By Danlami Nmodu
Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission,NHRC has released “A Pre-Election Report And Advisory On Violence In Nigeria’s 2015 General Elections”.
(Odinkalu presents report)
Speaking during the presentation of the report on Friday in Abuja,Professor Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, chairman of the Commission’s governing council highlighted the fact said so far at least 58 people have been killed across 22 states.They did not just die, they were killed, he emphasized.
Reading the Forward to the report Odinkalu said, “On March 28 and April 11 2015, Nigeria will, for the 5th time in 16 years and only the 8th time since Independence in 1960, undertake perhaps the closest and most competitive election in its 54-year history. Addressed to Nigeria’s leaders, politicians, communities, citizens, and friends, this report and advisory explains why the country must turn the page on a long history and worsening history of election violence. To continue on that trajectory, this report demonstrates, would seriously endanger not just Nigeria or the human rights of its citizens but the peace and security of an entire region whose stability and fate is tied inextricably with that of Nigeria.”
(Hajia Saudatu,Prof Bem,Odinkau,Barrister Daudu,Alhaji Ibrahim on the high table)
The chairman equally called on Nigerians to encourage the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,Professor Attahiru Jega and his team to do a good job.Jega is not a thief, he is not a rogue, wish him and his team well, he pleaded.
Also,he announced that the NHRC was working to broker a meeting between President Jonathan and General Muhammadu Buhari as well as the chairmen of APC and PDP.Jonathan and Buhari will be made to issue a joint statement on peace for their followers to see them as brothers .
Odinkalu said he would not want to see any Nigerian leader dragged before the International Criminal Court,ICC like it has happened to Charles Taylor and others .He urged Nigerians to support the Commission to ensure success against violence and hate speech.
