News
Adebayo Raphael appointed new Convener of Concerned Nigerians Group
Human rights group Concerned Nigerians for Human Rights has appointed activist Adebayo Raphael as convener following former leader Adeyanju Deji’s resignation.
Adeyanju Deji resigned to prioritize his legal career and personal endeavors after seven years leading the organization.
According to spokesperson Agada Abuh Theophilus, trustees received formal notification of Adeyanju’s decision during their quarterly review meeting.
For nearly a decade, Adeyanju has played a pivotal role in the organization.
He spearheaded various civil rights movements and advocacy campaigns that strive to advance social justice and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
Now, Adebayo Raphael will take on the role of convener, bringing with him extensive experience in human rights advocacy.
He is well-known for his unwavering commitment to social justice.
Additionally, Adebayo has been instrumental in promoting critical causes like electoral reforms, digital freedom, gender equality, and the battle against corruption.
“Adebayo Raphael’s appointment highlights his determination to create a Nigeria that benefits all its citizens, regardless of their backgrounds,” emphasized Theophilus.
“His leadership is expected to further strengthen the organisation’s mission of upholding human rights and democratic values.”
A Proven Track Record in Activism
Before his new role, Adebayo served as the National Secretary of the OurMuMuDonDo Movement from 2015 to 2019. During this tenure, he led initiatives addressing critical issues such as corruption, gender discrimination, electoral malpractices, and modern slavery. His activism gained national recognition in 2017 when he co-organised the first nationwide peaceful protests against police brutality under the EndSARS-ReformPoliceNG Movement. This activism laid the groundwork for his leadership role in the 2020 #EndSARS protests in Abuja, a historic movement demanding accountability and reform within Nigeria’s police force.
In addition to his efforts on police reform, Adebayo has been a vocal advocate for digital freedom. He played a key role in halting the passage of two controversial legislative bills aimed at restricting free speech under the pretext of combating fake news and hate speech.
A Vision for Change
Reacting to his appointment, Adebayo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the organisation and reaffirmed his commitment to fighting systemic injustices in Nigeria.
“I consider this an opportunity to engage more directly and fiercely with the current structure of the Nigerian state, which privileges the few and the worst of us over the majority and the best of us,” Adebayo said. “With the support of this group, I am committed to defending and educating ordinary Nigerians, empowering them to move beyond being victims of our nation’s challenges to becoming champions of a more just and ideal society.”
He also extended his best wishes to his predecessor, Adeyanju Deji. “I wish my good friend and brother all the best in his new pursuits. His contributions to this organisation have been invaluable, and I look forward to building on the solid foundation he has laid.”
Gratitude to Outgoing Convener
The Concerned Nigerians group expressed profound appreciation for Barrister Adeyanju’s years of service and leadership.
“We wholeheartedly thank our former convener, Adeyanju Deji, for his tireless efforts in leading this organisation through numerous civil rights movements over nearly a decade,” said Theophilus. “His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the group’s impact on human rights advocacy in Nigeria. We wish him success as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.”
Looking Ahead
Adebayo Raphael’s appointment launches a new era for Concerned Nigerians, while advancing their core mission.
The group actively safeguards human rights, enforces legal standards, and strengthens democracy nationwide through strategic initiatives.
With Adebayo’s proven track record and vision for a fairer society, the organisation aims to drive even greater positive change.
About Concerned Nigerians for Human Rights and Rule of Law
The Concerned Nigerians organization actively advocates for human rights, rule of law, and democratic governance through legal reforms and public campaigns.
Since its founding, the group has spearheaded multiple civil rights initiatives while expanding its equality-focused programs to neighboring African nations.
News
Obidient Movement’s mobilisation director resigns
Morris Monye, the Director of Mobilisation for the Obidient Movement, has announced his resignation, citing frustration with poor coordination and the financial strain of personally funding the movement’s activities.
In a statement shared on his official X handle on Thursday, Monye expressed disappointment over the movement’s lack of structure and teamwork, which he said contributed to its poor performance in the recently concluded Anambra State governorship election.
“Almost a year down the line, most of our short, medium, and long-term plans have not been met. I won’t be part of optics and no work,” Monye stated. “The poor showing at the Anambra election has also made my position untenable.”
He revealed that he had personally financed nationwide mobilisation efforts, including travel, voter awareness campaigns, and local structure support, without any financial backing from the movement’s leadership or its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Monye criticized the lack of communication, stating: “No money was given to the Directorate of Mobilisation. There’s no bank account even for the directorate. In fact, Mr. Peter Obi has never asked what we are doing in mobilisation — no communication, nothing.”
Monye also highlighted the personal toll of his role, including harassment and intimidation from government supporters, which he said endangered his safety and well-being.
“It’s a role that paints a target on your back. I’ve had to remain silent so as not to discourage anyone or appear to be complaining, but it has taken a toll on me and my family,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Monye listed his contributions to the movement, including creating an online registration system for supporters, reviving dormant support groups, establishing regional and local offices, and launching the Obidient NextGen university campus network.
He also raised funds for the Anambra election candidate and initiated a project to equip polling unit agents with affordable body cameras for election accountability, urging his successor to complete the initiative.
Monye described his time in the movement as a “privilege” but emphasized that “you can’t run a campaign simply from general goodwill. This is not 2023. The element of surprise is gone.”
He called for fresh leadership to take the movement forward.
The Obidient Movement, a grassroots political force centered around Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, gained significant traction during the 2023 elections, particularly among young Nigerians.
However, the leadership of the movement, including its National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has yet to respond to Monye’s resignation or the issues he raised.
Legal Affairs
PHOTO: Kanu in Supreme Court, submits appeal against Nov 20 ruling
The embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, appeared at the Supreme Court earlier today, to personally deliver a letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, requesting the discontinuation of his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu cited the use of a repealed law as the basis for his appeal.
Accompanied by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), this move marks a last-minute effort to stop the judgment slated for November 20.
This follows Kanu’s recent application filed at the Court of Appeal, where he requested a stay of proceedings in his trial before Justice James Omotosho.
In the motion, he urged the appellate court to suspend the judgment pending the resolution of his appeal, arguing that his trial is being conducted under a law that no longer exists.
News
Gunmen kill 4, abduct pastor, 11 others in Kaduna
In a devastating turn of events, suspected Fulani armed men carried out coordinated attacks on three communities—Jantsauni, Mai Doki, and Maiyamma—situated in the Yarkasuwa area of Kurama Chiefdom, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The assault, which took place late Tuesday night around 10pm, left four young men, aged between 27 and 30, dead and several others injured.
The attackers also abducted 12 residents, including Rev. Istifanus Dunga of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA).
According to Mr. Pius Agaji Kyauta, the National Publicity Secretary of the Federated Kurama Association, the assailants stormed the communities in large numbers, firing indiscriminately and targeting homes.
A local source recounted the harrowing experience, explaining that the attackers surrounded houses, leaving residents with no option to flee.
“If you run, they shoot you; if you stay inside, they break in and take you,” he said, adding that his father and younger sister were among those kidnapped.
The communities are now in deep mourning, with no ransom demands yet made by the kidnappers.
Kyauta described the situation as a tragedy that has left the Kurama nation devastated, calling for urgent security intervention to prevent further attacks.
He emphasized the dire need for both governmental action and spiritual support to address the growing insecurity in the area.
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