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BoT takes over Labour Party, labels Nnewi convention a charade

Mustapha USMAN
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BoT takes over Labour Party, labels Nnewi convention a charade

THE Board of Trustees of the Labour Party (LP) said it had taken over the party’s affairs.

The BoT in a statement on Wednesday, March 26, by its Chairman, Z. Ejiofor, described the convention held in Anambra State hours before the announcement as a ‘charade.’

It said it would soon start an ‘all-inclusive’ national convention.

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The ICIR reported that the LP chairman, Julius Abure, was re-elected on Wednesday,  March 27, despite opposition from the Joe Ajaero-led Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

After delegates from across the country gathered in Nnewi, Anambra State, the convention’s chairman and the deputy governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, announced Abure as the winner at the party’s national convention.

Shortly after the convention, the NLC rejected the process and vowed not to recognise Abure as the party’s leader.

Reacting to the announcement, the BOT said it has stepped in to steer the party’s affairs in line with its constitution, noting that the move was to avoid any leadership vacuum in the party.

“Federal High Court consent judgment delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole which recognised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as the owners of the Labour Party and mandated that an all-inclusive and expansive National Convention of the Labour Party be held.

“The decision of the Board of Trustees is also in furtherance of the agreement signed between the former National Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Julius Abure, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on 27th June 2022 which was mediated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” the statement added.

While commending the commitment of the party’s members and candidates, the BoT pledged to promptly set in motion processes for the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive national convention.

The BOT further assured all stakeholders of the party that its members were committed to reclaiming and repositioning the party as the vehicle for the socio-political emancipation of the country.

“Unlike the charade that took place today in Newi and in tandem with the principles of popular democracy, the all-inclusive national convention will start with grassroots congresses at ward, local government, state and ultimately at the national level. This process will not leave any genuine member of Labour Party out and will be held in the full view of the Independent National Electoral Commission, media, civil society, security agents and the general public,” the statement said.

The ICIR reports that there has been a battle for supremacy between Abure and NLC leader Ajaero.

The NLC had demanded that Abure step down as party chairman and that a caretaker transition committee be established to plan the party’s “legal and inclusive national convention.”

On Wednesday, March 20, workers were prevented from accessing the party headquarters in Abuja.

The workers later gathered outside the premises, chanting anti-party songs and calling for the chairman’s resignation, whom they accused of financial misconduct.

The leadership crisis assumed a new dimension after Ajaero was accused by the party’s National Working Committee of trying to unseat Abure.

INEC disowns Labour Party convention

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disowned Wednesday’s Labour Party (LP) National Convention in Anambra State.

Rotimi Oyekanmi, the chief press secretary to INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu,  said this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday, March 28.

According to Oyekanmi, the conduct of the convention was not monitored by INEC, declining to state further why it was not monitored.

Military admits abducting missing FirstNews editor hours after IPI revelation

Bankole ABE
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Military admits abducting missing FirstNews editor hours after IPI revelation

THE Nigerian military has admitted abducting FirstNews Editor Segun Olatunji hours after the Nigerian National Committee of the International Press Institute (IPI) revealed that personnel of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) were responsible for his abduction.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that the missing journalist is in the custody of the military.

Idris confirmed that top military officers revealed that their men arrested and detained Olatunji, who has been missing for 12 days.

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Idris revealed this to officials of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, IPI and Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Wednesday, March 27.

The Minister stated that the DIA had reportedly committed to releasing the journalist on Thursday. 

The ICIR reported on Wednesday that the IPI Nigeria, in a statement jointly signed by Mojeed Muskilu and the institute’s Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the military hierarchy to immediately release the abducted journalist or charge him to court if he has committed any offence.

According to the IPI, the rule of law demands that an accused person is allowed to defend himself in a court of law within a reasonable time.

The IPI said multiple checks revealed that Olatunji was in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), an agency that reports directly to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Christopher Musa.

“As a matter of urgency, the military should tell the world why Mr. Olatunji was arrested, where he is being kept, and why he has not been charged in court,” the IPI stated.

The IPI Nigeria noted that Olatunji’s abduction had triggered speculations among journalists and human rights activists around the world that the Nigerian military might be keeping some vital information away from the public concerning the journalist’s safety.

It urged the international community to pay attention to the unjust detention of Olatunji by the Nigerian military.

Olatunji was abducted from his home in Lagos by armed men in military uniform.

According to reports, armed men in two unmarked vans arrived at Olatunji’s home in Lagos on March 15. 

