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“You are true defenders of Human Rights,” Ojukwu tells journalists
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr Tony Ojukwu, has commended journalists in Nigeria for their commitment to issues of human rights.
The NHRC boss made the commendation Friday at a media parley organised by the commission at the Abuja headquarters of the organization.
He singled out journalists covering the commission for their passion and commitment to ensuring that matters affecting human rights are brought to the front burner of their reports.
Describing them as beacons of light and hope, Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, said journalists covering the NHRC have shown that Nigerians can be committed to a course without material gratifications.
He therefore appealed to journalists to stay together with NHRC, saying it was a pleasure to work with them while pledging the commitment and determination of the commission to continue to pursue the rights of all people living in the country.
Responding to question and observations from participants, Chief Ojukwu said achieving the milestone of paying nearly N500million as compensation to victims and relatives of abuses following the outcome of the panel on Police/ENDSARS investigation.
He disclosed that investigations are still ongoing on the reported forced abortions and related matters allegedly committed by the Nigerian military in the north east.
See Ojukwu’s speech:
Thank you for joining us today for the NHRC Media Parley. It is always a pleasure to engage with dedicated journalists such as yourselves who play pivotal roles in the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria.
As the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission and on behalf of the Governing Council, Management and Staff of the Commission, I want to begin by expressing my profound appreciation for the invaluable work that you-the media, do in amplifying human rights issues and giving voice to those who often go unheard. Your commitment to shining a light on human rights violations, promoting justice, and advocating for a fair and equitable society is commendable.
The NHRC is equally committed to its mandate of Promoting, Protecting and Enforcing human rights in our dear Nation. We remain committed to the vital role we play in ensuring that the rights of every individual are respected and protected, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances. The Commission is here to serve as a beacon of hope, a refuge for the oppressed, and a watchdog against any encroachment on human rights.
In today’s parley, I have been privileged to take particular note of those crop of journalists who are always willing to support us to deliver on our mandates, I want to assure you that the NHRC will not take your passion to serve humanity for granted.
Our partnership with the media is not just important; it is indispensable. Together, we can raise awareness on human rights issues, spark meaningful conversations, that leads to effective positive change. Your role as the Fourth Estate is pivotal in making this a reality.
I encourage you to ask pertinent questions, seek clarity, and engage in a constructive dialogue. Your questions and reporting have the power to influence public opinion and policy decisions which ultimately helps in shaping the human rights landscape in our country.
Let us continue working hand in hand to build a society where human rights are upheld, justice prevails, and every individual enjoys the freedom and dignity they deserve. I look forward to a fruitful and informative discussion today.
Thank you once again for your unwavering dedication to the cause of human rights, and for being the watchdogs of democracy.
Among management officers of the commission that attended the parley include Mrs. Agharese Arase, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages and Mrs Grace Pam, Director, Women and Children department, among others.
Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has announced the death of his wife after a prolonged battle with cancer.
The social media commentator shared the sad news on Instagram with a candle image, alongside a farewell message.
“Rest in peace my darling wife, odabo oyinbo mi”, he wrote.
Before her death, Fayose had opened up about the severity of her illness.
He said he travelled to Australia to spend time with his family, but was met with a painful reality as his wife had become extremely weak due to cancer.
He explained that she was no longer able to speak or carry out basic daily activities. According to him, the woman who once welcomed him at the airport could no longer do so, and he had to make his way from the airport by Uber.
He also described how roles had reversed in the home, saying he now had to take care of her, including cooking for her, as she could no longer do so herself. He added that he spent time beside her, singing her favourite songs, while she responded only by holding his hand.
In his emotional reflection, he also spoke about life and wealth, stressing that money and material possessions could not stop illness or death, and questioned the actions of those who use public office to take what belongs to others.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that all 22 registered political parties in Nigeria have submitted their membership registers in compliance with the Electoral Act 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the submissions were completed on May 8, two days ahead of the extended deadline set by the Commission.
According to INEC, the extension became necessary after political parties raised concerns over the original timeline during a meeting held on March 24.
The Commission had initially fixed April 21 as the deadline for the submission of membership registers in the Revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 General Election.
However, following consultations with political parties, INEC announced on March 27, 2026, that the deadline would be moved to May 10, 2026.
The adjustment, INEC said, was made to align with Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the actual dates chosen by political parties for their primaries.
Under the revised timetable, political parties are permitted to conduct their primaries between April 23 and May 30, 2026. The law also requires each party to submit its membership register to the Commission not later than 21 days before the date of its primary election.
INEC stated that all registered political parties complied with the requirement within the extended timeframe.
“The Commission is pleased to note that all registered parties submitted their registers as of 8th May 2026, two days before the extended deadline,” the statement said.
The electoral body added that the submitted registers would now undergo the necessary verification processes in accordance with the law.
INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and inclusive elections in Nigeria.
According to the Commission’s timetable for the 2027 General Election, elections into the offices of President and members of the National Assembly are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and state assembly elections will take place on February 6, 2027.
Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the deputy commander of the Islamic State terrorist group, ISIS, has been killed in Nigeria.
US President Donald Trump said al-Minuki was killed in a “complex mission” carried out by Nigerian and American troops.
The US president shared updates on the operation in a social media post late Saturday.
“Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump wrote.
“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing.
“He will no longer terrorise the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans.
“With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished.”
Trump also acknowledged and thanked the Nigerian government for its “partnership on this operation”.
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