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Ojukwu thanks media for projecting work of NHRC in fighting against human rights violations, sensitising citizens
The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has praised Nigerian journalists for their immeasurable contributions to the successes recorded in the fight against human rights abuses in the country as well as sensitization of citizens on their rights and opportunities available to them to seek redress.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, expressed the appreciation on Monday at the Abuja national secretariat of the organisation during the 2024 media parley organized by the Commission.
Represented by the Director, Legal Services and Enforcement, Rabi Anwar, who was flanked by Mr. Obinna Nwakonye, Director, Public Relations and External Linkages, the Executive Secretary said that the gathering was meant to celebrate the dedication of journalists, especially those. Covering the Commission, saying the achievements recorded so far would not have been possible without the passion and commitment by the media.
Ojukwu said- “Through your work, many victims of human rights abuses enjoy more human rights awareness which has assisted then in no small measures to seek redress. This has no doubt enhanced the country’s human rights ratings among the committee of nations.
“It only takes a robust and enduring partnership like the one we have with you individually and collectively, hence the achievements of this feat we are celebrating today. There is no gainsaying your commitment to objectivity, balance, accuracy, truth, as the fulcrum of professionalism has continued to make a reasonable difference in Nigeria’s media landscape.
“You are all witnesses to the increased media activities in the Commission this year. There are occasions where you transit from one media engagement to the other in a very short notice and you have never wavered, rather, you have continued to live up to the task to the fullest. This speaks volumes of your sincerity and passion for the cause of human rights. We do not take all these for granted and I make bold to emphasize that the Commission is heavily indebted to you in gratitude. In you we we truly have a dependable ally
“As a responsible institution, we shall continue to contribute our quota in building your capacity to report complex human rights issues including human rights in migration, and business and human rights among other emerging human rights matters. We have already commenced training for journalists in this regards and we hope to work with relevant international partners to ensure that you benefit more in the coming years.
“As our token of appreciation to you, the Commission has instituted a yearly media award to further register our immense regards for your unalloyed support to the Commission. The awards ceremony holds yearly during the commemoration of the International Human Rights Day (IHRD). I therefore use this opportunity to appreciate the outstanding journalists who were honoured during the celebration of the 2024 IHRD
“The Commission so much value your techniques of storytelling, and your ability to narrate human rights issues in such a manner that our audience could appreciate and follow developments in the Commission. You have severally demonstrated this through detailed personality interviews, special reports, impactful editorials, features and news analyses. We do not take such dogged services lightly. Hence, we remain eternally grateful.
“God soaring our lives, I want to assure you that we will continue to strengthen our relationship with the media. We are committed to openness, transparency and collaboration and we look forward to creating more impactful stories together.
“I want to thank you, once again, for your unrelenting efforts, professionalism, and partnership. The role you play in shaping narratives and informing the public is invaluable, and we are honoured to have you as our allies .
“As the year draws to a close, I wish you all, a peaceful and joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year. We are eagerly looking forward to more years of mutually benefitting partnership,” Ojukwu concluded.
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
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