The men, two of who dressed in military camouflage, introduced themselves as officers of the Nigerian Army and forced Olatunji to go with them. They declined to tell his wife, who witnessed the abduction, where he was being taken.

The abductors did not leave any information behind as to where they were taking him or what his offence was. He has been kept incommunicado since then.

The management of First News suspected that the journalist’s disappearance was connected to a series of reports they had recently published. 

The outlet had published stories alleging nepotism and fraud, some of which were later taken down.

These reports included a story about alleged nepotism in the office of Nigeria’s Defence Chief and another story about suspected fraud and money laundering by a contractor. 

Olatunji’s experience is just one example of the many press attacks in Nigeria.

Journalists in the country often face harassment, intimidation, and violence for their work.

The lack of safety and security for journalists in Nigeria is a significant concern for the freedom of the press in the country.

 

CBN’s rate hike will further worsen dividend payout – Analysts 

Ehime ALEX
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CBN’s rate hike will further worsen dividend payout – Analysts 

EXPECTATIONS of attractive dividend payout by quoted companies in the Nigerian stock market have further been dashed by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recent monetary policy rate (MPR) hikes, analysts said.

The analysts spoke with The ICIR on the backdrop of the recent rate hike, expressing concerns that the decision would negatively impact the equities market, lower investors’ confidence, and possibly erode attractive dividends companies might want to pay.

At its first MPC meeting in February, the apex bank raised the MPR by 400-basis-point to 22.75 per cent and subsequently increased it by 200-basis-point to 24.75 per cent in March.

The decisions are expected to weaken investors’ confidence in the equities market and worsen the operating environment for businesses that have already been hampered by the Nigerian government’s reforms on the fuel subsidy and exchange rate unification, the analysts said.

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The ICIR reported that most companies, including Nestle Nigeria, Dangote Sugar Refinery, International Breweries, Nigerian Breweries, and Cadbury Nigeria, posted losses in their operations due to the exchange rate unification.

Explaining the relationship between the equities and fixed-income markets, an investment and portfolio analyst, Abel Ezekiel, said investors would prefer to shift their portfolios as the risk in the former is higher than the latter when the MPR is raised.

“If there is an increase in MPR, the rate at which the government wants to borrow money from investors will rise. It will now make investors dump the stock market, bond market, treasury bill and other fixed-income assets.”

He noted that since the apex bank increased the benchmark rate by 400 basis points in February, it had had some consequential effects as the equities market started having bearish runs.

“I don’t expect high dividend payment because the cost of funds has increased, and it would impact companies’ profits and dividend payout.

He said also that there could be a high risk of non-performing loans for the banks when they pass the high cost of funds to their customers.

The fixed income space is a riskless asset whereby your return is inevitable, Ezekiel said, explaining further that with the 24.75 per cent MPR hike, investors could efficiently allocate most of their asset class into the fixed income market and be rest assured of getting return even if at a discount compare to the about 31.7 per cent inflation.

“But investors will consider that even if I can’t beat inflation figures based on the current MPR of 24.75 per cent, I can definitely get some returns in the fixed income rather than put my money in the equities market where I am not certain what to get.”

He, however, pointed out that the best asset that could tackle inflation and do better than inflation is the equity market, suggesting that the CBN moderates the monetary policy tool to bring down inflation.

“For instance, they sold dollars to the BDCs; let’s see if that will bring down the cost of goods. Unless the exchange rate comes down, the input price of the product comes down, and we have stability in our energy. We will not see inflation coming down,” Ezekiel added.

On his part, an operator in the capital market, David Adonri, said the rate hike could cause assets to migrate to debt.

“There is a tradeoff between equities and debt in the capital market. When interest rates rise, financial assets flow from equities to debt. It becomes the other way around if the interest rate drops.

“The recent increase of MPR will reduce the current overheating of the equities market. Investors are expected to enter debt to seize the rate hike benefits.”

He ruled out the possibility of attractive dividend declaration from most manufacturing companies but believed that the banks could do better.

“The results released by many manufacturing companies do not elicit short-term interest in them. They may be sacrificed for debt, but expectations are high that banks may propose impressive dividends,” Adonri said.

NLC rejects Abure’s re-election as Labour Party chairman

Ijeoma OPARA
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NLC rejects Abure’s re-election as Labour Party chairman

THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the re-election of Julius Abure as Labour Party (LP) national chairman and vowed not to accord him recognition in that capacity.

