New Marine Protected Area Created In Argentina

By Olaborede Olugbenga Israel

Argentina has now made the  land and ocean off the southernmost point of the South America country a protected area.

The Tierra del Fuego legislature has voted to establish the Peninsula Mitre Protected Area, which comprises 1.2 million acres (485,623 hectares) of land and ocean.

Yvon Chouinard, founder of outdoor apparel brand Patagonia and a longstanding advocate for the region, recounted his first experience there:

“In 1977, my friend Paul Bruun and I backpacked along the coast of Peninsula Mitre looking for streams to fish and adventure. We found old shipwrecks, kelp forests, peat bogs and sea trout in one of the wildest places left on the planet. I’m proud to have been a small part of creating this park at the end of the world.”

Peninsula Mitre is located at the eastern end of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Due to its huge expanse of peat, the peninsula is the largest area of carbon capture in the country and the presence of well-preserved underwater kelp forests increases the importance and biodiversity of this ecosystem. Various species inhabit, migrate to, and find food in its terrestrial and marine areas, including: the endangered southern river otter, the humpback whale and the Fuegian steamer duck.

Also, the area is home to some of the region’s most significant natural and cultural heritage, such as traces of the Haush (a hunter-gatherer people), the remains of shipwrecks as well as a plethora of flora and fauna.

Major conservation news out of Argentina!

Legislators in Tierra del Fuego have just voted to establish the 1.2 million acre Peninsula Mitre Protected Area – Argentina's most important carbon sink – a significant global climate win!

Marine Protection Congress: Participants of IMPAC 5 to undergo new COVID testing policy

By Kolawole Yemisi Victoria

Participants arriving in Vancouver, Canada from China for the 5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) holding between February 3-9, 2023 would be required to undergo new COVID testing policy.

This is even as travellers who arrived in Vancouver from China on Thursday were required to pack proof that they’d tested negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of landing in Canada.

Health Canada says the new policy, which kicked off in Jan. 5, is in response to a surge in cases in China after that country lifted its strict “zero-COVID” measures last month.

Both molecular PCR tests and antigen tests are accepted, and the only exemptions are for people who have tested positive more than 10 days ago and within the last 90 days.

At a press conference Thursday, B.C.’s Health Minister Adrian Dix said he supports the federal government’s testing requirement.

“It’s about the issues around the spread of COVID-19 around the world and the steps we can take to limit the risk,” Dix said.

Some medical experts, however, feel the measure won’t have much of an impact.

“Even if there was a specific variant of concern that was coming from China only, the likelihood of you being able to control that with these kinds of restrictions or testing is very low,” said Dr. Alon Vaisman, an infectious disease specialist at Toronto’s University Health Network.

CTV News spoke with some of the first passengers coming off an inbound flight from China Thursday to see how they felt about the testing requirement.

“I think, to be honest, it’s a little silly,” said Jian Yi Dong.

He says the new rule led to a mad scramble before his flight home.

“That policy just started and we were not ready for that, it was very hard for us to find a place to do the test.”

Marine Protection

Environmental activist, Dele Fulani, in this piece speaks on the upcoming conference on Marine Protected Areas in Canada and the role of private sector in advocating for the preservation of the marine areas.

His speech:

"The ecosystem was well planned and thought-out by God for the benefit of mankind.

"Every aspect of the ecosystem both plants and animals and non living things were carefully created to be interdependent and achieve balance in the ecosystem.

"Unfortunately, human activities, both Internationally or unintentionally, have caused imbalance and dysfunction in the ecosystem.

"Where there's dysfunction in the ecosystem, it will lead to a lot of mishap and avoc in the well-being of the society either directly or indirectly.

"This is one of the causes of climate change and that is why we environmentalists are advocating for green energies and how we can curb the menace of what could lead to bad climate, environmental degradation through all spillage.

"One critical area of our lives we need to look at is marine conservation and protection.

"The living organisms in the marine world are currently facing existential threats through unsafe human activities and practices detrimental to aquatic lives which might result in total extinction of these organisms if not checked on time.

"A situation whereby hazardous wastes and non biodegradable wasted are thrown into the oceans in dangerous and detrimental to the survival of the aquatic lives.

"Another area of concern is the massive encroachment into the marine areas through landfilling efforts to drive back the oceans.

