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CDHR Elects New Executives, condemns falling standard of justice delivery, Vows To Defend Democracy And Human Rights
CDHR Elects New Executives, condemns falling standard of justice delivery, Vows To Defend Democracy And Human Rights
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, has elected fresh executives to run the affairs of the human rights group.
The group, between Friday, October 27 to Sunday, October 29, 2023, gathered at Pa Imoudu Hall, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, Ilorin, Kwara State, for its Annual General Conference, AGC.
The conference, under the leadership of Comrade (Dr.) Osagie Obayuwana, which had delegates from State branches across the country also had partners, collaborators associates, friends and observers from the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kwara State branch, Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), as well as the media.
In considering the realities of the state of Nigeria, speakers at the event which included the guest speaker, Comrade Owei Lakemfa, guest of honour, Comrade Issa Aremu and
Comrade Malachy
Ugwummadu, immediate past President who stood in for the Chairman of the Board of
Trustees, Femi Falana SAN, unanimously affirmed that “Rights of Nigerians have continually been abused and threatened to be further abused.”
Among other things, the group noted that the “Economic and Social Rights of Nigerians have been the most threatened and abused rights,
especially with the rising incidences of economic deprivation, economic exclusion, suffocating hardship, worsening exchange rate regime, declining value of the Naira. ”
The argued that “An attack on our standard of living is an attack on our Human Rights; thus, Cost of Living
Adjustment (COLA) must be realistic and acceptable. Nigerian workers are constrained and denied their rights to adequate, fair and regular
Wages. Worse still, workers are suffering from non-payment or negotiated fraction of
Salaries, ” the group said.
Further, CDHR lamented that
“The struggles, legacies, principles of integrity and commitments of late Pa Michael Imoudu,
(Labour Leader No. 1) should be consciously emulated by Nigerians and all leaders.
They noted that “Fight against corruption has been lopsided and delegates perceived that corruption is directly responsible for the high level of hardships, deprivations and poverty plaguing the mass of Nigerians across the country. ”
In like manner, delegates fully agreed that corruption must be
fought, and more so with perceivable transparency and menace of avoidable killings and community displacements persists, adding that there has been double
standards by state actors, including security agencies, especially due to the worsening level of
insecurity in the country and the self-centred approach of security agents.
As a remedy, the gathering, under the theme “Our Rights: Non Negotiable” stated that the group must rise up to its responsibilities by addressing the prevailing menace in the system.
“There is crucial need for strong, focused and committed Human Rights Organisations to stand
in defence of the Rights of citizens and to promote coalitions to build a strong resistance to all
forms of human rights abuses, ” they demanded.
Arising from that, delegates at the AGC further resolved as that:
1. We are committed to continue the struggle for the defence of the rights and fundamental
freedoms of Nigerians, especially their Economic and Social Rights.
2. We must prevail on Governments at all levels to prioritize and advance the conditions for
survival, improved welfare and sustainable standard of living as crucial basis for the
consolidation of democracy, peace, security and sustainable development.
3. We strongly condemn all policies and legislations that create and worsen the hardship of
Nigerians and threaten our survival.
4. We condemn the rapidly declining value and falling purchasing power of the Naira.
5. We reject the astronomical increase in the prices of petroleum products under the guise
of petroleum subsidy removal and urge that existing and new refineries should be
refurbished and built to guarantee local production of crude.
6. We condemn the degrading and dehumanising policy of “palliatives” that have reduced
our Citizens to beggarly and helplessly impoverished second class citizens in their country.
7. We condemn the apparent insensitivity to the plights of Nigerians by the Legislators in
National and State Assemblies in their misplaced priorities and condemn the indifference of
the Executive under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Ministers to the economic
hardship of Nigerians.
8. We condemn the Judiciary on the falling standard of justice delivery and for the eroding
confidence of the people and hopelessness in the outcomes of judicial proceedings,
considering the recent damning remarks comments of Sen. Adamu Muhammad Bulkachuwa
and now My Lord, Hon. Justice Musa Dattijo JSC (rtd) in their valedictory speeches.
9. We condemn the apparent reckless extravagant and exorbitant lifestyle of public office
holders, particularly the expenditure on luxury vehicles by members of the National
Assembly while Nigerians are suffocating under hardship and deprivation.
10. We demand that heads of security formations at all levels of the Police, Military and ParaMilitary institutions must take and indeed be made to take full responsibility for insecurity
and abuse of citizens’ rights in their areas of operation.
11. We strongly condemn any and all forms of double-standard of responses and concern by
security authorities to situations of crisis; all citizens are entitled to protection and adequate
attention to secure and safeguard lives and property.
12. We demand that employers, especially the public sector, including MDAs, must take the
issue of payment of fair and regular wages to workers and pensioners even more
seriously.
We condemn failure to pay workers’ and pensioners their entitlements.
At the end of the election and the AGC, the following Comrades were elected:
Debo Adeniran, President; Olayinka Folarin,Vice President; Kabiru Muhammed Ibrahim,General Secretary; Ejike Nwokoro,
Assistant General Secretary and
Helen Oluwatoyin Akomolafe as
Treasurer.
Other elected executives include
Henry Peter Ekine, Legal Adviser; Afeez Olayinka,Publicity Secretary and J. E. Osaigbovo, Internal Auditor.
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK
In a profound expression of sorrow, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, following the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram. This devastating assault, which occurred at a work site in northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation.
In a statement released to the press and signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.” His Excellency emphasized the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.
The Grand Patron praised the swift and decisive response of military personnel during this critical time, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation. He called upon them to maintain this momentum, commending their courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity. “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honor their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.
In his statement, Gen. Buratai highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity, urging concerned citizens to increase their efforts in fostering a virile community that future generations can cherish. “Together, we can surmount these troubles,” he asserted, calling on all patriotic leaders and citizens to unite in the fight against violence and insecurity.
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and prosperity. As the foundation extends its condolences to the bereaved, it also calls upon all segments of society to collaborate in creating a better and safer future. May Allah guide and protect the nation and lead it toward enduring peace. Amen.
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