The NLC spokesperson disclosed this on Wednesday, March 27 2024, and described Abure’s re-election process as a charade.

“It’s an illegality, a nullity. The whole exercise was a charade! Nothing can legitimise such brazen impunity,” he said.

Abure re-emerged as chairman on Wednesday during the party’s national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra state, as delegates from across the country re-elected him through a unanimous affirmation.

While all members of the National Working Committee (NWC) were re-elected, slots for representatives of both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) were left vacant.

The convention’s chairman, who is also deputy governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, announced Abure as the winner at the convention.

This is despite the ongoing feud between the leaderships of the LP and NLC, which has taken several dimensions in recent times.

The NLC had called for Abure’s removal, accusing him of financial misconduct.

On Wednesday, March 20, NLC members gathered outside the LP headquarters in Abuja, chanting anti-party songs in protest of Abure’s leadership.

The NLC also accused him and the NWC of proposing a “secret” national convention in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, on March 27 that would allow him to continue leading the party as a “sole administrator.”

The LP’s national publicity secretary, Obiora Ifoh, responded to the NLC in a statement titled “Resign as NLC President to Contest LP Chairmanship, Labour Party advises Ajero.”

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Wednesday, March 6, affirmed Abure as the LP national chairman.

This ruling comes months after a judge at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Hamza Muazu, had, in 2023, granted an ex-parte order ordering that Abure and two other national officers stop parading themselves as leaders of the party for allegedly forging national documents.

Okuama: Tinubu awards scholarships, houses to children, families of 17 slain soldiers

Bankole ABE
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0
Okuama: Tinubu awards scholarships, houses to children, families of 17 slain soldiers

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has awarded scholarships and houses to children and families of 17 soldiers killed on Thursday, March 14, in Okuama Delta state. 

Tinubu, on Wednesday, March 27, led governors, federal lawmakers, military high echelons, government functionaries, relatives, and friends of the soldiers and officers who were brutally killed to their funeral.

Tinubu was the special guest of honour at the event held at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja. 

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The soldiers were said to be on a peace mission to the warring towns of Okuama and Okoloba when they were attacked in the riverine Okuoma community.

The President joined the funeral at 4:10 p.m.

SERAP urges Tinubu to emulate Otti, stop pensions to ex-govs
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Speaking at the event, Tinubu assured the soldiers’ families of maximum support. 

The President approved scholarships for all of the fallen soldiers’ children, including those still in the womb, 

Additionally, he authorised homes in any area of Nigeria for the families of the fallen soldiers. 

According to Tinubu, the families of the fallen officers and soldiers have 90 days to receive all benefits from the military. 

The President expressed sympathy to the families of the fallen officers and also stated that the government would not back down from its determination to find their killers.

“I wish to also commend our Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities.

“We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.

“They won’t go unpunished. We will find them, and our departed heroes will get justice,” the President assured.

Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Taoreed Lagbaja, reiterated the Army’s commitment to bringing perpetrators of the killings to book and recover all missing weapons.

He said three of the widows of the slain soldiers were pregnant. He assured the families of the fallen soldiers of maximum support from the Nigerian Army.

“While commiserating with the families of these gallant soldiers, I assure them that the Nigerian Army and the good people of this country will not leave them in the cold,” Lagbaja assured.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa; COAS Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Hassan Abubakar; and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Emmanuel Ogalla, were all present at the occasion.

The Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and other members of the National Assembly were also present.

Other dignitaries at the event include the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, Bayelsa’s Duoye Diri, Kogi’s Usman Ododo, Kaduna’s Uba Sani, Imo’s Hope Uzodimma and Kano’s Abba Yusuf.

The 17 personnel killed include a lieutenant ​colonel, two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers. 

On March 18, the military authorities released the names and pictures of the 17 soldiers.

Meanwhile, Airport Road, Abuja, the venue of the burial, was shut down entirely on Wednesday for the slain soldiers’ burial. 

Stranded commuters on Airport road, Abuja
Stranded commuters on Airport Road, Abuja.Picture ICIR 27/03/04

An eyewitness said commuters were stranded on the ever-busy Airport Road as the burial ceremony was concluded after 6 p.m.

 

Easter: Nigerian gov’t declares Friday, Monday public holidays

Mustapha USMAN
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Easter: Nigerian gov’t declares Friday, Monday public holidays

THE Federal Government has declared Friday, March 29 and Monday, April 1, 2024 as public holidays.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Aishetu Ndayako, on Wednesday, March 27, stated that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, to mark the celebrations of 2024 Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively.

