₦airaland Forum

Ozekhome, who delivered an address at a symposium on human rights organised by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) held in Abuja on Wednesday, claimed that the Buhari-led administration polarised Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines.

The rights activist noted that it was not surprising that such a trajectory is being followed by President Tinubu, since it was tolerated by gullible Nigerians when Buhari was at the helm.

“When I hear today the northerners complain that Tinubu has ‘Yorubanised’ Nigeria, with so many Yorubas in the highest places in Nigeria, it’s true they are making a point. But the question I would ask is: where were you when Buhari, for eight years, literally ‘northernised’ every position in Nigeria? You were either a northerner or a Muslim,” he said.

“I cried, I cried, I wrote and wrote. I wrote tons of articles. One of the 50 books which I presented on my 67th birthday was titled: ‘How Buhari Mismanaged Nigeria.’ Some people called it ‘na we we,’ this is our man, and even if he is riding roughshod over all of us, it doesn’t matter.

“Hear no evil, see no evil because he is our man. Even if it is not benefitting us, the fact that he is our man is sufficient. Once it is no longer our man, we must also take up arms. No country grows like that.”

At the event, themed “Unity in Diversity: Embracing Freedom, Equality, and Dignity for All,” he warned those in positions of authority against compromising the unity of Nigerians for granted on the altar of the pursuit of tribalism, ethnicity, and sectionalism.

He described the 1999 constitution as amended as flawed, adding that there is a need for a new constitution with inputs from Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic and religious differences, on the way forward for the country.

“We need to redefine ourselves, not the present system where thieves are rewarded with doctorate degrees,” he said.

The Commission’s Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, emphasized that this year’s theme presents a significant opportunity, drawing attention to the complexity of human rights linked to the multicultural and multi-ethnic composition of over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages spoken in Nigeria.

He remarked that recurring ethnic and religious conflicts have threatened Nigeria’s national unity and stability, noting that the diversity of Nigeria’s population offers both challenges and opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding, which can promote national unity and cooperation.

According to him, the one-day symposium, held on Wednesday, 11th December 2024, consequently offers a singular opportunity to acquire knowledge and reinforce ties with other stakeholders to promote “Unity in Diversity: Embracing Freedom, Equality, and Dignity for All.”

Additionally, he mentioned that the occasion signifies the official swearing-in of IHRC’s new officials: H.E. Ambassador Dr. Malami Shehu Ma’Aji MFR, who was appointed IHRC Special Advisor on Intergovernmental Affairs for the Africa Region, with Chief John Paul Ochemba serving as IHRC Advisor on Special Monitoring Mission Nigeria, and Dr. Kingsley Nwokoma as IHRC Commissioner in Nigeria, all of whose appointments were duly approved by the IHRC Secretary-General, Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik.

AqualinaXYZ:
As a Rivers State son



If I speak from the bottom of my heart how much I hate a particular tribe una go call am hate speech bcuz I spoke the truth of how I feel



And how much I wish I’ve the power to wipe off their entire generation and existence within a second like I mean every word I write here and I swear to Almighty God




But I no go talk am before una say na hate speech

Ozekhome, who delivered an address at a symposium on human rights organised by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) held in Abuja on Wednesday, claimed that the Buhari-led administration polarised Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines.

Frigga13:
Buhari placed northerners… east central west..

Tinubu has tribalism embedded in him.. a true Yoruba ronu ..

You people keep making excuses for this tribal he goat.

Reason why Kemi abandoned the fool.. and the German President would have read the news today..
… guess you all thinking what going on his mind .. now..

Tinubu is fooling himself.. walahi..

Your blood reject you .. na me full German blood .. son of Odin .. go reason with you.

He’s here to get deal for German.. Berger and rest that Tinubu booted

God bless sensible Nigerians

The Yoruba government must go

galserv:
It started with GEJ

helinues:


We didn't say peem then because we remember makan makan

AfonjaEmir:
Makan makan is not a YORUBA word.

Haba, helinues, Yoruba people have rejected you totally. This attachment syndrome you exhibit, shows fear of the inknown.

Go get a LIFE!!

helinues:
What radarada is this one talking about?

AfonjaEmir:
YORUBA have dumped you .and rejected you totally

Edygrin:
Show evidence

helinues:
Hahaha

Makan makan ni'oye n kan. Meaning chieftaincy title is turn by turn.

You see say you need to get a meaningful life devoid of trolling me senselessly all the time

galserv:
It started with GEJ

Justiceleague1:
During that evil buhari,there was a time almost the entire federal govt petroleum and maritime agencies, NNPC ptdf DPR PPPMC PPPRA NPA NIMASA were all headed by northerners!!!! It meant that whenever they were together,they as well be communicating in Hausa!


Banzas abbokis

Justiceleague1:
How?

MadamExcellency:
The Northern protectorate isn't equal to the Southwest region.

Buhari revolved his cabinet around the three regions of Northern Nigeria comprising 19 States and then the Southwest.

The only common denominator between Tinubu and Buhari is the exclusion and marginalization of Eastern Nigeria.