World Tolerance Day: NHRC Warns Politicians Against Divisive Acts
As Nigeria joins the rest of the word to commemorate Tolerance Day, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has warned politicians against human rights violations that are inimical to the country’s stability in this election period.
Speaking at the event which is celebrated November 16 every year, the executive secretary, NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu said Nigeria is faced with the challenge of communal and religious conflicts as well as electionrelated violence that affects most parts of the country.
He said the celebration of World Tolerance Day is apt considering that Nigeria is gearing up for the 2023 general elections and campaigns and discussions may be laced with misinformation and hate speeches that could lead to an electoral process characterised by crises that occur before, during and after the conclusion of voting.
He said, “Presently, there are growing concerns about attacks on critical government infrastructures including the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which destroyed voter cards and other important records.
“The alleged attack on some political parties and activities of some non-state actors and secessionist groups have caused fear culminating in the refusal of the use of halls or stadiums by the party in power.”
According to the NHRC executive secretary, tolerance is key in every facet of human endeavor and development of the country.
Earlier in his speech, the national coordinator, International Federation of Ageing – Nigeria (IFAN), Ike Willie- Nwobu said building tolerance is fundamental for the 21st century in an increasingly globalized world where societies are growing more diverse.
According to him, “Tolerance is central to living together, yet tolerance is being tested in the face of economic and social pressure as some seek to exploit fears and high tight differences to stoke halves of minorities, immigrants and the disadvantaged.”
He said to counter the rise of ignorance, extremism and hate-based political appeals, the moderate majority must speak up for shared values and against all forms of
The Jigawa State government has released the sum of N1.053 billion for the payment of gratuity, pension, death benefits and other related workers’ entitlements.
The executive secretary of the state and local government contributory pension board, Alhaji Kamilu Aliyu, stated this while briefing newsmen on the preparation to commence payment.
He noted that the last payment of N1,215,814,335 which was made in July this year was paid to 550 beneficiaries.
“The present payment will cover 475 workers who retired from service between September and November 2022, at the State, Local Government and the Local Education Authorities (LEAs).”
According to him, “136 of the beneficiaries were from state service, 125 from local government and 213 from LEAs.”
He said that N333, 537, 355. 39 million would be disbursed to 136 beneficiaries from the state service, and N176,543,773.89 million to 125 beneficiaries from local government service while 213 beneficiaries of the LEAs would receive N543,795,776.71.