the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH)has sought the support of governors under the aegis of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), for the allocation of human rights funds.
Mister Tony Ojukwu, SAINTExecutive Secretary, CNDHThis was announced when he led a delegation of directors of the commission, on a courtesy visit to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokotoon Friday in Abuja.
Ojukwu explained that the visit was to allow the NHRC to have a robust discussion on the issue of getting human rights funds up and running, through the NGF.
“It is in recognition of the importance of the relationship between the states and the commission that the governing council seeks to strengthen this partnership and ensure the sustenance of a successful partnership.
“The commission will appreciate that Your Excellency can use your good office to facilitate matters related to the commission.
“Your Excellency, one of the key provisions of the amended Act aimed at financial autonomy through the establishment of Human Rights Funds under Section 15 of the NHRC (as amended) Act.
“Also, make the commission funds directly charged to the federation’s consolidated revenue funds,” he said.
He explained that by the provisions of article 15, the commission’s governing council intended to achieve them through consultations, awareness and advocacy, among others.
“The funds obtained will be paid into a dedicated account to be used for the purposes prescribed in the Law, and requests from donors on how the donated funds can be used within the law will be accommodated and respected,” he said.
In his response, Tambuwal stated that the forum was an institution that had continued to support the government at the core and would support the promotion and protection of human rights.
The governor said the forum would help advocate for the commission to get funding, not just on paper, but in reality, as set forth in the Act.
“We quite appreciated the commission in a democratic environment when it was established in 1995, to possibly reduce some of the pressure from the international community.
“Well, it was good that they could do it, that is why whether in a military or civilian government, we must at all times do things that survive us and for the common good of our people.
“In 2010, when I presided over the House of Representatives as Speaker, together with the Senate we were able to pass the amendment law that has now provided them with a better legal framework,” said the governor.
According to him, the association with the commission is just beginning and the NGF, which is an institution that supports good governance in Nigeria, will ensure the livelihood.
The Nigerian News Agency reports that the amended Act will address inadequate powers and funding challenges, which have prevented the NHRC from operating effectively since its inception.
News sourceCredit: YAYA
