22nd August, 2015
Prof. Bem Angwe, the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, has called on Nigerians to show more concern for issues of human rights.
Angwe, who made the call on Saturday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), noted that it was the only way human rights could be respected and upheld.
“Every Nigerian should be concerned about issues relating to upholding his or her rights and that of others.
“This is the only way the issues of human rights abuses will be reduced to the barest minimum.
“If Nigerians are concerned about their human rights including their neighbour’s, they will be able to identify when these rights are being abused and report such immediately,’’ Angwe said.
The executive secretary commended the media for its role as the watchdog of the society and for being proactive in ensuring that the rights of citizens were respected by promptly reporting abuses.
He cited the incident of Aug. 8 in Mararaba, Nassarawa State where soldiers were photographed torturing a civilian.
He said it was the active role of the media that brought the incident to the public, adding that this would ensure justice for the victim and the necessary punishment for the perpetrators.
Angwe urged Nigerians not to relent in exposing instances of abuses saying “this was the only way the menace could be curbed.’’
He reiterated that the commission would ensure that the issues of human rights are properly tackled, saying that no Nigerian would be above the law or have immunity from prosecution.