NHRC@20: Receives 308,000 complaint

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) received over 308,000 complaints from the members of the public this year alone, the Executive Secretary, Prof. Bem Angwe, said. He disclosed this on the occasion of the 20th anniversary celebration of the commission which took place recently in Abuja. He said the commission, which was established in 1995, […]

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) received over 308,000 complaints from the members of the public this year alone, the Executive Secretary, Prof. Bem Angwe, said.
He disclosed this on the occasion of the 20th anniversary celebration of the commission which took place recently in Abuja.
He said the commission, which was established in 1995, started with few ad hoc staff in a few rooms at the National Assembly complex but has matured to be a formidable institution enjoying tremendous national and international reckoning.
As part of the anniversary celebration, the NHRC also conferred the award of “Grand Commander of Human Rights Defenders” on late Chief Gani Fawehinmi for his contributions to the promotion of human rights in Nigeria.
At an award night held penultimate Thursday in Abuja, Fawehinmi was praised for his contributions to check violations of fundamental human rights in the country.
No fewer than 15 other Nigerians were also honoured for their contributions to the advancement of the rule of law and defence of fundamental human rights. Some of them are Femi Falana, Maryam Uwais, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, retired General Theophilus Danjuma, Zaaki Azzay and Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso.
The NHRC boss said the recipients were honoured to encourage other Nigerians to recognise, respect and support the rights of others.
Angwe said the commission was committed to bringing hope to vulnerable Nigerians, promising that it would continue to strike a balance among business, security and the protection of human rights.
He said: “We honour some distinguished Nigerians who, in our humble opinion, are considered as being deserving; we are not saying that they are the only Nigerians that have demonstrated love or respect for human rights.
“We have only chosen a few as there are many thousands of Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in this regard.
“Awarding them this honour is only a demonstration of the fact that the commission wants to encourage their work so that other Nigerians can emulate what they are doing.”
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Senator Kwankwaso commended the commission for finding all the award recipients worthy of the honour.
He promised that the recipients would not relent in the fight against human rights violations as they continue their service to humanity.