2023 elections: Our report based on human rights depression -NHRC

By Albert Akota

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on Nigerians to remain peaceful, calm ahead of its final report which is based on human rights depression during 2023 general elections.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Tony Ojukwu (SAN) who disclosed this yesterday at the monthly review of the MOVE Project of NHRC in Abuja praised media houses, partners and sponsors for their continued support to the Commission.
He decried the violence and hate speeches which took political land scale especially during gubernatorial elections and State House of Assembly.
Ojukwu condemned government sanctioned on media organizations over complaints made by political parties within short period.
Speaking earlier, the commission Project Coordinator, Hilary Ogbonna who presented the commission’s findings said, it was wrong, the speed in which sanctions were imposed on some television stations just five days after complaints were made through a petition, adding that such quick action was capable of sending wrong signal to the public and international community that thorough investigation was not carried out.
According to him, the NHRC is not questioning the right of sister government agencies to carry out their statutory responsibilities but said caution should be exercised when petitions written by politically exposed persons are involved.
He said as the National Human Rights Commission in Nigeria, it is expedient to advise sister government agencies to promote human rights in the country rather than impede rights of citizens.
Ogbonnaya advised that due to the crucial roles media play in the society, sanction should be the last resort when it concerns the sector.
The commission noted that 88 lives were loss during the presidential and National Assembly, as well as the governorship and state assembly elections.