News

UK court to hear final Assange appeal against extradition to US

Published

12 months ago

February 20, 2024

By Francesca Hangeior

The High Court in London Tuesday will begin hearing WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s final UK appeal against extradition to the United States to face trial over publishing secret military and diplomatic files.

Washington wants the 52-year-old Australian citizen extradited after he was charged there multiple times between 2018 and 2020 in connection with WikiLeaks’ 2010 publication of files relating to the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The long-running legal saga in Britain’s courts is now nearing a conclusion, after Assange lost successive rulings in recent years.

If this week’s two-day bid to appeal set to begin at 10:30 am (1030 GMT) Tuesday is successful, he will have another chance to argue his case in a London court, with a date set for a full hearing.

If he loses, Assange will have exhausted all UK appeals and will enter the extradition process, although his team have indicated they will appeal to European courts.

His wife Stella Assange has said he will ask the European Court of Human Rights to temporarily halt the extradition if needed, warning he would die if sent to the United States.

“Tomorrow and the day after will determine whether he lives or dies essentially, and he’s physically and mentally obviously in a very difficult place,” she told BBC radio on Monday.

US President Joe Biden has faced sustained pressure, both domestically and internationally, to drop the 18-count indictment Assange faces in federal court in Virginia, which was filed under his predecessor Donald Trump.

Major media organisations, press freedom advocates and the Australian parliament are among those decrying the prosecution under the 1917 Espionage Act, which has never been used before over publishing classified information.

But Washington has maintained the case, which alleges Assange and others at WikiLeaks recruited and agreed with hackers to conduct “one of the largest compromises of classified information” in US history.

Assange, detained in the high-security Belmarsh Prison in southeast London since April 2019, was arrested after spending seven years holed up in Ecuador’s London embassy.

He fled there to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faced accusations of sexual assault which were later dropped.

The High Court had blocked his extradition, but then reversed the decision on appeal in 2021 after the United States vowed to not imprison him in its most extreme prison, “ADX Florence”.

It also pledged not to subject him to the harsh regime known as “Special Administrative Measures”.

In March 2022, the UK’s Supreme Court refused permission to appeal, arguing Assange failed to “raise an arguable point of law”.

Months later, ex-interior minister Priti Patel formally signed off on his extradition, but Assange is now seeking permission to review that decision and the 2021 appeal ruling.

If convicted in the United States, he faces a maximum sentence of 175 years in jail.

Kristinn Hrafnsson, WikiLeaks’ editor-in-chief, told reporters last week that caveats included within the US promises meant they were “not worth the paper they are written on”.

On the same day, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denounced the years-long legal pursuit of Assange, saying “enough is enough”.

It followed the country’s parliament passing a motion calling for an end to his prosecution.

News

Nigeria Needs Thinkers and Builders, Not Spectators – Speaker Abbas

Published

26 minutes ago

February 1, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…highlights youth as key to progress

By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker House of Representatives,Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasised the need for Nigeria to have active thinkers, builders, and leaders rather than passive observers.

Giving a Convocation Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), Speaker Abbas described Nigerian youths as the country’s most valuable assets, urging them to embrace innovation and technology to drive national development.

His lecture, titled “From Crisis to Prosperity: Harnessing Technology to Drive Nigeria’s Transformation,” focused on the role of technology in shaping the country’s future.

He said: “In an age characterised by rapid technological advancements that are fundamentally altering economies and societies, it is imperative for Nigeria to seize opportunities for growth and innovation. By strategically leveraging technology, the nation can effectively confront pressing challenges, stimulate economic development, and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens.”

Speaker Abbas explained how the strategic adoption and implementation of technological solutions can transition Nigeria from its current crises toward a trajectory of sustainable prosperity.

He noted that in Nigeria, there exists a pervasive belief that university degrees are inherently superior to diplomas from technical polytechnics and colleges.

“As Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria faces many socioeconomic challenges that hinder its development trajectory. Addressing these issues is crucial for the nation’s progress. This lecture focuses on how technology can transform Nigeria from a state of crisis to one of prosperity, offering innovative solutions to longstanding problems.