The minister urged Christians and all Nigerians to emulate the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ in dying for the redemption of man.

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The statement read in part: “Easter, beyond religious significance, promotes values of love, forgiveness, and compassion, which are essential for social cohesion and harmony.

“The minister called on Christians to imbibe these virtues as they are capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development in Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians.”

Tunji-Ojo also urged Nigerians to show charity and generosity to help alleviate the economic pains faced by many Nigerians.

This, he said, was in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“While wishing Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration, the minister also called on Nigerians to join hands with President Tinubu-led administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity for all,” the statement added.

Direct military to produce abducted FirstNews editor, IPI tells Tinubu

Bankole ABE
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0
Direct military to produce abducted FirstNews editor, IPI tells Tinubu

THE Nigerian National Committee (NCC) of the International Press Institute (IPI) has advised President Bola Tinubu to direct the military authorities to produce the abducted FirstNews editor, Segun Olatunji.

On March 16, Olatunji, a former PUNCH correspondent for Kaduna State, was abducted from his house in Iyana Odo, Abule Egba, Lagos.

His whereabouts have since not been known.

The IPI, in a statement released on Wednesday, March 27, signed by its President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser/Chair of the Advocacy Committee, Tobi Soniyi, urged Tinubu to activate the powers of his office as Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces to direct the hierarchy of the military to produce Olatunji.

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The IPI said multiple checks revealed that Olatunji was in the custody of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), an agency under the command of Emmanuel Undiandeye, a major general who reports to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa.

“For the past 11 days, the abducted journalist has been kept incommunicado, with his family, employers, and colleagues unaware of his whereabouts.

“IPI Nigeria has received inquiries about this matter from all over the world. The Institute has also contacted the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Army, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Defence Headquarters, and the Ministry of Information and National Orientation to seek information on Mr Olatunji and demand his release. All efforts in this direction have so far failed,” the statement partly reads.

According to the IPI, the abduction of Olatunji has triggered speculations among journalists and human rights activists around the world that the Nigerian military might be keeping some vital information away from the public concerning the journalist’s safety.

IPI, therefore, called on Tinubu to direct the military authorities to immediately release Olatunji or charge him to court if he has committed any offence.

The body also called on the international community to monitor the “unjust detention of Olatunji by the Nigerian military.”

The group reminded the government that the rule of law demands that an accused person is allowed to defend himself in a court of law within a reasonable time.

It also argued that this conforms with the provisions of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which forbids the detention of any citizen or resident beyond 48 hours, except with a valid court order.

According to reports, armed men in two unmarked vans arrived at Olatunji’s home in Lagos on March 15. The men, two of whom dressed in military camouflage, introduced themselves as officers of the Nigerian Army and forced Olatunji to go with them. They declined to tell his wife, who witnessed the abduction, where he was being taken.

The IPI said the military should tell the world why Olatunji was arrested, where he had been being kept, and why he had not been charged in court.

The group reminded the Nigerian authorities that when it comes to upholding human rights, Nigeria continues to rank low in the comity of nations.

 

 

Despite Labour’s opposition, Abure re-elected LP national chairman

Bankole ABE
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0
Despite Labour’s opposition, Abure re-elected LP national chairman

THE chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure, has been re-elected as the party’s National chairman despite opposition from the Joe Ajaero-led Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

Delegates from across the country gathered in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday, March 27, to elect Abure for a second term by a unanimous affirmation.

The convention’s chairman and the deputy governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, announced Abure as the winner at the party’s national convention.

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A battle for supremacy has been going on between Abure and NLC leader Ajaero.

The NLC had earlier demanded that Abure step down as party chairman and that a caretaker transition committee be established to plan the party’s “legal and inclusive national convention.”

On Wednesday, March 20, workers were prevented from accessing the party headquarters in Abuja.

The workers later gathered outside the premises, chanting anti-party songs and calling for the chairman’s resignation, whom they accused of financial misconduct.

The leadership crisis assumed a new dimension after Ajaero was accused by the party’s National Working Committee of trying to unseat Abure.

In the letter by the NLC, Abure and the NWC were accused of proposing a “secret” national convention in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, on March 27 that would re-elect Abure to continue leading the Labour Party as a “sole administrator.” 

The letter was jointly signed by the NLC political commission’s chairman, Titus Amba, and secretary, Chris Uyot.

