SADIQ ISAH RADDA | Bayero University, Kano (original) (raw)

Papers by SADIQ ISAH RADDA

INTRODUCTION The right to life is the most basic of all rights. This is not only because of the s... more INTRODUCTION
The right to life is the most basic of all rights. This is not only because of the sacredness of life but also because other fundamental human rights such as right to bail, right to association, right to fair and speedy trial, right to personal liberty, right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, etc, can only make meaning and be enjoyed when the human being is living. Furthermore, life is noble, precious and enjoyable thereby making it a fundamental human right. Nigeria, being an ethnically and religiously diverse nation, has had numerous violent conflicts. The groups that constitute Nigeria, on getting independence for the country, were intensely competitive. As time went-by, the competition turned into agitation and apparently hatred has now come to replace competition and agitation. Consequent upon the deep seated divisions embedded in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscapes which appear to bear the toga of hatred, when conflicts erupt, they are astronomically deadly and materially costly. The mass massacre emanating from violent conflicts in Nigeria go contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which is the supreme law of the land.

In this Chapter, efforts are made to examine the violation of the constitutional right to life as encapsulated in 1999 Nigeria’s Constitution vis-à-vis the recurring mass massacres that are witnessed in the country during and after conflicts. The Chapter is divided into five sections. The first section looks at the classical thought behind the establishment of governments. The second part discusses the 1999 Constitutional provisions on the right to life, while the third section examines the causes, nature and extent of violent conflicts in Nigeria. The fourth section offers some policy-related recommendations, and the fifth concludes the Chapter.

INTRODUCTION The general election conducted in 2011 that saw Goodluck Ebele Joathan in power left... more INTRODUCTION
The general election conducted in 2011 that saw Goodluck Ebele Joathan in power left many Nigerians angry and amused. This was because the elections were characterized by serious confusion, in-fighting, divisions, attacks on political opponents, massive rigging, etc. The aftermath of the election was bloodbath, loss of lives, limbs and destruction of property. Furthermore, there was loss of confidence in the electoral system culminating into general apathy by the citizens. The future of free and fair elections appeared to be jeopardized thereby setting the hand of the clock backwards. This is because the 2011 elections were a huge problem especially in South-South and South-East of Nigeria.
Since then, INEC has been making efforts to engender positive changes capable of conducting credible elections. In 2014, Gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun states raised the hopes of Nigerians in choosing their leaders. As 2015 is approaching, the hopes are becoming even higher.
This paper examines the anomalies of 2011 elections and argues for free and fair elections so that Nigeria will experience more stability and progress. This is crucial because Nigeria’s problem revolves around its quality of leadership. Once the leadership question is squarely addressed and settled thereby enthroning the right people in the right positions, Nigeria’s social problems in all their ramifications would be significantly reduced.

BACKGROUND The state of insecurity permeating every part of Nigeria is of great concern to govern... more BACKGROUND
The state of insecurity permeating every part of Nigeria is of great concern to governments, citizens and even foreigners. Nearly all facets of life are negatively affected thereby drastically reducing Nigeria’s socio-economic, educational, political, diplomatic, etc, standing today with palpable threat to the future. Accordingly, something must be done by the government, citizens and foreign interests to the mutual benefit of all. Hence, a National Policy on Public Safety and Security for Nigeria (the Policy henceforth) is urgently needed.
Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is committed to the security, safety and welfare of citizens, and foreigners through the establishment of reasonable practices that support the creation of a safe and secure environment, promote safety through policies and programmes, provide an appropriate level of security to the population through police functions and safeguard the nation’s property and physical assets.

The Police is committed to promoting the safety and security of the members of the community within a supportive and accessible living and working environment. It is further committed to safeguarding physical resources, identifying conditions or circumstances that may pose risks to the safety and security of the nation and prepare the police to effectively respond to emergencies. This presentation covers the elements and ingredients of a policy for human security and safety dealing with police code of conduct, schedule of duties for all ranks as they enforce the law and punishment for common offences against discipline of security personnel.

PREAMBLE The Network for Justice (NJ for short) is a Human and Consumer Rights Organization commi... more PREAMBLE
The Network for Justice (NJ for short) is a Human and Consumer Rights Organization committed to the protection and promotion of human and consumer rights in Nigeria and beyond. NJ frowns at human rights wherever and by whomever. Hence, the arrest, detention and subsequent dehumanization of some 486 Nigerians by the Nigerian military in Abia State are seriously frowned at by the NJ.