“This perception has led to an overwhelming demand for university admissions, often at the expense of technical and vocational education,” he said.

Abbas further noted that there is an erosion of technical skills essential for industrial development.

“Ironically, many university graduates find themselves pursuing vocational skills after graduation, such as hairdressing, makeup artistry, and catering, which could have been more comprehensively acquired through technical education.

“In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom and Germany have robust technical education systems, where polytechnics and vocational schools are integral to driving industrial innovation. Nigeria must learn from such models by strengthening its technical education sector to meet industry demands.

“The declining quality of graduates from Nigerian universities, is a reflection of broader systemic issues, particularly the insufficient number and lack of quality of academic staff. Nigeria faces a significant shortage of qualified lecturers, with the lecturer-to-student ratio far exceeding global standards.

“This overcrowding severely limits the ability of lecturers to provide personalised attention and quality instruction, undermining the learning experience for students,” he stated.

Speaker Abbas also noted that there was a shortage of qualified academic staff, which he said is further aggravated by inadequate remuneration and limited opportunities for professional development.

“Compounding these challenges is the commercialisation of education, which has led to unethical practices such as exchanging grades for money or sexual favours. These practices not only tarnish the integrity of academic institutions but also erode public trust in the quality of education being delivered.

“The consequences of these systemic issues are evident in the poor performance of Nigerian universities in global rankings”, he asserted.

To address these challenges, the Speaker said there was an urgent need for targeted interventions, including increased funding for higher education, improved remuneration for academic staff, and expanded opportunities for professional development.

Additionally, he said stricter enforcement of ethical standards and the implementation of transparent evaluation systems could help curb academic corruption and restore the integrity of Nigerian universities.

“Nigerian universities face chronic underfunding, which has severely impacted infrastructure, research capabilities, and overall educational quality. While the expansion of universities aims to increase access to higher education, it often leads to stretched resources and diminished quality.

“A more strategic approach would focus on enhancing existing institutions through improved funding and resource allocation, drawing lessons from successful funding models employed by universities globally and within Africa”, Speaker Abbas said.

While noting that globally, universities adopt diverse funding models that reduce reliance on government allocations, the Speaker said Nigerian universities must rise to this challenge by envisioning and developing a ‘Nigerian Innovation Corridor’ that fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

Speaker Abbas added that by positioning themselves as drivers of technological transformation, Nigerian institutions can create a thriving ecosystem that competes globally and propels the nation into a future powered by innovation.

The youths of Nigeria represent an invaluable assets to the nation. They exemplify qualities of intelligence, resilience, and a strong inclination towards innovation, particularly in the realm of technology. It is essential to leverage digital tools for personal development and entrepreneurial ventures.

“Young Nigerians are encouraged to utilise online learning platforms, engage in coding boot camps, and participate actively in technology communities to enhance their skills and entrepreneurial capabilities. The imperative for youth engagement is more pressing than ever, particularly in a rapidly evolving global economy driven by technology and innovation.

“The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has demonstrated its commitment to fostering an environment that supports young innovators through various initiatives. These initiatives aim to promote technological advancement by implementing policies that facilitate access to funding, mentorship programs, and platforms that stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship”, he added.

By prioritising youth engagement and increasing funding for technology and innovation, Speaker Abbas said the Nigerian Government is laying the foundation for a more inclusive and dynamic economy.

“These initiatives empower young Nigerians to harness their creative potential and position the country as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa,” he said.

News

Sultan declares Friday first day of Sha’aban

Published

6 hours ago

January 31, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs has announced that there were no confirmed reports of the sighting of the crescent moon marking the beginning of Sha’aban 1446AH.

The announcement done in collaboration with the National Moon Sighting Committee, is significant for Muslims in the country being the month that precedes Ramadan.

In a release signed by the Wazirin Sokoto, and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, the committee stated that no moon sighting reports were received from various committees nationwide.

