A civil rights organisation, Women Advocates Research and
Documentation Centre, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the
Independent National Electoral Commission, within which it should
make available the statistics of female electoral officers, who
were victims of rape and other gender-based violence during the
2019 general elections.
The WARDC premised its demand on a press statement by INEC
National Commissioner and chairman of its Information and Voter
Education Committee, Festus Okoye on Friday, March 1, 2019, wherein
he stated that many of the commission’s electoral officials were
subjected to threats, harassment, intimidation, assault, abduction
and even rape.
The organisation’s ultimatum was contained in a letter to INEC
chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, signed by its Executive Director
and gender activist, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, in line with the
provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2011.
The letter entitled: “Re: Request for Information on the
allegation of rape and other gender-based violence against female
electoral officers during the 2019 general elections”, was obtained
by INEC press corps in Abuja on Monday.
She said, “WARDC, therefore, requests the commission to provide
the information requested within seven days of the receipt and/or
publication of this letter, failing which we will be compelled to
take legal action under the FOI Act to compel you to comply with
our request.
“WARDC is seriously concerned about the welfare of these women;
consequently, we invoke Section 1 of the FoI Act to seek specific
details on the details and information on the number of women who
were allegedly raped and assaulted and subjected to ill-treatment
and other serious human rights violations.
“WARDC believes that the INEC has a legal responsibility to
ensure promotion and protection of the human rights of all its
officers, including female officers and take proactive steps to
prevent serious human rights violations against its officers while
carrying out their official duties. Failing to publish details of
the steps the commission is taking to address the alleged human
rights crimes may lead to public perception of cover-up or failure
of legal responsibility by the commission.”
Other demands included specific details and information
regarding the alleged perpetrators of the human rights crimes and
details and information regarding the steps taken by INEC to refer
the allegations to the appropriate authorities in order to ensure
that the allegations of rape and other human rights crimes
perpetrated against some female officers of INEC were promptly,
independently and impartiality investigated.
The WARDC also expressed interest in the actions taken by INEC
to ensure that suspected perpetrators were brought to justice while
“the victims have access to justice and effective remedies,
including access to counselling and other forms of psycho-social
support after the trauma they were exposed to while performing
their duty as staff of the commission.”
The organisation also demanded specific details and information
on the exact locations (states and local government areas) where
the alleged rape and other forms of gender-based violence
perpetrated on the INEC female electoral officers took place.
According to Akiyode-Afolabi, the WARDC also needed specific
details and information on the steps being taken by INEC “to
collaborate with appropriate agencies to ensure justice for the
victims, guarantee non-repetition and to ensure protection of the
human rights of all of its officers and staff members including the
female officers.”
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Troops in rescue operation
Nigerian Troops Rescue 54 Hostages from Boko Haram
Terrorists in Borno
Troops of 22 Brigade, Operation LAFIYA DOLE in collaboration
with local vigilantes have continued moving into the hinterland on
clearance operation to destroy Boko Haram terrorists. Consequently,
on the 11th of May 2019, troops effectively cleared Ma’allasuwa and
Yaga – Munye villages in Borno State. No encounter with Boko Haram
terrorists was made as they run away before troops’ arrival leaving
behind 54 suspected kidnapped victims. Out of the number, 29 are
grown up women and 25 are children of various ages and sex. They
have all been rescued.
Similarly, at Zari – Kasake and Jumachere villages in Damasak
general area of Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, troops
of 145 Battalion Operation LAFIYA DOLE on clearance operation
discovered and destroyed two Boko Haram terrorists’ logistics
vehicles. Deserted BHTs make up shift accommodation was also
destroyed.
Additionally, Mopol Sergeant Markus John – Personal Number – PNo
383106 was arrested at Njimtilo check point along Maiduguri –
Damaturu road in possession of 2 magazines, 146 rounds of 7.62 mm
Special ammunition and one round of Anti Aircraft Gun concealed in
his bag while on transit to Lagos State.
Recall that on the 10th of May 2019, troops of Operation LAFIYA
DOLE in conjunction with the Nigerian Police, arrested 14NA7113208
Private Paul Ojochegbe and 12NA672586 Lance Corporal Oko Eke in
possession of one disassembled AK 47 Rifle at the same N’jimtilo
checkpoint.
Nigerian Army will remain resolute in ending terrorism and other
forms of insecurities across the country, and reiterate its appeal
to the public to continue to provide useful information about
suspicious movement of terrorists/criminals wherever they are seen
hibernating in Nigeria.
SAGIR MUSA
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
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