NHRC to release report on Army, Shiite clash ‘soon’

 

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says it will soon make public findings from its investigation into the clash between the Nigerian Army and the Shiite in Zaria in 2015.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prof. Bem Angwe, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja when he received members of a group, New Nigeria Conversation.
He said that the commission had also begun public hearing on issues of hate speeches, electoral violence and environmental degradation caused by the activities of oil companies

“We have also commenced hearing on the environmental pollution and other human rights abuses resulting from operations of multinational oil companies in the south-south states,”he said.
The executive secretary expressed concern that since the beginning of the hearing, the commission had come under a several negative attacks.
“There is no doubt that with these giant strides being taken by this commission, some persons in some quarters may not be happy.
“Since we commenced investigation into issues of hate speeches and electoral violence, we have received negative responses from some quarters,” he said.

Angwe however, promised that the commission would not be distracted by such negative reports and publications, adding that it was determined to execute its constitutional mandate.

He said that the commission was ready to partner with any group that sought to support its work of ensuring that the rights of Nigerians were protected and respected.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the group, Samuel Odaudu, said the group was at the commission to explore ways of partnering with the commission to promote human rights through education and sensitisation.
He said that the group comprised of journalists from different media organisations committed to ensuring the promotion of democracy and human rights in Nigeria.
He expressed concern that there were several issues of human rights violations in the country.
The coordinator said the group sought to partner with the commission to enable NHRC discharge its mandate efficiently and effectively.
Odaudu said the group was promoting conversation among Nigerians, stressing that dialogue was a viable solution to problems than violence. (NAN)