President Bola Tinubu wrote to the Senate on Tuesday, seeking the confirmation of 15 nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The President’s letter aimed to strengthen the country’s human rights protection framework.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the request during the plenary session. Meanwhile the upper legislative chamber referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening.
The list notably included Mr. Eze Anaba, who serves as the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and as an Editor of Vanguard Newspapers. In addition, Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, a seasoned human rights advocate, emerged as the nominee for board chairman. The President also nominated Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) to continue as the commission’s Executive Secretary.
The President nominated 14 other individuals from diverse professional backgrounds. These included media professionals Ayo Adewuyi of NTA and Channels Television anchor Maupe Ogun, as well as legal practitioner Chinonye Obiaku (SAN).
Other nominees were Roseline Tasha, Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Edmund Chinonye, Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Otunba Francis Meshioye, Patience Patrick, and Hawwa Ibrahim.
President Tinubu stated that he made the nominations pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010. He explained that reconstituting the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity.
Furthermore, he noted the step would enable the NHRC to more effectively discharge its mandate of promoting and protecting human rights across Nigeria. The Senate committee is expected to report back within two weeks.
