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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.
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.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has revealed that it investigated the founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, for six months over suspected money laundering before clearing him.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Commission, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, the probe was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions after the commission observed large inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account.
“We work by intelligence, we work by petitions. At some point, I saw there was an account, a domiciliary account. Dollars, pounds were dropping in like raindrops, from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo.
“I said who is this man? Yes, I’ve been hearing about his name, I’ve seen his face a couple of times. I never bothered about what he was doing. I knew he was a pastor.
“So they said this one pastor of streams of joy, go and investigate him. So we went to the investigation. We combed the books,” Olukoyede stated.
The EFCC boss said he subsequently invited Eze for questioning after preliminary findings were compiled by investigators.
He added that upon meeting the cleric and reviewing the findings of the investigation, the commission found no wrongdoing.
“So he came to my office. He told me what happens and all of that, and how the money came, what he does, how he has been helping people, and all of that.
“I said, you know what, I didn’t call you here to explain to me. We have already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he stated.
The remark drew applause from the audience, as Eze, who was present at the event, acknowledged the commendation.
He noted that the commission has a responsibility not only to investigate financial crimes but also to recognise individuals found to have acted with integrity.
The EFCC chairman, however, stated that the agency would continue to monitor financial activities where necessary, stressing that its preventive mandate remains critical in tackling corruption.
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