The Management and Staff of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have expressed shock over the sudden and unfortunate demise of the Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja branch, Dr. Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau.
Reacting to the news of her sudden demise in a statement signed by Deputy Director, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed and sent to SINL Nigeria Online, the Executive Secretary of the Commission Tony Ojukwu Esq said that her death is a serious blow to the human rights community.
The statement added that she has left indelible marks, particularly in the area of gender and child’s rights protection and reproductive rights.
The Executive Secretary further stated that the first female Chairperson of the NBA, Abuja branch will be remembered for championing the cause of human rights and making various sacrifices towards building an egalitarian society that is consciousness of the respect for human rights norms and values.
“The Commission is using this opportunity to commiserate with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja branch, the family and friends of the late Barr. Hauwa over the irreparable loss and is praying God to grant eternal rest to her soul and fortitude to her loved ones for the great losss.
“The late British Government Chevening Scholar had engaged with the Commission in different ways to ensure that women and girls needlessly do not suffer human rights abuses, which might arise from, discrimination, harmful pcultural practices and impunity.
“The erstwhile President of FIDA in one of her interviews with the NHRC media crew lamented the high prevalence of rape cases which she had grappled with and had made concerted efforts together with stakeholders like the NHRC, Police, NAPTIP etc to lower the curve of the rape scourge.
“It would be recalled that the then legal luminary was a consistent advocate for the establishment of Special Court to try Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) cases and Shelter Homes for victims of SGBV in Nigeria.
“The Commission will surely miss Hauwa’s mediatory/conciliatory prowess since her over 25 years post call to Bar experience, which is evident in her various activities in some national and international organizations such as IPAS.
“With her demise, the Commission has lost a dependable ally, we are however comforted by the laudable legacies and footprints she left on the sands of time for the rest of us in the race”.
