By: John Bassey.
Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has lauded the Federal Government for constructing and completing Human Rights Commission (NHRC) offices in several states across the country.
Governor Idris made this commendation during the commissioning of the Kebbi State NHRC office in Birnin Kebbi. He described the event as a testament to the federal government’s commitment, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, to enhancing human rights coordination nationwide.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala-Tafida, the governor stated:
“We commend the Federal Government, particularly the Minister of Justice, as well as the Chairperson and Executive Secretary of the NHRC, for their dedication in providing this befitting office.
“My administration will support this initiative by connecting the office to the national grid and providing an operational vehicle to facilitate its activities in Kebbi State.
“Additionally, in our commitment to human rights, I recently appointed an NHRC staff member as Special Adviser on Human Rights Protection and Enforcement.”
The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), emphasized that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to the independence of the NHRC, promoting and protecting the human rights of all Nigerians.
“Since the inception of this administration, there has been no interference with the NHRC’s independence,” he said. “We are determined to create an enabling environment for the commission to fulfill its mandate effectively.”
Chairperson of the NHRC Governing Council, Dr. Salamatu Suleiman, highlighted that the commission, with support from the budget office and the National Assembly, began constructing nine new offices in 2019, including the Kebbi State office.
She appealed for increased funding to help complete the remaining 22 state offices and strengthen the commission’s capacity to safeguard Nigerians’ rights.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, reaffirmed the commission’s mission to promote, protect, and enforce human rights while raising awareness on critical human rights issues.
“Our mandate is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative to build a society where dignity, freedom, and justice prevail,” Ojukwu added.
