Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari “over the failure to unblock the phone lines of over 72 million telecommunication subscribers barred from making calls on their SIMs.”
The suit followed the recent directive by the Federal Government to telecommunications companies to block outgoing calls on all unlinked lines, as the deadline for the verification expired on March 31. Following the directive, over 72 million subscribers have now been barred from making calls.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/711/2022 filed last week at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order setting aside the directive by President Buhari to telecommunications companies to block outgoing calls on all unlinked lines without due process of law, and for being inconsistent with the requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality.”
SERAP is also seeking “an order of perpetual injunction restraining President Buhari and the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami from unlawfully directing telecommunications companies to block outgoing calls on all unlinked lines, without due process and in violation of Nigerians’ human rights.”
SERAP is further seeking “an order directing and compelling President Buhari to ensure adequate infrastructure and logistics to allow Nigerians including persons with disabilities, older persons, and persons living in remote areas, to capture their data and conclude registration to obtain National Identity Number (NIN).”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that, “directing and compelling the Federal Government to unblock the phone lines unlawfully barred would be entirely consistent with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and the country’s international obligations to respect, protect, and promote socio-economic rights.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Where agencies of government are allowed to operate at large and at their whims and caprices in the guise of performing their statutory duties, the end result will be anarchy, and authoritarianism, leading to the loss of the much cherished and constitutionally guaranteed freedom and liberty.”
According to SERAP, “It is in the interest of justice to grant this application. Access to telecommunications services is a condition sine qua non for the effective exercise of human rights. Therefore, the decision to block people from making calls is discriminatory, and a travesty.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The blocking of phone lines of Nigerians without due process of law has disproportionately affected those on the margins of society. This has resulted in the discrimination of marginalized or vulnerable groups.”
Joined in the suit as Respondents are Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Mr Isa Pantami.
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in part: “While Nigerian authorities have a legal responsibility to protect, ensure and secure the rights to life and property, any such responsibility ought to be discharged in conformity with human rights standards.”
“Fundamental rights are regarded as part of human rights and are protected to enhance human dignity and liberty.”
“Unblocking the phone lines unlawfully barred from making calls would improve respect for the rule of law, and ensure people’s right to freedom of expression, and access to information, as well as their right to associate with others.”
“The blocking of people from making calls constitutes impermissible restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, information, and association.”
“The rights to freedom of opinion and expression and access to information are protected under section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act.”
“These rights must be protected online as they are protected offline. Any restriction on these rights must be provided by law, be necessary in a democratic society and serve a legitimate aim.”
“The blocking of people from making calls on their SIMs also amounts to an arbitrary or unlawful interference with their right to family life, and socio-economic rights, as it unnecessarily or disproportionately interferes with these fundamental human rights.”
“The decision to block the phone lines also appears to be arbitrary, and lacks any legal framework, independent and judicial oversight. This may allow authorities to act in an unfettered and potentially arbitrary or unlawful manner.”
“Under international human rights law, States including Nigeria ‘shall not engage in or condone any disruption of access to digital technologies for segments of the public or an entire population.’ States must refrain from cutting off access to telecommunications services.”
“Millions of Nigerians including persons with disabilities, elderly citizens, persons living in remote areas have been unable to capture their biometrics, and obtain their NINs due to logistical challenges, administrative and bureaucratic burdens, as well as the persistent collapse of the national grid.”
“The rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and freedom of association, whether offline or online, promote the democratic ideal by allowing citizens to voice their concerns, challenge governmental institutions, and hold the government accountable for its actions.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
24/4/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS ALAAFIN OF OYO LAMIDI OLAYIWOLA ADEYEMI III
President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with the Government and people of Oyo State over the passing of Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, 83, whose reign covered major historic transitions in the country, and witnessed transformations in his domain.
The President affirms that the Alaafin of Oyo’s 52 years rule was remarkable in many ways, most significant was the emphasis he placed on human development, thereby encouraging learning as a culture and formal education as a necessity while promoting values of peace and stability.
As a highly revered traditional ruler, President Buhari notes the late monarch’s numerous participations in national meetings and conferences to shape the future of the country, and the living words of wisdom he shared at every opportunity on unity and people-focused governance.
The President shares the grief with the Oyo State Traditional Council, Oba Lamidi’s family, friends, and associates, particularly in sports where he left another footprint.
President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will receive his soul.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 23, 2022
WE’RE TACKLING CHALLENGES THAT UNDERMINE BUSINESSES, INVESTMENTS, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS DANGOTE GROUP
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja urged entrepreneurs and investors to channel ideas and resources into areas of the economy that stimulate growth, with long-term effect on job creation and poverty reduction, assuring that fixing infrastructure remains government’s top priority.
Receiving Chairman of Dangote Industries Ltd, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Board members of the Group at the Presidential Villa, the President said the challenges in transportation and energy will continue to attract attention for a turnaround, while urging entrepreneurs in the country and foreign investors to focus on areas that will leave lasting legacies of transforming lives.
“Mr. Chairman, Let me again, thank you and your board for the courage and foresight that enabled you to embark on these mega investment projects which will have enduring benefits to generations of Nigerians.
