Bricache Intelligence

The ongoing recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan presents a crucial test of the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) integrity. INEC's integrity has been questioned in the past, and this recall process will be a significant milestone for Nigeria's democracy. The Recall Process Recalling a Senator or House of Representatives member in Nigeria involves a multi-step process: Step 1: Petition: More than half of the registered voters in the Senator's or House of Representatives member's constituency must sign a petition, alleging their loss of confidence in the member. Step 2: Submission to INEC: The petition is submitted to the Chairman of INEC. Step 3: Verification: INEC verifies the signatures on the petition to ensure they meet the required threshold. Step 4: Notification: If the petition is valid, INEC notifies the Senator or House of Representatives member. Step 5: Public Notice: INEC issues a public notice stating the date, time, and loc...

The 35% affirmation for Nigerian women in politics doesn't align with the Nigerian Constitution, which doesn't specify gender-based quotas for political positions. If ministerial appointments were based on states, it's unclear which state would be compelled to bring a woman to meet the 35% quota. Similarly, if commissioners were appointed based on local governments or constituencies, it's uncertain which local government or constituency would be required to nominate only females. The issue lies in the fact that these quotas can be seen as limitations rather than empowerment tools. Instead of relying on quotas, women should be able to compete and earn positions based on merit and ability. Assuming 100 seats are available, with 100 men and 100 women competing, the 35% quota would reserve 35 seats for women and 65 for men. This creates an uneven playing field, where 65 women would be competing for 35 seats, while 35 men would be competing for 65 seats. In reality, women...

Fresh concerns have emerged over the declaration of a state of emergency, with a video surfacing on social media showing former President Olusegun Obasanjo accusing House of Representatives members of collecting bribes to support the declaration. Various groups and stakeholders have widely condemned the state of emergency, with the South-South Zone of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room releasing a press statement criticizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's action. The accusation raises questions about the oversight function of federal legislators, who are supposed to protect the Constitution and the interests of all Nigerians, not just a select few. As condemnation grows and citizens express their discontent, it is expected that a President who respects democracy and the rule of law would reconsider the decision in the best interest of the people.   In the video a perceived House of Representatives member was trying to debunk the claim, but given former President Obasan...

Silence is Not Golden: The Need for Accountability and Justice in Nigeria's Justice System for Sex-Related Crimes By Dr. Bright Oniovokukor  In Nigeria's justice system, one area of criminality that has not received fair and objective attention is sex-related offenses. The challenge of providing evidence remains significant, and proving the facts is another obstacle. Despite having various laws in place to address these issues for many years, biases stemming from loud opinions, prejudice, nepotism, religion, and culture continue to hinder progress. This has perpetuated a culture of silence. When a woman who has been sexually harassed decides to speak up, some people, including some who claim to be gender advocates, argue that the timing and circumstances are not ideal. They have used this argument to criticize Senator Natasha, claiming she spoke out at the wrong time and place.  This raises questions:  When is enough enough?  Do offenders consider the time and locati...

 CiVIL SOCIETY  FOR HIV & AIDS IN NIGERIA (CiSHAN) WORLD AIDS DAY PRESS RELEASE Commemorating World AIDS Day 2024: A Call to Action for a Resilient and Sustainable HIV Response in Nigeria As we mark World AIDS Day 2024, the Civil Society for HIV & AIDS in Nigeria (CISHAN) joins the global community in reaffirming our commitment to ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. This year's theme, "Closing the Gap," resonates deeply with our mission to promote a resilient and sustainable HIV response in Nigeria. "Today, we honor the lives lost to AIDS and celebrate the progress made in the fight against this disease,"  "However, we are equally mindful of the gaps that remain in our response, particularly in reaching marginalized communities and ensuring equitable access to HIV services." As we commemorate World AIDS Day 2024, CISHAN calls on the Nigerian government, Civil Society Organizations, and all stakeholders to: 1. Scale up HIV testing and treatment se...

 MENACE ASSOCIATED WITH THE  PROLIFERATION OF LECTURE HOUSES The proliferation of lecture houses operating during school hours in Edo State, Nigeria, is a concerning trend that may indicate a collapse of secondary school education. These lecture houses, which have become increasingly popular among SS2 students, prioritize exam preparation over holistic education, leading to knowledge, moral, and character gaps. Menace associated with Lecture Houses 1. Lack of standard admission methods: Students are admitted without proper evaluation, and monitoring systems are nonexistent. 2. Overcrowded and unconducive learning environments: Classes are often overcrowded, making it difficult for students to focus. 3. Peer influence and vice: Students are exposed to negative influences from peers, with little oversight from proprietors. 4. Focus on exam credits over quality education: Lecture houses prioritize exam preparation over comprehensive learning. 5. Focus on Key point: They consider ...

 Edo People Being Distracted from Demanding Dividends of Democracy Edo people are being distracted from the real issues, leading to them being at the receiving end. Democracy is about the people, and it's essential for Edo citizens to focus on demanding dividends of democracy rather than getting sidetracked by unnecessary issues. The current administration should prioritize delivering benefits to the people, while citizens must be cautious of tools used for distraction, such as misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and propaganda. To move forward, Edo citizens must unite, avoiding divisions based on politics, ethnicity, or religion. They should look beyond surface-level issues and understand the state's genuine needs. By doing so, they can demand meaningful change and hold their leaders accountable. As the new administration approaches its two-month milestone, it's crucial to assess its progress in positively impacting citizens' lives. With a focus on true democrac...

The LG Council crisis in Edo State is indeed escalating, with reports of harassment, intimidation, and violence in the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs). It's unacceptable for politics to resort to force and harassment, especially when there are constitutional processes in place to address grievances. The Governor of Edo State needs to declare his level of involvement in the crisis. It's essential for him to publicly address the situation and take concrete steps to resolve it. The House of Assembly, with its constitutional powers, must also take responsibility and ensure that the processes enshrined in the Constitution are followed. The Supreme Court judgment of July 11, 2024, has interpreted Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, granting autonomy to the 774 Local Governments in Nigeria, including the 18 LGAs in Edo State. This judgment should be respected and implemented. Instead of the current approach, which is being seen as a demonstration of failed lobbying skills, it's c...

The way we raise our children has a profound impact on their lives and our relationship with them. Some parents have expressed disappointment and hurt that their children do not show appreciation or care for them in their old age. To understand this phenomenon, let's examine the different approaches to parenting and their consequences. We've all heard stories of parents who were strict disciplinarians, often labeled as "wicked" by their children. However, as these children grow older and face the realities of life, they begin to appreciate the wisdom and love behind their parents' actions. They realize that their parents were preparing them for the challenges of life, teaching them valuable lessons that would benefit them in the long run. In contrast, parents who pamper and overindulge their children often do them a disservice. These children may learn the hard way, making mistakes and facing difficulties that could have been avoided if they had been taught discip...