The LP’s national publicity secretary, Obiora Ifoh, responded to the NLC in a statement titled “Resign as NLC President to Contest LP Chairmanship, Labour Party advises Ajero.” 

In the response, the LP said the party’s leadership would not accept orders from unionists who do not possess party membership cards.

THE Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Wednesday, March 6, affirmed Abure as the LP national chairman.

A Justice at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Hamza Muazu, had, in 2023, granted an ex-parte order, ordering that Abure and two other national officers stop parading themselves as leaders of the party for allegedly forging national documents.

In the judgement, the judge, Hamman Barka, held that the High Court was wrong to assume jurisdiction on the matter.

Delivering judgment in the appeal filed by Abure challenging the High Court’s decision, Barka, leading a three-member panel of justices of the Court of Appeal, held that Abure’s appeal had merit and was accordingly allowed.

The ICIR reported that Abure has been involved in a leadership tussle with Lamidi Apapa’s party faction since the 2023 presidential elections were concluded.

Abure was arrested in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Wednesday, February 21. This followed a petition, including allegations of threats to life and attempted murder, among other infractions, by the LP Youth Leader, Eragbe Anselm Aphimia.

 

One in six children experiences cyberbullying – Study

Mustapha USMAN
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One in six children experiences cyberbullying – Study

ONE in six young people across 44 countries said they were victims of online bullying in 2022, with a slightly higher percentage among girls, according to a new study released on Wednesday, March 27, by the World Health Organization (WHO).   

The WHO Regional Office for Europe, in the second volume of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, stated that researchers surveyed more than 279,000 young people aged 11, 13, and 15 about bullying across 44 European and Central Asian countries and regions as well as Canada.

Cyberbullying is bullying with the use of digital technologies and a repeated behaviour aimed at scaring, angering or shaming those who are targeted, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

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One in six children experiences cyberbullying – Study

The act compounds many other challenges young people go through. 

The study revealed that although overall bullying rates had remained steady since 2018, instances of cyberbullying—such as sending derogatory messages or sharing unauthorised videos or images online—had risen.

The latest data from 2018 to 2022 shows a concerning increase in cyberbullying, with boys cyberbullying others rising from 11 per cent to 14 per cent and girls from seven per cent to nine per cent. 

Likewise, instances of cyberbullying rose from 12 per cent to 15 per cent among boys and from 13 per cent to 16 per cent among girls from 2018 to 2022. 

The study also revealed gender differences in bullying behaviour, noting that boys exhibited a higher tendency towards aggression and engagement in physical fights.

Speaking on the challenge, the HBSC study International Coordinator Joanna Inchley, a doctor, said, “The digital world, while offering incredible opportunities for learning and connecting, also amplifies challenges like cyberbullying. This calls for comprehensive strategies to protect our young people’s mental and emotional well-being. It’s crucial for governments, schools, and families to collaborate on addressing online risks, ensuring adolescents have safe and supportive environments in which to thrive.”

On his part, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Henri P. Kluge, said the report was a wake-up call for everyone to call out bullying and violence “whenever and wherever it happens.

 “With young people spending up to six hours online every single day, even small changes in the rates of bullying and violence can have profound implications for the health and well-being of thousands. From self-harm to suicide, we have seen how cyberbullying in all its forms can devastate the lives of young people and their families. This is both a health and a human rights issue, and we must step up to protect our children from violence and harm, both offline and online,” he said.

Key findings

  • Boys exhibited higher rates of engaging in violent behaviour, including bullying at school or online, as well as involvement in physical altercations.

    WHO says no systematic age patterns were evident with regard to involvement in bullying and cyberbullying, but a significant decrease in fighting with increasing age was seen in more than half of the countries and regions.

  • On average, six per cent of adolescents disclosed that they had bullied others at school at least two to three times a month in the past couple of months (eight per cent of boys and five per cent of girls).
  • Around one in 10 (11 per cent) boys and girls reported they had been bullied at school at least two to three times a month in the past couple of months. 
  • The frequency of adolescents reporting that they engaged in school bullying has remained relatively unchanged since 2018, with a slight decrease observed among boys from 2014 to 2018.
  • One in eight adolescents reported cyberbullying others at least once or twice in the past couple of months (14 per cent of boys and 9 per cent of girls), representing a slight increase from 2018. 
  • Overall, 15 per cent of adolescents reported being cyberbullied at least once or twice in the past couple of months (15 per cent of boys and 16 per cent of girls). 

What does Nigerian law say about cross-dressing?