“Entrepreneurs such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote are unique gifts to their societies and the institutions they build, and they often become the pillars of stable enduring prosperous economies.
“I, therefore, urge other Nigerians in the business sector to emulate this iconic entrepreneur by investing in such enterprises that will in time become worthy legacies as national assets which will continue to benefit their people for generation after generation, creating firm anchors of enduring prosperity for their citizens,’’ he said.
President Buhari told the delegation, which was on a courtesy visit, that reforms were already going on in the public sector to reposition it into a more effective and result oriented engine room that will encourage more investments.
“I am keenly aware of the many challenges in the business environment and the investment climate despite the sustained efforts by this government to bring about improvements.
“I want to assure you, however, that Government will do everything possible to enhance the development in infrastructure, especially in energy and transportation sectors.
“We will also continue to implement needed reforms in the public service to significantly improve the ease of doing business,’’ the President added.
President Buhari lauded Alhaji Dangote for always investing in areas that bring the highest benefits to Nigerians.
“I recall, with great pleasure, my visit to the Dangote Free Zone just about four weeks ago, to commission the Group’s new 3 million metric ton fertilizer plant. Let me, once again, congratulate you and your Board for a very successful commissioning ceremony.
“As I said at that event, the coming on stream of this plant was a huge opportunity to ramp up the productivity of our agricultural sector. It is, therefore, a most welcome booster to our government’s strategy for achieving food security and reducing poverty.
“Given recent developments globally, especially the effect of the ongoing war in Europe on world-wide food supply chain, I must commend your foresight for bringing the plant into operation at the time you did.
“I note that market realities will bring pressure to bear on Dangote Fertilizer Limited in seeking to meet the demands of your export customers.
“However, given your group’s well known patriotic vision, I am confident that your Board will continue to accord priority to meeting local demands of our farmers,’’ the President noted.
President Buhari also commended the Dangote Group for extending investments to other African countries, while highlighting the vision behind the refinery.
“Mr. Chairman, I must specially commend you and your Board for the development of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical complex. I had a good view of this incredible city of steel and concrete when my helicopter circled over it during my visit for the commissioning of the Fertilizer plant.’’
In his remarks, the Chairman of Dangote Industries Ltd, said the Board was at the State House to express profound appreciation to the President for the great honour to the Dangote Group when he commissioned the new 3m MTPD Fertilizer plant, which was the latest subsidiary company of the Dangote Fertilizer Ltd.
“We also seize the opportunity to reiterate our immense gratitude for the sustained effort of your administration through various policy initiatives aimed at progressively improving the business environment and investment climate, despite some unprecedented challenges our economy has been confronted with over the past decade.
“We are also deeply grateful for your direct interventions at various times when our operations were challenged by some unintended consequences of economic policy positions.
“Your interventions have not only helped to resolve business challenges, but have been a source of great encouragement in our determination to continue to invest in our economy for the benefit of our country and our people,’’ he noted.
Alhaji Dangote said the Board looks forward to the return of President Buhari to commission the Oil Refineries and Petrochemicals project, which will transform the Nigerian economy.
“Through the outputs of our various businesses, our Group is proud to be making significant contributions to the diversification and growth of our nation’s economy, which is second only to Federal Government in the size of our workforce,’’ he added.
The leader of the Dangote Group said with more investments in agriculture and Oil and Gas sectors more impact will be made on the economy.
Alhaji Dangote submitted that the group of industries will always hold on to the President’s mantra on the economy to “produce what we consume and consume what we produce.’’
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
April 22, 2022
Notice of 96th NEC Meeting of PDP
All members of the National Executive Committee of our great Party are invited to the 96th NEC meeting scheduled as follows:
Date: Wednesday May 4, 2022.
Venue: NEC Hall PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
Time: 2pm
All members are enjoined to attend, please.
Sen. Samuel N. Anyanwu
National Secretary.
DON’T GIVE PDP PRESIDENTIAL TICKET TO ANY POTENTIAL DEFECTOR-WIKE
The Governor of Rivers State Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to allow any aspirant who will later defect with the party’s mandate to emerge as its presidential flag bearer.
Governor Wike, who is a PDP presidential aspirant, has urged PDP delegates to vote for him during the party’s convention because he lacks the propensity to defect with the party’s mandate to another party if he wins the presidential election.
The Rivers State governor stated this while wooing PDP leaders and delegates in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi state on Friday.
The governor said the advise had become imperative because of the defection of some governors, including that of Ebonyi State, David Umahi and lawmakers from the PDP to ruling All Progressives Congress.
“I have never left this party one day. When PDP was in problem, I stood firm and I said PDP will not die. Don’t give (presidential) ticket to the person who will run from the party tomorrow. I am the only person Nigerians know will not run from the party.”
Governor Wike expressed optimism that a day of reckoning awaits all those who defected from the PDP to the APC. According to him, the PDP will continue to fight against injustice meted on it by the defectors in order to strengthen the country’s democracy.
“My colleague David Umahi, wherever you are, wherever you may be, hear me very well. PDP had sleepless night, PDP won election, and you took the mandate of our people and go to another party. If you know you are a man and you are very strong, and any day they fix election you will win, I challenge you to resign as governor and contest election whether you will win again.”
