The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN has received the newly appointed Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the United States of America, Mr.Timothy Smith, who paid him a working visit in his office.
Mr. Smith who also serves as the Political Counsellor, expressed his deep appreciation for the vital work carried out by the National Human Rights Commission and conveyed his eagerness to further enhance his understanding of the Commission's work to enable him effectively fulfill his responsibilities.
In response, the Executive Secretary extended his gratitude for the unwavering support that the Commission has received from the U.S. Embassy over the years and reaffirmed the Commission's strong commitment to collaborate with the new Deputy Chief of Mission to advance the cause of human rights in Nigeria.
On the alleged illegal arrest of some citizens in Delta State, the Executive Secretary emphasised on the need for the Law Enforcement Agencies to get enough human rights education in order to reduce all forms of violations in Nigeria.
According to him, the law enforcement agents are supposed to respect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the right to fair hearing, victims innocence until proved guilty and to stop indiscriminate detention for more than 24 hours without being charged to Court.
He said most of the violations recorded by the Commission are mainly on lack of human rights literacy by the Law Enforcement Agents especially the Police.
Speaking on the alleged abortion of 10,000 pregnancies by the Military as reported by Reuters, Ojukwu said the Panel has gone far with the investigation even as he expressed optimism that justice will be served to all parties in the matter.
In addition, he said the Commission will leave no stone unturned in unravelling the truth about the allegation because “we are determine to investigate every one mentioned in the report, the Panel has been to different parts of the North – East interrogating those involved".
