The Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Bem Angwe has said that the time has come for Nigeria to take its rightful place amongst the comity of nations in championing the respect for and protection of rights.
Receiving members of the Board of Trustees, Freedom and Justice Development Initiative, a non-governmental organization, in his office Professor Angwe stated that promotion and protection of human rights of Nigerians cannot be compromised.
The Commission, he disclosed, is working hard to make its services available to more Nigerians through the opening of state offices across the country.
According to him before the year runs out at least ten state offices will be added to the existing ones at the six geo-graphical zones and Abuja to provide easy access to the services of the Commission.
Prof. Angwe stated that the amendment of the Commission’s Act has granted additional powers and independence in the operations of the Commission according to the Paris Principles, establishing national human rights institutions.
Chairman Board of Trustees, Freedom and Justice Development Initiative, Senator Abidemi Babalola commended President Goodluck Jonathan for strengthening the capacity of the National Human Rights Commission to promote and protect human rights throughout the country by the amendment of its Act.
Senator Babalola stated that the enhanced mandate of the Commission under the NHRC (Amendment) Act, 2010 will increase respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and guarantee peace, progress and development of the country.
Senator Babalola noted that improvement in the nation’s human rights records will encourage foreign investment and corresponding growth in the economy.
The Senator charged the NHRC to embark on massive enlightenment campaigns to educate Nigerians on the new NHRC Act, especially on the establishment of Human Rights Fund, which he said, will assist victims of human rights abuse.
He pledged the cooperation of his organization to partner with the NHRC towards the attainment of the new mandate of the Commission.