"God gave us this wonderful work of nature to nurture it for our own benefits.

"To the glory of God, the whole world will be gathering in February in North America in Canada precisely to brainstorm on how to protect the marine and whatever resolutions reached at this conference will be a policy document for all countries of the world particularly countries that have water bodies and coastal borderlines.

"This is a task that has to be done because government alone cannot do it. It requires efforts of non-state actors, the civil societies and non governmental organizations like ours  need to make more advocacy on marine protection."

Dele Fulani, an environmental activist, aviation expert and online blogger writes in from Abuja.

Plight Of Victims Of Anti-LGBTQ Laws In Nigeria: A Grim Reality Of Persecution And Injustice

By Aremu Douglas 

In Nigeria, the LGBTQ community faces a harrowing ordeal, battling against discriminatory laws and a justice system that often turns a blind eye to their plight. 

The enactment of anti-LGBTQ laws has led to a cascade of human rights abuses, including police clampdowns, unlawful arrests, detention, torture, oppression, and even annihilation.

The LGBTQ community in Nigeria faces relentless persecution and discrimination under the shadow of draconian anti-LGBTQ laws. These laws not only sanction discrimination but also fuel a culture of impunity, enabling law enforcement agencies to target, harass, and abuse individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

 Despite international condemnation and calls for reform, the situation remains dire, with instances of police clampdown, unlawful arrests, detention, torture, and systemic oppression persisting unchecked.

Police Clampdown and Unlawful Arrests:

The Nigerian police force has been notorious for its heavy-handed tactics against LGBTQ individuals. Under the pretext of enforcing anti-LGBTQ laws, police officers often conduct raids on LGBTQ gatherings, clubs, and even private residences. These raids are characterized by violence, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests.

Instances of police clampdowns on LGBTQ individuals and communities are alarmingly common in Nigeria. Under the guise of upholding anti-LGBTQ laws, law enforcement agencies often conduct raids on gatherings, events, and even private spaces where LGBTQ individuals congregate. These raids frequently result in the arbitrary arrest of innocent people solely based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In 2018, a wave of arrests swept through Lagos, with over 40 individuals detained at a hotel on allegations of homosexuality. Reports surfaced of brutal treatment, including beatings and extortion, highlighting the pervasive abuse faced by LGBTQ Nigerians at the hands of law enforcement.

In 2022, a case was reported of how a crack team of security operatives busted the home of one Mr Oluwasegun Oni (now at large) in the heart of the nation's capital, Abuja on suspicion of being a gay.

Report has it that Mr Oni who is now on the run for his dear life was reported to the police by his wife, Mrs Gbemisola Oni following arguments between the couple over his failure to perform to her expectation the duty of the husband on bed.

According to findings by Our Correspondent, Mrs Gbemisola Oni told neighbors that her husband was always fund of giving excuses after excuses whenever she requested sex but observed thar Mr Oni rather preferred to be in the company of his male friends in the neighbourhood hence she decided to report him to the police that she suspected him to be a gay for failing to perform his duty as husband on bed.

The police then invited Mr Oni for questioning following the petition submitted by his wife Mrs Gbemisola Oni.

But sensing danger due to the nature of corruption, high-handedness and impunity associated with the Nigerian Police and judicial system, Mr Oni decided to run for his dear life because he doesn't trust the system to get justice.

Findings by our correspondent revealed that Mr Oni failed to honour police invitation because he knew he won't get fair hearing and trial due to corruption, impunity and disregard to rule of law in the Nigerian Police  and judicial system

According to reports, following arrests, LGBTQ individuals are often subjected to prolonged detention without trial. In overcrowded and unsanitary detention facilities, they endure physical and psychological abuse at the hands of authorities. Reports of torture, including beatings, electrocution, and sexual violence, are widespread. These brutal tactics are used to extract confessions or coerce individuals into revealing information about other members of the LGBTQ community.

Oppression and Annihilation:

Beyond the confines of detention centers, LGBTQ individuals face systemic oppression and marginalization in Nigerian society. They are denied basic rights and subjected to discrimination in employment, housing, healthcare, and education. Many are ostracized by their families and communities, forced to live in secrecy and fear for their safety.

