The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointments of 12 nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The nominees were forwarded to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari but cautioned against disregard for the federal character principle.
The confirmation of the nominees followed the consideration of the report of Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.
The nominees are: Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman as the Chairman; Joseph Onyemaechi Mmamel, Ahmad Abubakar Fingilla, Kemi Asiwaju-Okenyodo, Abubakar Muhammed, Femi Okeowo, Sunday Etim Daniel, Agabaidu Chukwuemeka Jideani, Mrs. Nella Andem-Rabana, SAN, Azubuike Nwakwenta, Jamila Isah and Mrs. Idayat Omolara Hassan, as members of the commission, respectively.
In his presentation, Senator Bamidele said that the committee, having screened the nominees and being satisfied with their exposure, experience in human rights issues, performance, qualifications, and competence, recommended the confirmation of their appointments by the Senate.
“This request is predicated on the fact that due to non-compliance of the government to constitute the Governing Council of the Commission for about three years now, the Grade “A” Status conferred on Nigeria by the United Nations General Assembly on Human Rights, has been under threat.
“As such, it is incumbent on us as responsive legislature, to ensure that Nigeria is not downgraded, after striving assiduously to attain this current status, few years ago,” he stressed.
The committee, Senator Bamidele said, was guided by the provisions of the Constitution and the extant law, which established the commission, pointing out that “Section 14 (3) of the Constitution requires that the composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies, should reflect the Federal Character Principles.”
“Furthermore, Section 3 (2) and (3) of the National Human Rights (Amendment) Act, provides for the composition of the Council to consist of the chairman and members of the Commission who shall represent various segments of the human rights community.
“However, it is noteworthy that the composition of the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission as presented to the 9th Senate, does not comply with the provisions of the Constitution as it relates to the Federal Character Principles,” hestated.
According to him, absolute compliance with the provisions of the Constitution is not a choice but a fundamental obligation imposed on individuals, government and all its functionaries, as encapsulated in Section 13 of the Constitution.
“The human rights issues do not only affect a segment but cut across all parts of the country. As such, all the geo-political zones must be represented in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution, in the light of emerging human rights abuses in the country,” he said.
Senator Bamidele stressed the need for the Senate to draw the attention of President Buhari to the lop-sidedness in the composition of the Governing Council of the NHRC, saying ”the National Assembly do not only make law but also ensures that the laws are complied with, through the mechanisms of checks and balances. ”
He said it’s the duty of the National Assembly “to draw the attention of the executive who is saddled with the responsibilities of making nominations for appointments into any position in the country to ensure compliance with the Federal Character Principles in line with the Constitution.”
The Senate President Ahmad Lawan urged the executive arm of government to always comply with the principles of federal character in future appointments.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
