By Folorunso Alagbede
Country Director of International Human Rights Commission (IHRC-RFT) Nigeria Chapter, Amb. (Capt) Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu (rtd) has emphasized the pertinent need to ensure that the dignity of every individual in the country is preserved.
He specifically pointed out that justice is not a privilege for a few but a right for all.
Adamu, who spoke at the pre-launch of the international solidarity campaign against injustice in Abuja, harped on the need for all to focus on the broader picture of justice and human rights.
The programme was part of the solidarity gathering organized for Comrade Vik-Morrow Okon Ulo, the Director General/Global Chairman, PDP Rescue Mission International and Honourable Speaker, JusticeNOW International, and all those who suffered one form of brutalization or the others during a recent peaceful protest in Abuja.
Reports indicated that Comrade Vik-Morrow Ulo was subjected to brutal treatment in the presence of law enforcement officers.
“This not only violates human decency but also breaches several critical provisions of both national and international human rights laws”, Adamu said.
While categorically advocating a transparent investigation into the events that happened on July 18th this year in Abuja, the Country Director maintained that those responsible for the manhandling of Victor Morrow and others must be held responsible, accountable and ensure that such incidents do not recur.
According to him, “This requires us to be vigilant, proactive, and unwavering in our stand against any form of human rights abuse.
“Our mission is not just to highlight these injustices but to actively work towards creating a society where such violations are not tolerated.
“We must advocate for a transparent investigation into the events of the 18th of July, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure that such incidents do not recur.
“I urge us all to focus on the broader picture of justice and human rights.
“Our goal should be to foster a culture of respect, dignity, and equity, which transcends political affiliations and speaks to the core of our shared humanity.
“Let us be reminded of the words in Article 1 of the UDHR: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
“It is our duty to uphold these principles and to ensure that the rights of every individual are respected and protected.
‘Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) unequivocally states that No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
“Similarly, Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every individual the right to dignity of the human person and explicitly prohibits torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
“These rights are not merely words on paper; they are the foundational principles upon which our society should be built and maintained.
“As we gather here under the theme Injustice to One is Injustice to All: Solidarity with Comrade Vik-Morrow, it is crucial that we reaffirm our collective commitment to human rights.
“We must ensure that the dignity of every individual is preserved and that justice is not a privilege for a few but a right for all.
“This requires us to be vigilant, proactive, and unwavering in our stand against any form of human rights abuse.
“Our mission is not just to highlight these injustices but to actively work towards creating a society where such violations are not tolerated.
“We must advocate for a transparent investigation into the events of the 18th of July, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure that such incidents do not recur”, he said.
Vic-Morrow Ulo, in his speech at the event, stated that the PDP National Leadership in Abuja has failed woefully, pointing out that his organization has passed a vote of no confidence on them.
According to him, the PDP national leadership is now known, “for nepotism, gangsterism, thuggery, greed, pride and lack of respect for the law and the people.”