Tragically, the consequences of anti-LGBTQ laws extend beyond mere oppression to the annihilation of individuals. Hate crimes targeting LGBTQ people are not uncommon, with many falling victim to vigilante violence or extrajudicial killings. The prevailing culture of homophobia and transphobia perpetuates a cycle of fear and persecution, leaving LGBTQ Nigerians vulnerable to acts of brutality and even murder.

Failure of the Justice System:

Perhaps most disturbingly, the Nigerian justice system often fails to provide recourse for LGBTQ individuals seeking redress for human rights violations. Instead of safeguarding their rights, the legal framework perpetuates discrimination and enables impunity for perpetrators of anti-LGBTQ violence. Cases of police brutality and hate crimes against LGBTQ individuals are rarely investigated or prosecuted, leaving victims without justice and perpetuating a culture of impunity.

In conclusion, the plight of anti-LGBTQ laws in Nigeria represents a grave violation of human rights and a failure of the justice system to uphold its duty to protect all citizens. Urgent action is needed to repeal discriminatory laws, hold perpetrators accountable for their actions, and create a society where LGBTQ individuals can live free from fear and persecution. Until then, the struggle for equality and justice for the LGBTQ community in Nigeria continues unabated.

RE: OBJ's New Year Message

 

By Tunde IMOLEHIN 

Some Nigerians have incredible passion for petition and letter writing. Many people have been victims of both while the nation has gained much less. Reasons are not far fetched. Both passions are borne out of personal rather than patriotic sentiments.

 Tony Momoh of blessed memory was a well-known letter writer. He was arguably more famous for his "letter to my countrymen" than all the prominent positions he occupied while alive. Olusegun Obasanjo, two-time leader of Nigeria is another famous letter writer. Their letters speak to Nigerians on contemporary issues, advancing causes or seeking solutions to problems and challenges.

The recent letter by the latter, released as a new year message, spoke largely to the state of the nation, particularly the next general elections in February, this year and already, typical of his literary works, it has started generating attention. I also noted lately that New Year's messages to the nation have become an all comers affair.

The meat of Obasanjo's letter is his public endorsement of Peter Obi as his candidate for the next Presidential Election which Bayo Onanuga, veteran journalist and APC Presidential Campaign Director of Media and Publicity had already written off in his prompt response. For me, I consider the letter largely unnecessary, divisive, avoidable and offensive. 

First, the youth do not need those who have consistently denied them opportunities to lead this country to advise them on who to vote for in the next elections. The Youths are now very enlightened politically to advance their causes going forward. The opportunity provided by the Buhari Administration in the "Not too Young to Run" bill has galvanised the Nigerian youth to be actively involved more than ever before in the affairs of the nation.

Second, in his defence and recommendation of Peter Obi, the former President said in his letter: "One other important point to make about Peter is that he is a needle with thread attached to it from North and South and he may not get lost. In other words, he has people who can pull his ears, if and when necessary" 

So, in a nutshell, is OBJ advocating for a President that is vulnerable and easy to manipulate? Is that the kind of President the youth and the Nigerian people deserve? Another Umar Yar A'dua or Goodluck Jonathan?

Third, on age, fitness and mental capacity, how did OBJ arrive at the conclusion that a 61-year old OBI is fitter, mentally suited to lead Nigerians than his older, more experienced competitors. Our former President should remember that were it not for the botched third term agenda, we probably may still be dealing with the issue of age and performance under his Presidency.

Nigeria and indeed Nigerians have come of age. What Nigerians need is an enabling environment to vote their choice without fear, favour or undue influence. If OBJ must offer advice, it should  be about strengthening the institutions that will ensure free and fair elections. As a retired army General, he should offer advice on how to address the threatening insecurity in the land. He should use his revered position as a statesman to rein in on the warlords and their sponsors who are hell bent on scuttling the electoral process despite all the efforts being made by the Buhari Administration to ensure free, fair and credible elections come February. 

It is gratifying to note that the former President acknowledges that none of the contestants is a saint. Sainthood is the exclusive preserve of GOD ALMIGHTY. If the Presidency of the nation were to be decided on account of Sainthood, none of those that have led the country particularly since 1999 including OBJ would have passed.

