National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has organized a town hall meeting with gubernatorial candidates on human rights issues, and 2023 general elections in Kano state.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Tony Ojukwu, explained that the NHRC has the mandate to promote and protect human rights of every person in Nigeria.
Mr. Ojukwu who was represented by Director Women and Children, NHRC Mrs Rosemary Igboyi, pointed out that, the right to participate in governance process, including voting and standing for elections, is central to democracy.
He highlighted that, the principle is emphasized by Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of human rights and Section 14(2)c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria as amended, saying that elections are germane in creating an enabling environment for the fulfilment of human rights.
“It has been recognized by the United Nations that the right to vote and be elected is interwoven with the enjoyment of a plethora of other key human rights”.
The executive secretary noted that, the rights include those to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, freedom of movement, freedom of information and expression of opinion.
He noted that elections should be a time of critical national self-reflection, commitment to social contract of democracy and the achievement of human rights.
Mr. Ojukwu urged political parties to focus on issues and present Nigeria, with choices that bother on what they will do to achieve the basic human rights of citizens.
On her part, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Hajiya Bilkisu Ibrahim, advised the gubernatorial candidates to be transparent and more concerned, on child right and gender based violence act.
Radio Nigeria reports that nine gubernatorial aspirants attended the meeting where they presented their manifestos and plans with emphasis on health, education, rule of law, security, enabling environment, electricity, and water supply.
KHADIJAH ALIYU