By George Ozalla
As Nigeria commemorates its 26 years of uninterrupted democracy, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the government at all levels to prioritize the protection of human rights and human lives. According to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, the Commission is concerned about rising insecurity and economic hardship threatening the dignity and rights of many Nigerians.
The NHRC has made great strides in advancing democracy, according to Dr. Ojukwu, including mobilizing voters, promoting citizen participation, and monitoring elections to ensure compliance with human rights standards. Dr. Ojukwu emphasized the intrinsic link between human rights and democracy, stressing that protecting fundamental rights is essential for sustainable development.
According to Dr. Ojukwu, the Commission will continue to engage with elected officials and aspirants to prioritize human rights in their governance. The NHRC also honored the heroes of democracy, particularly those who fought for democratic governance, and advocated for recognizing the contributions of all individuals, including politicians and public servants, who played a role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Specifically, Dr. Ojukwu called for recognition of the electoral officials who conducted the June 12, 1993 presidential election, urging the government to give them national honors and immortalize them in public institutions. The Commission remains committed to promoting, protecting, and enforcing human rights across the country and calls on all Nigerians to partner with them in safeguarding democratic ideals. Together, they can give real meaning to democracy, ensure hope, justice, and opportunity for all.
