On a day dedicated to the unwavering pursuit of justice and dignity, human rights advocates and prominent voices across Nigeria have raised a unified call: Nigerians must not remain silent in the face of rights infringements. As the world marked Human Rights Day, the message was clear – vigilance and active participation are paramount in safeguarding our fundamental freedoms.
A Clarion Call from CDHR, Onovo, and GAFORG
The Committee for Defence Of Human Rights (CDHR), led by its President, Comrade Debo Adeniran, who also chairs the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), stood at the forefront of this advocacy. They, alongside other respected figures such as Chief Martin Onovo (a seasoned politician and rights activist) and the Grassroots Anti-Corruption Front of Nigeria (GAFORG), have specifically tasked the Federal Government to prioritize the escalating insecurity gripping the nation.
Comrade Adeniran, in his impassioned address, underscored the intrinsic link between security and the full enjoyment of human rights. “When citizens live in fear, when their lives and livelihoods are constantly threatened by banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violence, their most basic rights – the right to life, to movement, to education, and to pursue legitimate aspirations – are severely compromised,” he stated. The message resonated deeply: a government that fails to secure its populace inherently falls short on its human rights obligations.
The Imperative of Active Citizenship
The advocates collectively urged Nigerians to shed any trace of docility. The protection of inalienable rights, they argued, is not solely the government’s burden but a collective responsibility. Citizens must hold their leaders accountable, demand good governance, transparency, and a robust framework for justice.
The discussions highlighted that true human rights protection extends beyond rhetoric. It demands concrete actions from the authorities, including comprehensive strategies to tackle insecurity, ensure police accountability, and strengthen judicial processes. It also calls for an informed and active citizenry, prepared to speak truth to power and insist on their rights without fear.
Moving Forward: A Shared Commitment
This Human Rights Day served as a potent reminder that the fight for human dignity is continuous. Organizations like CDHR, CACOL, and GAFORG remain committed to advocating for a Nigeria where every citizen can live free from fear and oppression, with their rights fully respected and protected. The challenge to the Federal Government is unambiguous: address insecurity decisively and uphold the sanctity of human rights for all Nigerians.
Source: Original Article
