Following the announced results of the 2023 General Election, Nigerians have been urged to embrace peace and tolerance for the growth and development of the country.
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr Tony Ojukwu gave the advice during the Commission’s monthly review forum held in Abuja the nation’s capital.
Mr Ojukwu announced that the commission has received over four hundred complaints on rights violations arising from the 2023 elections in the country.
He noted that the commission has already swung into action by responding to some of them as others are in the process to be dealt with.
While stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, Ojukwu commended the media for projecting the activities of the commission.
“We have decried the use of violence of and hate speech in affected areas during the elections. It is very important that whatever has happened that people’s conduct be peaceful, because without peace it is difficult to have development. So our message to all Nigerians is that we should continue to be peaceful.” Ojukwu said.
Also, the Senior Special Advisor to the Executive Secretary, Mr Hillary Ogbonna said Human Rights Commission through Mobilizing Voter for Elections MOVE project, put in place the Monitoring mechanism of rights abuses.
He said that the objective was to evaluate the election climate and its impacts and examine levels of citizens’ access.
While giving a breakdown of various rights abuses during the general election in Nigeria, Mr Ogbonna said, among the abuses are 22 incidences of hate speeches, voter intimidation and suppression, attacks on INEC facilities and law enforcement officials.
A Representative of the United Nations Human Rights Advisor, Miss Ajuwa Kufor said the UN would continue to support the activities of the National Human Rights Commission for the promotion and protection of human rights.
PIAK
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