Complaints in the August edition of the monthly Human Rights dashboard rose to 228,549, the Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has said.
Speaking at the monthly presentation of Human Rights dashboard held on Friday in Abuja, the executive secretary of the commission said the presentation features data for the months of July and August with 185,651 and 228,549 complaints received, respectively.
He bemoaned that the commission was unable to make July’s presentation due to protest, however added that “as we delve into the analysis of this month’s dashboard data, let us not only consider the numbers and figures before us but also the lives, stories, and struggles that lie behind these data”.
He implored the media to continue to play crucial role in amplifying the voices of the vulnerable and marginalized by ensuring wide circulation of these critical findings.
He explained that in recent times, the nation witnessed the #EndBadGovernance protest that rang throughout Nigeria, pointing out that it is “a bold expression of the masses’ demand for accountability and good governance”.
He continued “It is with great concern that we condemn the blatant use of force and disregard for the rights to peaceful protest and assembly, freedom of expression and other associated rights exhibited by law enforcement agencies, leading to tragic incidents of violence and loss of lives.
“Such actions represent a stark violation of the fundamental human rights of the Nigerian people, calling for unequivocal condemnation and justice”.
Ojukwu observed that the issue of displacement in Nigeria is another grave human rights concern, affecting countless individuals and communities.
He said statistics by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), shows that 208,655 persons have been displaced in 22 states this year already, “a stark increase from 2023 numbers”.
The executive secretary therefore called on government to take immediate and sustainable actions to address the pressing issue, ensure the protection and well-being of all those affected by displacement and take steps to avert the effects of flooding and other sources of displacement.
