FIDA Nigeria Condemns The Invasion Of The Privacy And Attack On The Person Of Dr. Joi Nunieh

FIDA condemns totally the current media drama playing out on the spat between the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Dr Joi Nunieh, the former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The unfolding events, allegations and counter-allegations have been most unfortunate, unbelievable and damning, completely shocking to Nigerians. The fight between key officers of the commission and the supervising ministry is a show of shame at a time when most Nigerians are challenged by the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic.

There are laid out protocols, processes, procedures and proper channels to tackling grievances, conflicts and disputes within corporations without removing the confidence of the people in the institution set up to offer succor to the people.

We demand responsibility, decorum and accountability from our leaders and persons in authority. Best practices must be used in all dealings.

Accordingly, a person’s gender and marital status in life are of no consequence to how efficient and meritorious their service and work culture would be.

Section 42(1) (a) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of Nigeria provides that no one should be discriminated against by reason of ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion arising out of any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government

Reference can also be made to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, an international treaty adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly for which Nigeria is a signatory. These provisions cannot be undermined.

FIDA Nigeria condemns in its entirety the invasion of the privacy and attack on the person of Dr Joi Nunieh, the former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.  Senator Godswill Akpabio has by these actions breached his oath of office and Section 42 of the Constitution which forbids discrimination on the basis of sex and the provision of Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (International Treaty) which Nigeria is a signatory. 

Similarly, all allegations of sexual harassment, assault and violence must be investigated. These are weighty allegations which must not be covered up particularly at a time when a State of Emergency has been declared by the Federal Government against all forms of Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

FIDA stands to defend and advocate for the protection of all human rights. Therefore, a woman’s pride, respect and dignity must be assured against any form of discrimination and abuse; we totally reject any assault on womanhood.

Women should not be ridiculed nor any aspersions cast on them by reason of measuring their success or failure at work or in life on the basis of their private matrimonial status. There is no proof to support that marriage ensures proficiency of women in their workplace. The insinuation is in itself derogatory

We call on President Muhamadu Buhari to promptly intervene in this matter to ensure a prompt resolution to this crises; the prosecution and punishment of all who have a case to answer and the need to put in place measures to reform the NDDC so the people of the Niger Delta can still enjoy the benefits which ought to accrue to them in terms of development and progress.

Justice must be seen to be done.

Signed for FIDA Nigeria:

Rhoda Prevail Tyoden                                              

Country Vice President/National President             

FIDA Nigeria         

Eliana Martins

National Publicity Secretary

FIDA Nigeria