Mr Tom Fletcher, UN’s new chief of humanitarian affairs, on Monday assumed office, pledging to defend humanitarian values while navigating operations amid growing global crises.

Fletcher, a former UK Ambassador and policy adviser to three British Prime Ministers, was appointed UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator by Secretary-General António Guterres in October.

In his new role, he will also head the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

He succeeds Martin Griffiths, also from the UK, who stepped down at the end of June for health reasons. In the interim, Joyce Msuya, the Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, served as acting Under-Secretary-General.

As the new top humanitarian official, Fletcher acknowledged that he is “under no illusion as to how tough this mission is.”

“The impact on civilians of conflict, climate change, inequality and injustice is growing at a staggering rate,” he said in a statement.

“I will defend our humanitarian movement and humanitarian values, and battle to make us more efficient, strategic, inclusive and innovative. We must win afresh the argument for international solidarity,” he added.

Before his appointment, Fletcher was Principal of Hertford College, Oxford, and Vice Chair of Oxford University’s Conference of Colleges.

He brings extensive experience in leading and transforming organisations, along with a strong background in diplomacy, having previously served as Global Strategy Director at the Global Business Coalition for Education, according to a UN biographical note.

Fletcher also worked closely with the UN during his UK diplomatic career in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, including as Head of the Middle East Peace Process at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office

He is the 12th person to take this role since the creation of what is now the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints has donated relief supplies worth N250 million to support flood victims in Anambra communities.

This is contained in a communiqué by the Church’s Country Director for Welfare Services, Mr Charles Adebayo, in Owerri, on Tuesday.

The relief materials were presented to the state government at the State’s Emergency Management Agency office.

Otuonye listed the donated items to include bags of rice, beans, garri, salt, vegetables, kegs of palm oil, cartons of noodles, milk, chocolate drinks, soaps, detergents, mosquito nets, toiletries, among others.

They were received by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and the state’s Committee on Emergency Response, led by the Deputy Governor, Dr Gilbert Ibezim.

Adebayo said that caring for the needy was one of the missions of the church and that similar donations were made in Benue with plans for same in Enugu and other places.

He called on other Nigerians to complement government’s efforts by supporting disaster stricken, needy people in their own little ways.

“In the past, we have assisted the state with boreholes, renovation of schools and hospitals, so we’re ever ready to support government’s Public Private Partnerships and to support other private institutions,’’ he said.

The Church’s Head of Area 70, Mr Justice Otuonye, said that the Area 70, a group of church leaders, oversaw the donations.

He said the donated items were only a part of several other donations by the Church, in keeping with Bible account of Luke Chapter 10 where Jesus Christ sent out the 70 disciples to preach the gospel and care for those in need.

Responding, Soludo called for support from stakeholders to mitigate its effects on victims.

He said that intentional steps must be taken to address the challenge head on and thanked the Church for its humanitarian efforts while assuring them that the items would be distributed judiciously.

“We will now focus on building the big net for emergency response, both government and all stakeholders, to build enduring partnerships and be able to respond to such emergencies.

“I can assure you that every item brought here will be judiciously distributed to those in most need to satisfy their needs and fulfil the intent of the donor “, he said.

The shocking tale of tenant oppression, harassment, and criminality at 24 Miami Escape, Karu Site, Abuja, has reached a boiling point, as caretaker Ms. Offiong Bassey faces mounting legal battles over allegations of gross mismanagement, fraudulent practices, and energy theft. This disturbing case has not only highlighted the plight of one family but also brought to light the pervasive struggles tenants endure in Abuja, where the unchecked actions of unscrupulous caretakers threaten livelihoods and safety.

Electricity Bypass: A Criminal Breach
At the heart of the scandal is the illegal bypass of electricity at the property, a brazen violation of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act. The bypass, supervised under Bassey’s watch, allegedly resulted in erratic power supply, with electricity illegally connected at specific times to avoid detection by Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) officials. This practice, beyond denying tenants reliable power, poses significant legal and safety risks to all residents.
Hon. Hyellamada, a tenant has called on the AEDC and law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the illegal energy practices at the property, urging swift action against Ms. Offiong and her cohorts. Hyellamada, who has provided photographic evidence of the illegal bypass, insists that such flagrant criminal acts must not go unpunished.

Harassment Under Cover of Darkness
As if the illegal electricity activities were not enough, Ms. Offiong is also accused of orchestrating acts of intimidation against tenants. Hyellamada recounts incidents of late-night harassment, where letters and messages were delivered under the cover of darkness, leaving his family in fear for their safety. Such actions constitute not only a breach of the tenants’ peace but a violation of Nigeria’s Criminal Code Act, which criminalizes harassment and intimidation.

Fraudulent Quit Notice: A New Low
Adding insult to injury, Ms. Offiong issued an illegal quit notice demanding Hyellamada vacate the property by November 12, 2024, or face a penalty of ₦20,000 per day. This notice, based on a falsified timeline, disregards the Recovery of Premises Act, which outlines clear legal procedures for evictions. Hyellamada, who has steadfastly maintained his tenancy began anew in December 2023 after reclaiming the apartment due to Ms. Bassey’s refusal to refund his rent, has vowed to challenge the fraudulent notice in court.

Offiong Bassey Set for Court Appearance
With evidence mounting, sources confirm that Ms. Offiong is set to be arraigned in court for her alleged role in these criminal activities. The case has sparked widespread outrage among Abuja residents, many of whom see this as a rare opportunity to address the systemic issues tenants face in the city.

Speaking on the matter, Hyellamada declared:
“This fight is not just about my family but about the rights of tenants across Abuja. We will ensure Ms. Bassey and all those involved are held accountable. Every tenant deserves to live in dignity, free from harassment and deceit.”

The Plight of Abuja Tenants
This case underscores a broader crisis in Abuja’s rental market, where tenants often fall victim to exploitation by unscrupulous landlords and caretakers. Issues such as fraudulent agreements, poor maintenance, illegal electricity connections, and harassment are rampant, leaving many feeling helpless.
Access News Abuja is committed to following this case to its conclusion, ensuring that justice is served not only for Hyellamada and his family but for all tenants in the city. We call on the relevant authorities, including AEDC, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), to intensify their efforts to protect tenants’ rights and curb the illegal activities of rogue caretakers.

What’s Next?
As the legal proceedings begin, all eyes are on the courts and law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability. Will Ms. Bassey and her associates face the full weight of the law? Will this case inspire long-overdue reforms in Abuja’s rental market?
Access News Abuja will continue to provide updates on this developing story. For now, tenants across the city are watching closely, hoping that this case marks the beginning of a new era where their rights are respected and protected.