NHRC Laments Boko Haram Insurgency

The Executive Secretary,
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Ben Angwe, says the spate of killings, kidnappings and displacement of citizens by Boko Haram is a big challenge to human rights in Nigeria.
He made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Uyo recently.
He said “today, Nigeria is under serious challenges in the area of human rights through the activities of insurgents.
“The rights of our people are violated on daily basis.’’
Angwe said that in the past, it was believed that only government and influential citizens trampled upon the peoples’ rights, adding that “this has now changed.
“Today, we have a government that is determined to protect the rights of citizens.
“The present government has given NHRC full power to investigate and determine cases of human rights abuses to the extent that our decisions equate with High Court ruling.’’
The executive secretary said that the commission was working with the police and other security agencies to ensure that all forms of ex-judicial killings were stopped.
“We also make sure that those violating the rights of citizens are punished and compensation paid to the victims.’’
The NHRC boss said that electoral issues were among the core mandates of the commission, noting that the commission had as its core mandate the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights in Nigeria.
He promised that NHRC would protect and promote good governance and the rights of citizens.
He said “we are going to sensitise the electorate this year on their rights to vote, be vigilant and their rights to protect their votes.