The Network for Justice is not oblivious of the security situation in Nigeria. In fact, we appreciate the enormity of the challenges the military and other security operatives are facing today. We know that these are trying times for Nigeria. Yet, human dignity, human worth and human rights cannot be sacrificed on the altar of perceived generalized insecurity.
The attitude of the security operatives today which spurs them to stereo-type Northerners and Muslims as terrorists or members of Boko Haram is misplaced. This is because Northerners and Muslims are the major victims of Boko Haram in Nigeria. Also, such stereo-typing only fans the embers of disunity, hatred, malice, callous treatment, mistrust, divisions, extremism, revenge, etc, among Nigerians. Should this ugly practice continue, all Nigerians are the losers. Hence, rather than stereo-typing Northerners and Muslims, security operatives need their support and understanding to remedy the national malaise. Experience has shown (e.g. America or Westerners and Arab Terrorism and Extremism) that stereo-typing only hardens those at the receiving end and before you know it, there is an explosive situation on your hands for you to contain. This much can be gleaned from the mayhem in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Somalia, Kenya, Eastern Nigeria, etc.
REVIEW OF FACTS
The NJ reviewed the arrest, detention and subsequent release of some Nigerians travelling to Abia State from the Northern part of the country by the Nigerian military. These are labourers in search of legitimate means of livelihood totaling 486. NJ is pleased to realize that none of them died in the hands of the military, none was physically injured and they were not financially extorted. Investigations by NJ revealed that these Nigerian were detained for over ten days. Even those that went to visit and render help to them were arrested and detained.

The Network for Justice has come to the sad realization that their arrest and detention were illegal, callous and laden with unprofessionalism. In this wise, the Network for Justice has decided to pursue justice for them. This is because, as Nigerians, they were mistreated, manhandled and detained under sub-human conditions which violated their human rights. Investigation carried out by the Network for Justice shows that the males arrested and incarcerated were tortured, insulted, dehumanized and kept to sleep in places not fit for animals. There were not adequate arrangements for their feeding, accommodation, sanitation, toilet facilities, washing and changing of clothes, medical facilities, etc. Hence, they were left starving and without drinking water. Again, they were made to sleep under squalid conditions. Due to thirst, some of them had to drink their urine!! This is sad, unfortunate and unacceptable in the modern Nigeria we hope to see!! Again, detainees were callously and unreasonably made to slap one another!!! How unfortunate and unprofessional of the military!!!
Further investigation carried out by the Network for Justice shows that the detainees were denied seeing visitors that came to render logistic support to them. Again, up till the time of writing this petition, there are some innocent people that came to render logistic support to them placed under illegal and callous detention. All these and other untoward bahaviour exhibited to them represent a gross violation of their human rights as citizens of Nigeria.
OBSERVATIONS
The Network for Justice appreciates the efforts of the Kano and Jigawa State governments at securing the release of the detainees. However, the approach by the two State governments of telling their state indigenes not to travel to other parts of Nigeria simply because of other Nigerians’ illegal and callous behavior should be revisited. To Network for Justice these state governments’ approach to the matter is defeatist.

For NJ, this is the time for all Nigerians to travel far and wide for legal and legitimate businesses which will allow for forging national unity and understanding. Moreover, as Nigerians they are constitutionally empowered to travel and settle anywhere in Nigeria in pursuit of legitimate income.

Network for Justice believes that the military and other security operatives lack the required professionalism in their daily duties. Were they professional enough, the women detained would not have experienced the trauma they did.

OUR STAND
The Network for Justice seriously condemns the treatment meted out to these Nigerians by the Nigerian military in Abia State and has resolved to seek justice for them. The Network for Justice will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion and will use all legal avenues to seek justice for these people. Hence, Network for Justice calls on all stakeholders including the victims themselves to support it in this cause. It is by thoroughly dealing with this case that future ugly practices would be averted.

PRAYER
The Network for Justice prays as follows:
1. The top hierarchy of the military should carefully and objectively investigate this illegal and callous arrest and detention;
2. The top hierarchy of the military should swiftly intervene so that innocent people that came to render logistic support to the detainees that are still under illegal and callous detention are released immediately. This should be done swiftly in the interest of justice;
3. All the military personnel that mistreated these Nigerians should be disciplined accordingly;
4. The Human Rights Commission, House and Senate Committees on Human Rights, local and International NGOs should critically investigate this illegal and callous arrest and detention;
5. The 486 victims of the illegal and callous detention must be compensated financially for their physical and psychological sufferings;
6. The female detainees should be given counseling services to eliminate their terrible experience and to build a bridge of trust between them and the Nigerian military;
7. The Kano and Jigawa State Governments, the elected representatives at the Kano and Jigawa State Assembly, and the National Assembly should take up this matter and vigorously pursue justice for these victims of injustice;
8. All security operatives in Nigeria Should be made and trained to respect the Constitution and other laws of the country.

