria from the United States list of countries violating religious freedom.

According to the humanists in a statement by Dr. Leo Igwe, this removal is a betrayal of the humanist community and other minorities that suffer persecutions across the country. They cited Nigerian humanist, Mubarak Bala, who remains in custody for committing no crime.

READ ALSO: Crises In Ethiopia, Sudan Are Warnings African Nations Must Heed – Blinken

The group said : “He has been held for over a year without prosecution. The de-listing of Nigeria sends wrong signals to these Islamists in Kano and other places because Nigeria has not taken any concrete steps to mitigate egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief. Instead, the situation of religious freedom continues to worsen. Humanists in the country, especially those in sharia implementing states live in constant fear of their lives. They are constantly harassed and threatened online and offline by Muslim fanatics for expressing their views and opinions.

“In 2020, Nigeria was listed as a country of particular concern ‘for engaging in or tolerating systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.’ The listing of Nigeria was a welcome development because acts of religious violence were running rampant. As the state department noted, Nigeria had been unable to tackle religiously motivated abuses and persecutions. Nigeria failed to ensure that every Nigerian, at all times, had the right to live according to the dictates of conscience.

READ A.LSO: READ ALSO: US Commission Faults Removal Of Nigeria From Religious Freedom Violators’ List

“Now, one year after, has anything changed? Not at all. So on what ground was Nigeria removed from the list? Look, the president of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, Mubarak Bala, remains in jail for allegedly making a Facebook post. The police disappeared him for several months; they connived with the Kano state government and have kept him in custody without trial. The UN and foreign governments have urged Nigeria, especially the Ganduje-led government in Kano to charge or release Mubarak Bala. But all appeals have fallen on deaf ears. Kano state government has refused to formally arraign Bala. The police have not released him despite a court order. By removing Nigeria from the list of violators, the US state department is emboldening fanatics and encouraging their continued oppression and persecution of humanists and other minorities.

“Instead of removing Nigeria from the religious freedom Blacklist, the US state department should take further measures and compel Nigeria to uphold the right to freedom of religion of humanists and other persecuted minorities in the country.”

 

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BREAKING: Abacha’s Ex-chief Of Staff Oladipo Diya Dies

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Diya

Retired Lt.General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya, the former Chief of Staff in General Sani Abacha’s military government, is dead.

His death was confirmed by Prince Oyesinmilola Diya. He said the former military administrator of Ogun State passed on to glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023.

Born on the 3rd of April, 1944, Diya was military Governor of Ogun State after the Buhari-Idiagbon coup of December 31st, 1983.

Diya joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and fought during the Nigerian Civil War.

He later attended the US Army School of Infantry, the Command and Staff College, Jaji (1980–1981) and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.

While serving in the military, Diya studied law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained an LLB degree, and then at the Nigerian Law School, where he was called to bar as Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

He held other top military posts like GOC, 82 Division and finally the Chief of General Staff (military Vice President) to Gen Sani Abacha

The statement read: “On behalf of the entire Diya family home and abroad; we announce the passing on to Glory of our dear Husband,Father, Grandfather,brother, Lt- General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (Rtd) GCON, LLB, BL, PSC, FSS, mni.

“Our dear Daddy passed onto glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023. Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.

“Barrister Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, on behalf of the family.”

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Breaking: Appeal Court Retains Adeleke As Osun Governor

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BREAKING: Adeleke Freezes Osun Accounts , Reverses Appointments After Swearing In As Governor
Governor Adeleke

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has vacated the tribunal judgement that nullified the election of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

The appellate court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of Justices, on Friday held that the appeal Adeleke lodged to challenge his sack by the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, was meritorious.

Aside from setting aside the judgement of the tribunal, the court, in its lead judgement that was delivered by Justice Mohammed Lawal, awarded N500, 000 cost against the All Progressive Congress, APC, and its candidate, Gboyega Oyetola

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BREAKING: PDP Suspends Anyim, Fayose

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Anyim and Fayose

Former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose; former president of the Senate, Pius Anyim; Prof Dennis Ityavyar and Aslam Aliyu were on Thursday suspended from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

The PDP made the suspension on Thursday after an extensive review of the affairs of the party, pursuant to the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

The PDP also referred the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, to the National Disciplinary Committee over his reported involvement in anti-party activities.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

“The PDP urges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our party across the country to remain united and focused at this critical time,” the statement added.

 

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