“As a result, Thursday, January 30, 2025, will be observed as the 30th day of Rajab 1446AH.

“His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has accepted the report and officially declared Friday, January 31, 2025, as the first day of Sha’aban 1446AH.

“The announcement is significant for the Muslim community, as Sha’aban is the month preceding Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam.

“The declaration ensures uniformity in the Islamic calendar, guiding religious observances across Nigeria”, it added.

The Sultanate Council also urged Muslims to follow official announcements regarding Islamic dates and to prepare spiritually for the upcoming month of Ramadan.

News

Abolishing Death Penalty, Nigerians Will Decide – Deputy Speaker

Published

6 hours ago

January 31, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has said that the decision to abolish death penalty in Nigeria rests with the people.

Kalu who stated this during a visit by officials of the Death Penalty Project and the British High Commission to his office in Abuja on Thursday, stressed the need for open discussions and collaboration among stakeholders, as opinions on the issue vary widely.

He noted that over 130 countries have already abolished the death penalty, either in law or practice. However, in Nigeria, capital punishment is still allowed for crimes such as murder, armed robbery, and treason.

The Deputy Speaker said that the number of death row inmates highlights the need for reforms in the criminal justice system. As chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, he said the committee has been studying the moral, ethical, and practical aspects of the death penalty.

While no bill on the matter is currently before the House, Kalu stated that the committee is considering it, and a proposal could be brought forward soon for debate and public input.

Kalu said, “Internationally, there is a growing trend toward the abolition of the death penalty, with over 130 countries having abolished it in law or practice. This shift reflects a global understanding that justice must incorporate rehabilitation and restorative practices rather than solely punitive measures.

In November 2024, the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee approved a resolution for a global moratorium on executions, aiming for full abolition, which was adopted on December 17, 2024, marking the tenth resolution since 2007 advocating for a moratorium, with support increasing from 104 states in 2007 to 130 in 2024, while opposition has declined. Notably, Nigeria abstained from the recent vote among 22 abstaining states. This trend indicates a strong movement towards the universal abolition of the death penalty. Within the African Union, 48 of 55 countries are now abolitionist in law or practice, with only Egypt and Somalia carrying out executions in 2023.

“The African continent is advancing towards the abolition of the death penalty more rapidly than any other region, with six countries having eliminated the death penalty for all crimes or for ordinary crimes in just the past four years (since July 2021).

We are willing to collaborate with you and have further engagements as we know that aligning our laws with international best practices enhances Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage.

“There’s no bill before the House of Representatives at the moment to address this issue as we speak, but there’s an intention for us to have conversations around it. I’m trying to give it legal framework by presenting it as a bill. We are considering presenting it before the parliament for debate, for us to know whether or not is what our society needs at the moment. It will pass through various stages of public hearing to allow the public make contribution on this subject matter. We are positive that our willingness to engage further on this discussion will send a clear message that we are committed to upholding human rights and ensuring that our criminal justice system reflects fairness and proportionality.”

The Deputy Speaker however stated that as further discussions are ongoing, the goal is not to diminish the seriousness of capital offenses but to create a justice system that is equitable, effective, and respectful of human rights.

“We owe it to our citizens to ensure that their rights are protected and that our laws reflect the highest standards of justice. I urge you all to support us as we take significant steps towards reforming our criminal justice system towards creating a Nigeria that embodies fairness, respect for human rights, and a commitment to justice for all,” Kalu added.

Earlier, leader of Delegation and Co-founder/Co-Executive Director of The Death Penalty Project, Saul LeurFeund, said the visit was to seek the collaboration of parliament on the potential abolishment of death penalty in Nigeria.

He said, “We’ve seen great progress, Zimbabwe abolished death penalty on new year’s eve. I had the pleasure of being here last August on the invitation of the British high commission .

“It will be helpful to have conversation around death penalty in Nigeria. It will be helpful to bring partners together to discuss potential abolishment, to see if we can change discussion around death penalty. So we want to bring our experience and to discuss with you, the possibility on how the Constitution can be amended and anything we can do to provide technical support”.