CONCLUSION
We call on all people of goodwill and wisdom within and outside Nigeria to join us in this noble fight so that nepotistic, parochial and primordial consideration in the operations of Nigeria’s security operatives do not take over the place of fairness, objectivity, justice and national integration.
We will keep you posted as events unfold and we count on your support towards just treatment of all Nigerians irrespective of religion, region and/or level of income.

Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda,
Network for Justice

1.Chieft of Defence Staff,
Defence Headquarters,
Abuja.

2.The Director General,
Department of State Service,
Abuja

3.The National Security Adviser,
State House,
Abuja

4.The Commissioner of Police,
Kano State,
Kano.

5.The Commissioner of Police,
Jigawa State,
Dutse.

6.The Director,
Department of State Service,
Kano.

7.The Director,
Department of State Service,
Kano.

8.The Director,
Department of State Service,
Jigawa.

9.The Brigade Commander,
144 Battalion,
Asa, Aba,
Abia State

10.The Commanding Officer,
14 Brigade,
Army barracks,
Ebem Ohafia,
Abia State.

11.Attorney General,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Chairman,

12.Attorney General,
Kano State

13.Attorney General,
Jigawa State

14.Attorney General,
Abia State

15.House Committee on Human Rights,
NASS, Abuja

16.The Chairman,
Senate Committee on Human Rights,
NASS, Abuja

17.All Senators and House Members (Kano and Jigawa State)
NASS, Abuja

18.Speakers of State Houses Assembly (Kano and Jigawa State),
The Chairman,

19.National Human Rights Commission,
Abuja

20.The Executive Governor
Kano State

21.The Executive Governor
Jigawa State

22.The Chairman,
Voice of NGOs,
Aminu Kano Way,
Kano.

23. Civil Liberties Organization (CLO)

24. Civil Rights Congress (C/o) Shehu Sani

25. Human Rights Watch,
26. Committee for the Defense of Human Rights
27.Foreign Embassies in Abuja

The Chapter focuses on the life history of Alhaji Muhammadu Gambu Fagada Babba who is known becau... more The Chapter focuses on the life history of Alhaji Muhammadu Gambu Fagada Babba who is known because of his songs for thieves.The concern herein is on aspects of his songs that are crime-generating (criminogenic), deviance-motivating, vulgar, blasphemous and often times criminal. Clearly, like Gambu's songs, some of the songs or aspects of them there-off by Audu Makarfi, Sabo Wakilin Tauri, Ashana, Garba Super, Falasfa, Garba Na-habu, Mamman Shata, Dan-Anache, Sale Gambara, Kakkabi, Shehu Ajilo, etc are crime-generating (criminogenic),deviance-motivating, vulgar and blasphemous. Finally, the Chapter comes up with a categorization of crimes gleaned from Gambu's songs and compares it with the categorization that obtains in the criminology enterprise; and clearly, there is a synergy between the two categorizations.

The focus of the paper is analyzing the role and importance of security awareness in the enhancem... more The focus of the paper is analyzing the role and importance of security awareness in the enhancement of security on Nigeria's University campuses owing to the fact that it is imperative in countering terrorism. Also, it is crucial because Nigeria is passing through trying times owing to deteriorated security situation in the nation. As loss of lives and property are recorded, many people live in fear and trauma. In many parts of the country human socio-economic and political activities have stopped or on their lowest ebb. Hitherto, criminal elements were the cause of Nigeria's insecurity. Today, however, Nigeria's insecurity can be attributed to violent conflicts and terrorist activities with nearly all parts of the country affected by it. Tragically, Universities have become the victims of terrorist attacks causing disruptions to teaching and learning. The paper examined the Nigeria's security situation and the prevailing security situation on University Campuses; and the latter being a liberal atmosphere makes it a soft target for terrorist attack. Furthermore, the issue of terrorism and its existence in Nigeria and the strategies for security consciousness that is imperative in countering terrorism have been discussed.

In the world over, unethical conducts are threatening the human race by undermining the activitie... more In the world over, unethical conducts are threatening the human race by undermining the activities of organizations both public and private. Universities in Nigeria are not spared of unethical practices that appear to be threatening their mission and vision of providing quality education for individual and national development. This paper posits that criminologists can no longer neglect the unethical conducts that occur in Universities due to the remote and immediate dangers it portends to the youth and the nation at large. It is argued in this paper that although the unethical practices are numerous, there are variations with respect to the regions of the country, departments within a University and individual academics in the Universities. In other words a sweeping generalization on all the universities and its staff is not tenable. The paper argues that staff (both academic and non-academic) commits unethical practices for, among other reasons, sexual gratification from girls, money and other items of value from parents, guardians, students, etc. As a result of the portent dangers that the unethical practices will cause Nigeria the paper suggest strategies for combating the menace that include adequate oversight functions in the University processes, stiff punishment for offenders, sensitization of the general public to be wary of dubious characters in the Universities, raising the awareness of the students to shun cutting corners in place of hard-work, adequate moral instruction, vigorous fight against corruption in the country, etc.

