President Bola Tinubu has formally written to the Senate, requesting the screening and confirmation of fifteen nominees for appointment to the National Human Rights Commission, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s human rights protection architecture.
Vanguard reported that the letter was read during plenary by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
According to the correspondence, the request is for the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory requirements.
The nominees cut across diverse professional backgrounds, including the media, legal, academic, and security sectors.
Prominent among the list are the President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been nominated as Chairman of the board. Also nominated is Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN), proposed as the Executive Secretary.
Others on the list include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye.
Also included as members are Ms. Patience Patrick and Mrs. Hawwa Ibrahim.
President Tinubu stated that the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board is necessary to strengthen the commission’s institutional capacity and enhance its ability to effectively promote and protect human rights nationwide.
Following the presentation, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening, with a report expected within two weeks.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a key role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, especially amid growing concerns over human rights protection and accountability in the country.
