The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari would see reasons on the importance of viable Human Rights Funds and assent to Bill to give teeth for its operation.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN gave this indication while fielding questions during interaction with Journalists in Abuja Corporate Headquarters of the Commission.
OPTIMUM TIMES recalled that the Bill has been passed by the National Assembly and presently awaiting presidential assent.
While giving insight into key provisions of the Bill, Ojukwu explained that it made provision for contributions into the fund certain percent of annual profits by multinational corporations/companies, among other categories of stakeholders.
He said the fund when operational will, apart from Federal government Budgetary allocations, bring a bit relief in financial needs or requirements for sponsorships of investigating reports of human rights abuses and prosecution.
The Executive Secretary emphasized the importance for everyone to take serious issues of any form of human rights abuse because it affects everybody in one way or the other.
However, he commended Journalists noting that despite obvious challenges, the Nigerian journalists are living up to their Constitutional responsibility of holding the government accountable to the people as enshrined in Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
He said: “There is no gainsaying that the media have consistently kept the public abreast with information on diverse issues, this has not only assisted citizens to demand accountability from the leaders but it has also enhanced citizens’ participation in governance, as people engage in discussions about the governance.
“Creating avenues for discussions, be they political, religious, economy, lifestyle is essential for open, inclusive and transparent governments which form the bedrock of human rights in the modern society.
“Consequently, I cannot agree more with those who describe the press as the oxygen of democracy because it will be difficult to inform, educate, and entertain the citizens or even set an agenda for the government without the intervention of the press.
“As a Commission we cannot function effectively without partnering with other institutions or organisations such as the media and the time honoured working relationship we have enjoyed with the members of the fourth estate of the realm cannot be taken for granted.”
He observed that Journalists have remained a dependable ally of the Commission, propelled by their avowed commitment towards human rights and humanitarian courses not minding financial constraints, even in the face of daunting human rights challenges.
The NHRC boss further assured that the Commission would continue to work with other stakeholders to ensure that the media space remains wide and secure for the practice of journalism in the country, bearing in mind that freedom of expression and the press is one of the hallmarks of a civilized society.
He recalled that the Commission had stood behind any journalists who were incarcerated in the course of their official functions and would continue to toe this line even with increased vigour, given the Commission’s concern to the security and safety of journalists and other persons living in the country.
In response, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter Chairman, Emmanuel Ogbeche, reminded the Commission of the need to intensify efforts in curtailing human rights abuses, most especially as the 2023 general election draws nearer.
He commended the Commission’s Executive Secretary of the various innovations introduced in the Commission and urged him not to relent.