Kano State is the most populous state in Nigeria. It is a prosperous state which makes it attract... more Kano State is the most populous state in Nigeria. It is a prosperous state which makes it attractive to migrants. As a result of the vastness of Kano State, many institutions have to created and maintained to cater for the needs of the people. Among these institutions are tertiary institutions that offer training to Kano"s teeming youths. On regular basis, these institutions are very busy because of academic activities and constant supervisory visits by top government officials. Therefore, enhancing security in Kano"s tertiary institutions is crucial not only to protect government functionaries but also to protect students. This has become significant because tertiary institutions are soft targets for terrorist attacks. The paper analyzes the role and importance of security awareness in the enhancement of security in government institutions especially Kano"s tertiary institutions. Also, it is crucial because Nigeria is passing through trying times owing to deteriorated security situation in the nation resulting in loss of lives and property coupled with fear and trauma. In many parts of the country human socio-economic and political activities have stopped or on their lowest ebb. Hitherto, criminal elements were the cause of Nigeria"s insecurity. Today, however, Nigeria"s insecurity can be attributed to violent conflicts and terrorist activities affecting nearly all parts of the country. The paper examined the Nigeria"s security situation and the prevailing security situation in tertiary institutions. Furthermore, the issue of terrorism and its existence in Nigeria and the strategies for security consciousness that is imperative in countering terrorism in Kano"s tertiary institutions have been examined.

The Chapter discusses the role education can play in the promotion of national security indicatin... more The Chapter discusses the role education can play in the promotion of national security indicating a positive correlation between education and national security. Education is conceived to be a life-long learning process that begins with the birth and death of a person. It, [education], among other things, entails being literate, with a capacity to read and write. The Chapter gives a number of ideas on how education promotes national security as it inculcates desirable human traits like honesty, sincerity, hard-work, punctuality, productivity, innovation, patriotism, selflessness, brotherhood, friendship, etc. Furthermore, education empowers people by inculcating life-long skills and know-how thereby liberating the individual from poverty and want. The Chapter covers a number of issues: the essence of government vis-à-vis citizens" expectation; the definition of national security; the issue of insecurity; and the strategies for promoting national security through education. Since national security covers the socioeconomic, political, military, cultural, familial, industrial, diplomatic, artistic, etc spheres of a nation, the presentation concludes by asserting that huge investment in education to the benefit of the population is worthwhile because it will greatly assist in stabilizing the nation thereby promoting national security.

The problem of corruption in the world and Nigeria in particular is a thing of concern. The cause... more The problem of corruption in the world and Nigeria in particular is a thing of concern. The causes, nature, extent and consequences of corruption have been well documented in literature. Also, efforts by governments through its agencies to mitigate the ravages of corruption are known and documented. However, there appears to be dearth in data regarding as assessment of government established anti-corruption agencies. This study was conducted to fill-in that gap and to assess the activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in executing its legal mandate. The study involved fourty-eight Masters in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (MLCJ), and M. Sc students of the Department of Sociology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Purposive sampling based on convenience and immediate availability was used. Research findings show that the respondents are young with more male respondents than females; all of them except one belong to either Islam or Christianity. A majority of them live in urban areas, they are literate as all of them have a minimum of first degree; also, an overwhelming majority of them are employed either in the public or private sector with the former being higher than the later; they enjoy reasonable income being management, senior or middle level staffers who have spent reasonable years in the service. The findings show extremely high knowledge about the EFCC and its activities. The respondents said they sourced the information about the Agency from the media, EFCC publications, EFCC"s celebrated cases and the EFCC Act that established it. From the findings it is clear that close to half of the respondents were not satisfied with the EFCC"s undertakings due to selective justice, poor prosecution of cases, inability to get ample evidence, etc. However, the respondents that were satisfied with the activities of the EFCC ranked their satisfaction as high. An over-whelming majority of the respondents supported the continued existence of the EFCC and argued that it deters criminals. The respondents identified numerous Ministries, Departments, Agencies and even public figures that the EFCC should beam its searchlight on. In order to promote effectiveness in the EFCC, the respondents suggested better funding, more autonomy, and enough qualified man power for the Agency. Other suggestions offered included giving the staff better remuneration, more training and retraining and transparent and accountable leadership at the EFCC.