UK seeks justice for rape victims in Nigeria

The United Kingdom Government has restated its commitment to seek justice for rape victims in Nigeria. This came as the world commemorates the annual international day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on Friday, June 19.

“We want to eliminate the culture of impunity around such horrific crimes, strengthen justice for survivors and hold perpetrators to account,” a statement from British Deputy High Commission said on Thursday. In Nigeria, the cases of rape and other forms of sexual violence have continued to rise in conflict areas, as well as across the country in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown measures put in place by the federal government to stem its spread.

The statement said the UK is working alongside organisations, civil society actors and individuals in partnership with the Nigeria Federal and State governments, to continue to challenge such harmful sexual crimes perpetuated against victims in conflict, and to support victims and survivors, especially women and girls particularly in the North Eastern part of the country. Speaking at a virtual meeting organised by the British High Commission to chart a way forward with sexual violence activists in Nigeria earlier in the week, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing CB said: “Tackling sexual violence in conflict and non-conflict areas, requires action from a broad coalition, including government, law enforcement, civil society and local communities. “As an old and close friend of Nigeria, the UK remains active in supporting ongoing efforts to reduce sexual violence in conflict in this country.” The UK will also launch, later in the year, the Murad Code, a global survivor-centred code of conduct that will prevent the re-traumatisation of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, the statement signed the commission’s Public Relations Officer Amaka Eze added. Named after Yazidi Nobel Peace Laureate Nadia Murad, the code will uphold international standards and best practice when documenting conflict-related sexual violence to strengthen investigation into of sexual violence crimes, and support the UK’s efforts to strengthen justice and accountability for all survivors, Eze added.

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Think Tank drums support for state of emergency on sexual violence

The African Legal Think Tank on Women’s Rights ( ALTOWR ) has declared support for the Civil Society Organizations, activists and the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ensure that violence against women and girls is duly and promptly addressed. In a statement issued on Thursday, ALTOWR expressed concern over the spate of Sexual and Gender Based Violence towards women and children in the country, urging the government to take decisive action to end the menace.

The statement which reads in parts said, “The African Legal Think Tank on Women’s Rights ( ALTOWR ) is following with tremendous concern the rise of systemic violence towards women and children in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “We condemn the horrendous episodes of rape, domestic violence and abuses, and join in solidarity the coalition of Civil Society Organizations calling for the declaration of a State of Emergency on SGBV in Nigeria”.

It said recent data showed that violence against women and children has pervasively increased during the current novel COVID-19 pandemic, with serious consequences for the victims, the families, the community and the country at large. “Cognisant that the lockdown has forced victims to remain isolated with their abusers, as data from service providers have reported a drastic increase of cases. “We wish to duly emphasize that the Pandemic has weakened an already enfeebled system attributed to a pervasive culture of impunity, which is unable to properly address violence against women and children, with devastating consequences towards the pre-existing inequalities and vulnerabilities, further affecting the most vulnerable groups, including women and girls with disabilities in conflict-affected states, refugees and internally displaced. “The weak system of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is further affected by the societal, cultural and religious response to the cases of violence towards women and children, which often lead to victim-blaming. “Such attitudes have led to devastating effects in ensuring access to Justice for the victims, further exacerbated by the political discourse” the statement added. It further stated that survivors of SGBV are often unable to report cases due to the stigma and fear of discrimination. “We wish to reiterate that the police should not be used in any form or manner as a tool of oppression and power abuse, serving a privileged elite to silence, threaten and intimidate women. “This repeated high-handedness by the police, instead of thorough investigation further deters survivors of SGBV from reporting their abusers. “We duly recall to state prosecutors that they are entrusted with representing the State and the public interest before the legal and judicial institutions, and as such they shall ensure that Justice is done for the victims of such horrific crimes”.

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JAMB announces cut-off marks for universities, others

The 20th Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria has approved 160 and above as the national minimum benchmark for admissions into public universities for the year 2020. 

This was disclosed in a virtual meeting held on Tuesday. 140 was also approved as the minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) score for admission into private universities. While 120 UTME score was approved for public polytechnics, a minimum of 100 UTME score was also approved for Colleges of Education, innovative enterprises and institutes.

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Bayern Munich win eighth straight Bundesliga title

Bayern Munich players celebrate

Bayern Munich secured an eighth straight Bundesliga title on Tuesday as Robert Lewandowski’s first-half strike proved enough for a nervy 1-0 win at Werder Bremen. Hansi Flick’s Bavarian giants went into the game seven points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, who have three matches remaining, and extended that gap to an unassailable 10-point advantage. It is Bayern’s 30th German top-flight title in total and they remain on course to win the treble. They face Bayer Leverkusen on July 4 in the German Cup final and also hold a 3-0 first-leg lead over Chelsea in the Champions League last 16.

The win at the Weserstadion was Bayern’s eighth consecutive victory in all competitions since the German season restarted last month following the coronavirus lockdown. Lewandowski scored his 31st league goal of the campaign shortly before half-time, but Bayern had to withstand a period of sustained late pressure after left-back Alphonso Davies was sent off with 11 minutes left. Relegation-threatened Bremen threw on 41-year-old striker Claudio Pizarro, but the former Bayern man was denied a dramatic 90th-minute tap-in by a stretching Manuel Neuer. Bremen, who have spent more seasons in the Bundesliga than any other club, remain in the relegation zone.

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Namenj - Sai wata rana

Namenj, One of the best arewa Pop Singers is back again with another new cover song of NAZIFI ASNANIC"S SAI WATARANA. The song will make you fall in love over and over again.

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Messi starts as Barcelona resume against Mallorca

Fears over Lionel Messi’s fitness were eased when the Argentine star was named to start for Barcelona in their first match in three months against Real Mallorca on Saturday. Messi had caused concern by missing three training sessions this month with tightness in his thigh but rejoined his teammates on Monday and was named in the starting line-up by coach Quique Setien.

It will be the first time the 32-year-old has played since he scored the winner against Real Sociedad on March 7. That victory sent Barcelona back to the top of the table, two points ahead of Real Madrid.

Messi has scored 24 goals in 31 appearances for Barca this term. La Liga returned on Thursday as Sevilla beat Real Betis 2-0, bringing an end to 93 days without matches while the coronavirus suspension was in place. Teams will play their remaining 11 fixtures in less than six weeks, with the season scheduled to finish on July 19. (AFP)

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