FG reiterates commitment to rule of law, seeks support on human rights

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and and respect for human rights.

Malami made the remarks in Kaduna on Tuesday at the opening of the North West Zone Consultation Meeting on the National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in Nigeria.

Our correspondent reports that the meeting, holding in collaboration with the National Human Right Commission (NHRC), would review a draft of the Action Plan to cover 2019-2023.

He stressed that the Federal Government would welcome more contributions of all stakeholders to guarantee the sanctity of fundamental freedoms of all citizens.

”In line with the stance of this administration on respect for the rule of law, democracy and human rights, it behoves on all stakeholders, government and NGOs to play their respective roles in the advancement of a culture of respect for human right in Nigeria.

“Your contribution to this document today will contribute in no small measure in setting a defined human rights agenda for Nigeria for the next couple of years,” the minister said.

He said that the 2019-2023 action plan “is a framework for sustained and coordinated approach to monitor, promote and protect human right for four years in short run, and 10 years in the long run.

“It is an audit of the human rights situation in Nigeria and to identify areas in need of improvement.

“Most importantly, it is an opportunity for identifying and agreeing on cooperation between government departments, the private sector, civil society and other role players in the promotion and protection of human rights.”

The minister therefore advised the participants to make informed contributions to enrich the document and set defined human rights agenda for the country.

Malami was represented at the event by an official in the ministry, Danjuma Abdullahi.

On his part, the NHRC Executive Secretary, Mr Tony Ojukwu explained that the meeting was to explore new administrative measures adopted by states to address emerging challenges before the adoption of the document.

”It is to identify areas that need improvement and commit to improving the monitoring, protection and promotion aspect of human rights,” he added.

Ojukwu said that the action plan would be forwarded to the UN High Commission for Human Rights after its adoption by the federal government.

Meanwhile, Mrs Julie Ariahu, Assistant Secretary, Federation of Women Lawyers in Kaduna State Branch, said FIDA had been sensitising the people especially at the grassroots to know their rights.

“When they are knowledgeable on the existing laws and are able to differentiate between their rights and wrongs, less problems will be encountered,” she said.

The FIDA official cautioned against violence and reprisals, stressing that it was illegal to resort to extra judicial action even where the rights of persons were violated.

”Once the people retaliate to any violent attack on them, there will be breakdown of the law, anarchy, doom and loss, hence the need to always educate them on rule of law and dangers involved in reprisal attacks,” Ariahu said.