 What the country needs now is a President who is experienced, patriotic, passionate and knowledgeable about the needs of the country. Nigeria needs a true builder of men and resources. Nigeria needs a bold, courageous (not a puppet), detribalised set of leaders to move Nigeria forward. 

OBJ himself admitted in his letter that the campaign has so far been smooth, engaging and civil. Every Presidency has its own needs, challenges and strategies. As the former President himself admitted, we cannot rely on the 1999-2007 Presidential template for 2023. In the 2023 elections, Presidential Candidates will rely on their experiences and expertise to deliver. This is where the APC ticket would appeal to not a few because of the very glaring successes in Borno and Lagos States.

 If the former President strongly wants his mentee to be in the saddle, why not Atiku Abubakar? 

With due respect to the retired General, let the people decide who should be their President. If they fail, GOD forbid, it's their choice. The people get the leaders they deserve.

Tunde IMOLEHIN, Founder of THE VANGUARD PROGRESSIVES FORUM wrote in from Abuja.

Again, Dickson Bags Award For Transparency

…Dedicates Award To Bayelsans, His Team

The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has bagged an award for Transparency in Leadership.

A coalition of over 90 civil society organizations under the aegis of the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, led by Director General of the prominent non governmental organization, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu honoured Dickson with the award in recognition of his sterling antecedents in the pursuit of transparency as Governor of Bayelsa State.

Governor Seriake Dickson, had won the 2018 Transparency Award organised by the management of the Africa Independent Television (AIT).

The Director General of CCLCA Dr. Gabriel Nwambu said while presenting the award to the former Governor, at the Press Centre of the Senate on Friday that it was given to him in appreciation of his “unique dimension of governance, conceived and implemented, especially in the area of transparency, accountability, probity and integrity.”

The Director General said that his organization was particularly impressed with the Governor for the bold step to initiate and the implement the Bayelsa State Transparency Law.

According to him, Dickson acted in an unusual and unique manner by initiating a law that makes it mandatory for the Governor and council chairmen to declare monthly incomes and expenditures of the state.

He stated that his Organisation found it fascinating to discover that Dickson made it an impeachable act of gross misconduct for non disclosure of state income and expenditure for three months in the then executive Bill.

He said, “Senator Henry Seriake Dickson was sworn-in as Governor of Bayelsa State on the 14th of February, 2012 and left office after eight years of meritorious service in February 2020

“On resumption, he, among other novel initiatives, sent an Executive Bill to the state House of Assembly called “Transparency Initiative Bill”. This Bill makes it mandatory for whoever is the Governor, or his representative, to make public, on monthly basis, the financial standing of the state. In other words, the bill requires a mandatory full disclosure of the total income and expenditure of the state for the preceding month.

“This law literally makes it mandatory for Governors and Local Government Chairmen to declare to the people, the income that comes into their coffers, and the expenditures thereof.

“Within the context of the BAYELSA State Innovative Law, the bill established and enshrined the right of the people to know how their money is received and spent. Failure to align with the legislation for 3 consecutive months would compel the state House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings on the Governor or Local Government Chairman as the case may be.

“Political leaders and several other interest groups at the time, were shocked when, in the draft bill, Senator Dickson insisted that non-conformity with the provision of monthly briefing should amount to gross misconduct in the law, for which the governor could be impeached. Even the lawmakers felt it was too harsh, but Dickson insisted.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is first of its kind in Nigeria and it is now 10 years since the enactment of this law, no other state in Nigeria has enacted any law similar to this.”

Nwambu stated further that the Senator continued with the monthly implementation of the law for eight years thereby propelling the confidence and trust by the electorate in the government.

He said Senator Dickson’s uncompromising stance on transparency made the Association of former LGA Chairmen who served under him to unanimously affirm to his integrity in public service and declared that as Governor for 8 years, he never tampered with Local Government Council funds.

He noted that it is indeed encouraging for the ex-Chairmen to affirm that “not only did Dickson not tamper with Local Government funds, he also added 15% of the state IGR to the local governments, to assist them with payment of primary school teachers salaries etc.”

