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NHRC boss Ojukwu, Jega, Ihedioha, Jerry Gana, others urge FG to immortalize Humphery Nwosu
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, has called on the Federal Government, to immortalise the late Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission, NEC, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, for his heroic and patriotic acts of conducting the freest and most transparent election in Nigeria’s history on June 12,1993 which was won by late Chief MKO Abiola but annulled by the military government of that time.
Ojukwu made the call on Tuesday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, during a special event organized by committee of friends as part of activities for the funeral of Prof. Nwosu, who died in October 2024 at the age of 83 and his burial is scheduled for March 28, 2025, in his hometown of Ajali, Orumba Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Others who spoke in the same direction include former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega who was chairman of the occasion, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha, who also served as Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, former Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Bukhari Bello and Chief Simon Okeke, former Chairman of Police Service Commission.
Those in attendance also include Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, River State governor and former Aviation Minister, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, Prof. Nwosu’s widow, Dame Stella Nwosu, their children and inlaws as well as hundreds of friends and well-wishers who filled the venue of the programme to the brim
Ojukwu who praised the late NEC chairman for his exemplary leadership qualities and high level of integrity, noted that Prof. Nwosu was a humanist who took the welfare of those who worked under him seriously.
He said that Nwosu exhibited exceptional courage and patriotism when he insisted on conducting the June 12 election when it was obvious that the military authorities did not want to continue with the process, saying there was a need for the government to imortalise him as a way of appreciating his sacrifices. He therefore suggested the naming of INEC headquarters after the late erudite scholar and political scientist.
Earlier in his opening remark, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said he was honoured for the invitation to chair the occasion, adding that while he was chairman of INEC, Prof. Nwosu was available when he called on him for advice, describing him as a mentor who did great work for Nigeria’s development.
Jega said as university teacher, him and his colleagues were becoming apprehensive of the activities of academic professors were at that time being used by the military to carry out selfish acts which he said were quite shameful, adding that Prof. Humphrey Nwosu’s bravery and uncompromising outing as NEC chairman, helped to restore the integrity of professors in the country.
Jega said that while the federal government delights in giving national awards to other Nigerians who served the nation in diverse areas, no INEC chairman of commissioner have been given national honour.
Speaking further Jega described Prof. Nwosu as a motivator, saying- “I solicited his advice in terms of what we must do to further develop and improve Nigeria’s electoral processes. His courage to withstand the intrigues of military leaders trying to perpetuate themselves in power, is worthy of emulation. He was a good man and meant well for our country. I feel happy and greatly honoured to chair this occasion.”
Osita Chidoka said Nwosu had exceptional courage to do the right thing in a difficult country like Nigeria, saying he was an architect of hope who designed and implemented innovations that reduced fraud and malpractices including Option A4, among others.
Chairman of the planning committee, Emeka Ihedioha, said Prof. Nwosu- “Reminds us what Nigeria could be,” saying the former NEC chairman knew the difference between night and day. “He bequeathed courage to generations,” Ihedioha said.
Apart from Prof. Jideofor Adibe who spoke at the event, goodwill messages were received from former Finance Minister and Director General of World Trade Organization, WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Chimamanda Adichie and Chief Tonie Iredia who all spoke through webinar.
….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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