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The executive secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, and also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Tony Ojukwu, has described the Nigeria Democratic Congress, (NDC), presidential candidate Peter Obi’s claim that his life is under threat as “very worrisome” and one that should be taken seriously.

Speaking with ARISE NEWS during an interview, Ojukwu said the Commission is concerned about the state of the civic space ahead of future elections and stressed that every political contestant must be allowed to campaign freely without fear or intimidation.

“The statement made by Peter Obi is a very worrisome statement. And for every person who means well for this country, we should take it seriously.

“The issue of opposition being able to have space to do their beat is a legitimate right. And there’s a general issue about freedom of information and the civic space being shrinking, especially as elections are coming close,” he said.

According to him, while the NHRC does not need to wait for a formal complaint before responding to issues affecting fundamental rights, its immediate response to Obi’s public statement would be to issue an advisory urging the government and other political actors to ensure a conducive environment for all contestants.

“We don’t have to wait until a formal complaint is lodged. So, what we want to do is we need to now issue an advisory, going forward, on what the government and everybody should do so that every contestant will have a feeling that they have the space to do their beat properly,” he shared.

and urged public officials to seek legal redress instead of using political power to silence critics.

“Of course, that is the picture we are seeing. If you look at our dashboard, that is the picture that is coming. And that is why we instituted this dashboard. Because the dashboard is an accountability mechanism to call out the people who are involved to take necessary action.

“The civic space, of course, the space was enlarged by social media, where everybody on your laptop, on your telephone, you can publish. And you cannot—there’s no way you can regulate what people can publish.

cool down the temperature. Respect the right of others, respect the right of your colleagues. For the government in power, also allow the civic space to thrive, because it will also help you in your own credibility. I urge all politicians to please, in the interest of saving this country, to play it down and allow a free space for everybody to feel free in his fatherland,” he advised.

Speaking on the Commission’s Human Rights Situation Dashboard, Ojukwu described the volume of complaints as “really worrisome,” attributing it to both increased public awareness of human rights and Nigeria’s worsening security situation.

“The situation on violations is really worrisome. There are two main possibilities for these numbers. One, the Commission has created a lot of awareness about rights. What we are seeing is that people now know when their rights are violated, and they know that they can go somewhere and report it. In addition to that, of course, the security situation is staring everybody in the face,” he shared.

While stressing that documenting abuses is one of the NHRC’s statutory responsibilities, he said the Commission also provides remedies although resource constraints limit its reach.

“A body like the National Human Rights Commission has some duties. First of all, we have to document. Because if you don’t document this, probably nobody will know things like this are happening. The other one is to try and find a remedy as much as possible.

“However, the ability to find a remedy will also depend on the resources you have,” Ojukwu said.

Appealing to Nigerians to trust the Commission, Chief Ojukwu encouraged victims of human rights violations to report their cases to the NHRC, assuring them that the Commission remains committed to protecting their rights and helping them seek justice.

“Please, trust us. Come to us, and let us join you to make sure that your right is protected. Your right can be protected with the National Human Rights Commission,” he concluded.

https://www.arise.tv/tony-ojukwu-peter-obis-claim-that-his-life-is-under-threat-is-very-worrisome-and-should-be-taken-seriously/

It's both worrisome and disheartening.

Nigerians said they don't want APC anymore. Is it by force?

They should park well and go away nau.

PlasmaTV:
It's both worrisome and disheartening.

Nigerians said they don't want APC anymore. Is it by force?

They should park well and go away nau.

Nigerians or Biafrans? Anyway, vote out Mbah of Enugu, Nwifiru of Ebonyi, Uzodimma of Imo, OUK and the deputy speaker of the house first. The rest of us across other regions might consider taking you seriously. 😂😂

Sebi his supporters did not see how inciting the statement is.

A group of people who refused to be using their free gifted senses

The CCTV released by Keyamo has bursted all Obi’s lies..

I can’t just understand how somebody can be convenient with telling lies..

PulaPower:
The CCTV released by Keyamo has bursted all Obi’s lies..

I can’t just understand how somebody can be convenient with telling lies..

Peter Obi is unstable psychologically. It's not normal for a public figure to be lying ridiculously and still not feel any remorse after being busted but instead come up with another lies next time

Refinedbeing:
Nigerians or Biafrans? Anyway, vote out Mbah of Enugu, Nwifiru of Ebonyi, Uzodimma of Imo, OUK and the deputy speaker of the house first. The rest of us across other regions might consider taking you seriously. 😂😂

Oro jatijati wo loun so?
Just blowing air without substance.
Tribalism has eroded your grey matter.

Peter Obi needs to respond to the allegation by Keyamo to clear the air about the airport incident. Did it happen or not?

PlasmaTV:
Oro jatijati wo loun so?
Just blowing air without substance.
Tribalism has eroded your grey matter.

Do the needful first. We are all tired of APC but at least lead by example.

PlasmaTV:
It's both worrisome and disheartening.

Nigerians said they don't want APC anymore. Is it by force?

They should park well and go away nau.

which Nigerians?

U think people from online country can chose a president for us right?

Of course. Just as he lied about the airport drama.

PlasmaTV:
It's both worrisome and disheartening.

Nigerians said they don't want APC anymore. Is it by force?

They should park well and go away nau.

Because you conduct election in your village does not translate to Nigerians.