The governor urged Ebonyi delegates to support his presidential ambition because he is the only aspirant who has the capacity to defeat the APC in the 2023 presidential election.
Governor Wike reiterated that PDP cannot afford another defeat in the 2023 general election. And to this end, he advised delegates to shun ethnoreligious sentiment and vote for him to pull Nigeria out from the brinks.
“What PDP wants now is who can win election. It is not about where you come from. What the party wants today is who can win election for PDP. Give me this ticket let me go and win APC for you.”
The PDP presidential aspirant, who lamented the spate of killings across the country, declared that if he emerges as the next Nigerian president, he will decisively tackle insurgency, banditry and grow the national economy.
Governor Wike disclosed that as President of Nigeria, he will encourage women and youths’ active participation in politics.
“If I am the President of this country, I will not have less than 7 women as minister. I will not have less than 7 youths as ministers.”
The Enugu State governor, Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, commended PDP faithful for remaining steadfast despite the recent defection of some members of the party to the APC.
Former Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, told the delegates that Governor Wike has the requisite experience to provide the good governance which majority of Nigerians are yearning for.
“Governor Nyesom Wike, is the person that is prepared for the job in terms of his training, in terms of his character, his courage, his commitment to the party and above all, his determination to work with all of you after he becomes the President of this country. He is strong, he has super energy.
“I have worked with a lot of people including presidents, but I want to assure you today, Governor Wike is one of the real very active and strong people I have worked with in recent times. He is very strong, he is very committed and he is very determined.”
Kelvin Ebiri
Special Assistant Media to the Rivers State Governor
April 22, 2022.
PDP RISKS EXTINCTION IF IT LOSES 2023 PRESIDENTIAL POLL-WIKE
The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might become extinct if it fails to present electable candidate to win the 2023 presidential election.
Governor Wike, who is a PDP presidential aspirant, said winning the 2023 general election is crucial to the survival of the party and he remains the most electable aspirant that can defeat the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The Rivers State governor made this assertion while wooing Anambra State PDP leaders and delegates to support his presidential ambition in Awka, the capital of Anambra State on Saturday.
He told the delegates that as a mark of honour he had to personally visit Awka to formally notify them of his ambition to become the next President of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I didn’t send anybody to you, because I have respect for you. We have been opposition since 2015 and if we don’t win this election in 2023, we can as well forget PDP. And so, everything must be done to win this election. No sentiment should be brought in and of all the aspirants, whether the person is from Anambra, Sokoto, Imo, look at all of us, who can withstand APC in this election? it is me.”
The governor reiterated that prior to the 2015 general election, some of the present presidential aspirants defected to the APC and PDP lost the presidency. He said it is ironical that after the PDP has been rebuilt and made formidable, those who abandoned it are back and jostling for the party’s ticket.
“I have challenged APC before. I have defeated them severally with the government in power. You know what happened in Rivers State. All I am asking the delegates, if you really want PDP to win this election in 2023, just give me that ticket. Go home and sleep with your eyes close. I will win the election.”
Governor Wike berated the APC led federal government for its inability to stem the tide of insurgency and banditry in the country. He maintained that any government that cannot protect life and property has failed in its primary responsibility and should be voted out.
He reaffirmed that if elected President of Nigeria, he will end the current spate of insecurity and return the country to the path of inclusive prosperity.
“Look the day I win the general election in February next year, anybody who says he is a bandit, let him wait for me. I will take the war to them.”
He urged the delegates to support him irrespective of their former governor, Peter Obi being an aspirant. According to him, he remains the only electable presidential aspirant that can defeat the APC in 2023 general election.
Former Gombe State governor, Dr.Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, said the history of the PDP cannot be complete without Governor Wike, who joined the party in 1998 and has remained a faithful, supportive member.
He described Governor Wike as a courageous and fearless leader who has in the last seven years transformed the infrastructural landscape of Rivers State.
A member of the PDP Board of Trustee, Maxwell Okudoh noted that if not for the effort of Governor Wike, the party would have gone into extinction.
Okudoh declared that at this critical juncture in Nigeria’s history, a courageous and determined leader is all that the country requires to pull her out of the brinks.
Similarly, another member of the Board of Trustees, Mrs Chinelo Mofus, declared that the people of Anambra State are solidly behind Governor Wike’s quest to become the next president.
“Our prayer is that God almighty will give you the victory. The people of Anambra are solidly behind you.”
Earlier, Governor Wike had visited the Obi Of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, to notify the king of his presidential ambition.
Governor Wike promised that if elected president, he will ensure that traditional ruler are given constitutional role in the governance of the country.
The Obi of Onitsha, who described Governor Wike as a courageous and focused leader, said the country is in a dire strait and desperately needs a leader to restore her lost glory.
“You have been described by your brother governor as courageous, as focused and as an accomplisher, and I can vouch for that because I have watched your performance and leadership. We pray to God that we get right leadership to direct our country and you have put yourself forward.”
Kelvin Ebiri
Special Assistant Media to the Rivers State Governor.
April 23, 2022.