Itoro ETUKUDO
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What does Nigerian law say about cross-dressing?

THE premiere of ‘Ajanaku: Beast of Two Worlds’ took place on Sunday, March 24 at Circle Mall in Lekki, Lagos State, and was attended by celebrities as well as A-list actors and actresses.

At the event, the movie producer, Eniola Ajao, recognised two attendees with the most impressive fashion choices with the award of ‘Best Dressed’ and a cash prize of One Million naira each.

While ex-BBNaija housemate Groovy clinched the award for ‘Best Dressed Male’, cross-dresser Idris Olarenwaju, often known as Bobrisky, received the award for ‘Best Dressed Female’. This sparked up reactions by some celebrities and other Nigerians on social media. It also brought about the conversation that men were taking up spaces meant for females. 

Reacting to the award given to Bobrisky, actress Dayo Amusan, who was among the attendees, took to her Instagram page to express disappointment in the judges that picked Bobrisky over other actual women who attended the premiere, labelling it as disrespectful.

“I cannot imagine the judges disrespecting every woman present. You had to pick a winner, a female best dressed and a male best dressed and you watered the efforts of all the women at the event by giving the best dressed female to a cross-dresser. I don’t understand, what is wrong with us?

Similarly, actress Toyin Abraham showed her disapproval with the judges’ choice to name Bobrisky the winner of the category.

“Bobrisky as the best-dressed female? Are you all insane that Bobrisky is winning Best Female?” she said.

Popular street-hop singer, Habeeb Okikiola known as Portable also blasted the judges for choosing Bobrisky for the award.

“I heard that Bobrisky was given the best-dressed female at a movie premiere, is Bobrisky a woman? He’s not”.

Portable also added that, “What are our children supposed to say? Our children will now imitate Bobrisky, a man who does not possess feminine features, simply because the judges honoured him with an award. Those who should be in prison or punished for disobeying religious commandments and the country’s laws are being celebrated,” he said

A food critic, Opeyemi Famakin (@opeyemifamakin) took to his social media to also address the issue.

“Dear Nigerian women supporting men winning awards all in the name of being woke, be careful. Man are warning you now and you’re shaming us for not being woke like that.

“In no time, these men would start being in female sports and beating you. They’d start entering other female awards and beating you, they’d start entering female toilets and, well, do the maths. And when it happens, only y’all will fight for each other cos the men would say they warned y’all but you shared us for warning,” he stated.

Another social media user on X said “Now, if I say everyone should boycott the so called movie, titled’Beast of two worlds’ until they apologise for this disrespect, you people will say I’m haring. How can Bobrisky (a man) be given the award for ‘best dressed female’ for heaven sake?”

This controversy also generated the conversation on  what Nigerian law says regarding cross-dressing.

What does Nigerian law say about cross-dressing?

A lawyer, Blessing Ibe told The ICIR that, there is no law in Nigeria that addresses cross dressing rather a law promulgated against sexuality within same sex.

“There is no federal law in Nigeria that specifically addresses cross-dressing because of the enshrinement of the freedoms awarded humans in the Constitution.

“However, regulations prohibiting public demonstrations of same-sex affection and gender nonconformity exist in several areas of Nigeria, which may have an impact on people who cross-dress”, she stated.

She further emphasised on the law of same sex marriage stating that “Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013: This law criminalises same-sex marriage, civil unions, and public displays of same-sex affection. It carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison”.

Another lawyer, Favour Chigozie, also collaborated what Ibe says, “Under Nigerian law, cross-dressing is not explicitly illegal, but it can be subject to societal and cultural norms that may frown upon it. Cross-dressing is not regulated but the police can arrest you for public disturbance or nuisance.”

In 2022, the National Assembly proposed a bill seeking to amend the 2013 Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act to criminalise cross-dressing in Nigeria.

The bill suggested a punishment of six months imprisonment or a fine of N500,000 for anyone found guilty.

However, the bill failed to pass the second reading in the House of Representatives following arguments that the bill was unconstitutional and did not reflect Nigeria’s diverse culture.

Despite the fact that there is no law that outrightly addresses cross dressing in Nigeria, some Nigerians including celebrities are against a cross dresser being awarded as the “Best dressed female”, Like Amusan (earlier mentioned stated) she doesnt have issues with giving cross-dresses awards, but it shouldn’t be at the detriment of women. 

“If you feel you want to honour cross-dressers, you should have created their own category instead of disrespecting women by giving a cross-dresser the best dressed female award,” she said.

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