He observed that “With this clear focus on transparency and openness and the introduction of higher standards in the administration of the State, little wonder that even in a recessed economy, the new standards brought in ensured that available funds were duly channeled to the actualization of massive developmental strides in Education, Healthcare delivery, massive road network construction, Human Capital Development, Agriculture and general infrastructural Development, including the BAYELSA State International Airport, the N10 billion Bayelsa cassava processing plant, the Aqua culture village, the gulf course, Universities among others which were initiated, completed and commissioned under him. Many other projects cutting across several sectors were either built and completed under him or conceived initiated and started by him as part of his vision for a modernized Bayelsa State.”

He stated further that Dickson period signaled departure from the previous practice where public office holders tampered with state resources with impunity.

He said that while it is the practice in Nigeria to honour those who have distinguished themselves in various areas, posthumously,  his organization finds it necessary to break from the practice by honouring those deserving of such honour while they are alive.

In his reaction, Dickson dedicated the award to the people of Bayelsa and his restoration team while in office.

He expressed surprise at the award and urged all other civil society organizations to ensure that those who have done well are encouraged with due recognition rather than the traditional focus on criticism alone.

“On behalf of my family, on behalf of the Restoration Government, the good people of Bayelsa, I thank the DG, and the organizers.

“I dedicate the award to the members of the restoration team, the deputy Governor, Gboribiogha John Jonah, and all the top government operatives. I also appreciate those who put me on my toes, criticizing us for eight years.

“I thank you even as I urge the NGOs not only to criticize but to also appreciate those who have done well.

“Public servants are not all devils. This country has a reservoir of great minds in the various sectors doing very well. Nation building cannot be done alone by one good person. It takes all to make concerted efforts, the total aggregate of every profession that determines whether a nation is great or not.

“I thank the DG for the recognition of the modest efforts and contributions in advancing the frontiers of promoting public accountability and development in Bayelsa.

“The Transparency Law is still effective in Bayelsa and I want to recommend it to other states. The People have a right to know the financial decisions: income and expenditure in their state.

Bayelsa still operates the law, as the government of the day continued with it. Also, the councils in Bayelsa enjoy financial autonomy.”

NDDC: Ogunmola possesses requisite qualifications to be appointed into NDDC board, Ondo Professionals tell Senate

By Ebi Keiena

Following massive outcry that trailed his rejection by the Senate last Thursday,  the Ondo State Professional Forum, FCT chapter, has stated that Mr Charles Ogunmola possesses necessary qualifications to be appointed into the board of the Niger-Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

The group has therefore called on the Senate to reverse its decision and confirm Mr Ogunmola as the Executive Director representing Ondo State in the NDDC board.

National Secretary of the group, Hon. Dele Fulani, in a statement issued on behalf of the association, called on the Senate particularly the senators representing Ondo state to reverse their decision and confirm Ogunmola immidiately stressing that the reason given by the senators for his rejection was based on primordial  sentiment which has no touch with current reality. 

Hon. Fulani maintained that the Constitution envisage oil producing area and not oil producing village, community or local government, adding that as a citizen of Ondo state, Ogunmola is qualified to be appointed as a representative of the oil producing state into the Niger Delta commission Board.

In the same vein, some former Niger Delta militants from seven states under the aegis of Niger/Delta Development Front, NDDF, have declared their support for the nomination of Mr. Ogunmola from Ondo State as the executive director of Projects at the NDDC by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The ex-agitators in a statement signed by their National Coordinator, National Secretary and National Publicity Secretary, Ovie Bobarakuie, Chief Kingsley Ebiowou and Dr. Solomon Orighomisan respectively, carpeted the three senators from Ondo State who rejected the nomination of Ogunmola during his screening at the Senate last week because there’s no oil in his community, stating that: “These senators are merely seeking cheap popularity after their earlier rejection by their constituents.”

Recall that on Thursday, the three Senators from the State had kicked against the nominee over what they described as a breach of the NDDC act.

They argued that Ogunmola is from Owo in the northern senatorial district of the State as against the oil-producing Ilaje and Ese-Odo Council Areas in the southern part of the State.

Explaining the reason for Ogunmola's rejection, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, representing Ondo Central, disclosed that the nominee was rejected for not meeting up with the act of the NDDC.

The Senator, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Strategy, Charles Akinwon, stated that the act setting up the commission stipulated that a nominee must come from an oil-producing area.

Akinyelure maintained that Ogunmola is not from the mandate area of Ondo State where oil is being produced.

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