By Uche Onyeali
Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has insisted that the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government is not interfering with the independence of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC.
The AGF said this yesterday while commissioning the Kebbi Office of NHRC in Birnin Kebbi.
He said, “I am happy to say that since the inception of this administration, government has not interfered with the independence of NHRC.
“This administration believes in the promotion and protection of the human rights of Nigerians.
“The administration is therefore determined to provide an enabling environment for the commission to effectively discharge its mandate to protect the rights of Nigerians and persons living in Nigeria.”
Fagbemi noted that the commissioning of the Kebbi office would further entrench the operational independence of the commission.
The minister said it is a bold statement by the federal government towards its support to the commission and to protect the rights of Nigerians.
“The federal government will support the commission in its efforts to own its offices nationwide to entrench its independence and strengthen its drive to protect the rights of Nigerians,” he said.
Earlier, Chairperson of the Governing Council of NHRC, Dr Salamatu Suleiman noted that the commission embarked on the construction and completion of nine new offices with the support of the Budget Office of the Federation and National Assembly from 2019.
“The Kebbi office being commissioned today was among those awarded so far, while the others will be awarded as funds become available.
“The commission is appealing that the National Assembly and the Budget Office should appropriate more funds to help realise its mandate of providing adequate protection to Nigerians when their rights are violated in any state.
“While acknowledging the support of the federal government and National Assembly Committee on Human Rights, we seek further support in areas such as adequate funding, construction of the remaining 22 state offices, resourcing the human rights fund under the Act.
“This is in addition to the amendment of the Act in line with observations made by the sub-committee on accreditation that reviewed the status of NHRC in 2023, among others,” she said.
On his part, Governor Nasir Idris said the event reflected the federal government’s commitment under the leadership of President Tinubu to improve cooperation and coordination in the planning and implementation of human rights across the country.
Idris, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, commended the federal government, particularly the Minister of Justice, the chairperson and executive secretary of the NHRC for working harmoniously to provide the befitting office for the commission.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN) emphasised the aim of advancing the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights in Nigeria and sensitising stakeholders on critical human rights issues.
“This mandate entrusted to NHRC is not merely a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative, a call to action to build a society where dignity, freedom and justice are the cornerstones of our national life,” Ojukwu said.
