Bricache Intelligence

Senator Oluremi Tinubu's recent visit to a school in Delta State took an unexpected turn, sparking concerns about her role as the First Lady of Nigeria. The drama unfolded when the MC welcomed her with a song, "Na Our Mama be dis" ("This is our mother"), but the students, mostly adult nurses-in-training, responded with "Na Your Mama be dis" ("This is your mother"), implying she was the MC's mother, not theirs.  When the MC mounted the stage, it's usually a norm for some women who are top personalities to be welcomed with a song, "Sweet Mother". This is a sign of respect and admiration for these women. However, some people have expressed the opinion that they can only call someone "Mother" if she is their biological mother or has played a motherly role in their lives. This sentiment was echoed in the unexpected response of the students during Senator Oluremi Tinubu's visit. This unexpected reaction raises questi...

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...

Nigeria's HIV response has made significant strides in recent decades, driven largely by donor funding. The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has slowed the progression of HIV to AIDS, and the "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U=U) campaign has raised awareness about the importance of viral suppression. Furthermore, many females living with HIV who adhered to their treatment regimens have given birth to HIV-negative babies, a remarkable achievement in the fight against HIV. However, despite these gains, the government's lack of commitment to domestic resource mobilization has raised concerns about the sustainability of these efforts. With the US government's recent review of its foreign aid, the HIV response in Nigeria is facing a critical juncture. The recent US waiver for HIV treatment for millions of persons living with HIV is a welcome development. However, it is imperative to recognize that the HIV response extends far beyond treatment and access t...

The Local Government crisis in Edo State has deepened, taking various forms across different Local Government Areas (LGAs). As the saying goes, "when two elephants fight, it's the ground that suffers." In this case, the Edo citizens who rely on Local Government services are bearing the brunt. The three tiers of government – Federal, State, and Local Government – each have distinct roles to play in serving citizens. The Local Government, being the closest to the people, is critical in addressing their needs. However, since the crisis began, many Local Government services have ground to a halt, leaving citizens uncertain about where to turn. The suspension of Local Government Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, the ascension of Legislative leaders to Acting Chairmen, and recent impeachment notices have sparked reactions and counter-reactions. The true state of leadership at the LGAs has become a source of concern, with those in acting capacities limited in their functions and autho...

The term "service" has different definitions depending on the context in which it is viewed. As a noun, service refers to the action of helping or doing work for someone. Additionally, as a noun, service describes a system that supplies a public need, such as transportation, communications, or utilities like electricity and water. Furthermore, as a verb, service means to perform routine maintenance or repair work on a vehicle or machine; it also refers to the process of a male animal mating with a female animal. To celebrate is to acknowledge a significant or happy day or event with a social gathering or enjoyable activity. It also means to perform a religious, traditional, or cultural ceremony. Therefore, celebrating service means acknowledging and appreciating the actions or processes conducted by individuals or groups to achieve an organization's targets or goals. It is a time to recognize the efforts made to provide customer satisfaction. Why Celebrate Service? Every ...

 The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition of over 200 civil society organizations dedicated to promoting credible elections and governance in Nigeria, has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This move has raised critical concerns about the limits of executive power and the protection of democratic institutions in Nigeria. The South-South Zone of the Situation Room issued the statement from Benin City, signed by Dr. Jude Obasanmi, the South-South Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Bright Oniovokukor from the Indomitable Youths Organization, and other stakeholders. The group expressed strong reservations about the President's decision, which appears to exceed his constitutional authority and undermine the principles of federalism. They argued that the President's declaration contravenes the Nigerian Constitution, undermining federalism and the separation of powers. The suspension of elected officials and impos...