The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has urged Nigerians irrespective of their status to do whatever they could to preserve the democratic governance in the country.
Ojukwu who spoke on Monday at the briefing to formally herald the forthcoming annual June 12 memorial lecture in honour of the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu who conducted the June 12, 1993 election, widely acknowledged as the most free and fair election in the country.
He said the event which will take place at on June 9 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre is in furtherance of the mandate of the Commission to always support democratic governance, strengthen and promote accountability and constitutionalism.
The Executive Secretary added that the theme of the memorial lecture: “Electoral Integrity and the Future of Credible Elections in Nigeria”, is apt because of the fact that the country is gradually going into another round of elections at all levels.
“Against this national background, the theme of this lecture is both timely and forward-looking. It provides an important platform for election managers, political actors, civil society organizations, security agencies, the media, academia, development partners and Nigerian voters to collectively reflect on the future of credible elections, democratic accountability, peaceful participation and public trust in democratic institutions”.
Ojukwu who cautioned politicians to always play within the rules of engagement advised all and sundry to always work towards the defence of democracy by making the process rancour free.
“The National Human Rights Commission believes that democracy can only thrive where citizens’ rights to participate and assembly are respected, institutions are strengthened, justice prevails, and electoral processes remain transparent, inclusive, and credible. Electoral integrity is therefore not only a political issue but also a fundamental human rights concern”.
On the sustainability of the Prof. Humphrey Nwosu foundation, the NHRC boss said; “Late Prof. Nwosu occupies a unique and respected place in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. As Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC) between 1989 and 1993, he supervised the conduct of the June 12 presidential election, widely adjudged as the freest and fairest election in Nigerian history. His courage, professionalism, patriotism and commitment to electoral transparency remain enduring lessons for democratic institutions, election administrators, public officials, and citizens alike”.
He said the event will also in recognition of the exemplary patriotism and democratic courage, feature the presentation of the Election Integrity and Democracy Award to a deserving Nigerian Professor Nnenna Oti, the serving Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Science and Technology (FUTO) Owerri, who demonstrated exceptional courage, transparency, professionalism and commitment to democratic values in service to the nation, when she served as Returning Officer under INEC in Abia state.
