By Angela Atabo
The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has called upon the Federal Government to institute comprehensive reforms aimed at aligning security agencies with both international and national standards for the protection of human rights.
This appeal was made by Clement Nwankwo, the Executive Director of PLAC, during the unveiling of the organisation’s 2023 Nigeria Annual Human Rights Report.
Nwankwo emphasised the critical need for reform, citing alarming findings from PLAC’s 2023 Human Rights Report, supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).
The report revealed persistent issues, including violations of rights, denial of civil liberties, abuse of citizens by police and security agencies, and a concerning erosion of civic space.
The Executive Director highlighted the report’s identification of deepening economic and social deprivations, receding judicial independence, denial of fair hearing in the courts, and serious abuse of the electoral process as additional areas of concern.
He stressed that urgent action is required to address these challenges and preserve the nation’s democracy.
Nwankwo asserted that the government must eliminate practices infringing on personal freedoms, particularly addressing the longstanding challenge of police abuse of human rights.
He called for special reforms to enhance the capabilities of security forces in fulfilling their duty to secure citizens and the nation.
Furthermore, the report urged accountability for security officials involved in human rights abuses, emphasising the importance of government institutions adhering to established laws safeguarding human rights and civic space.
Nwankwo also called for a review of laws, including the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), that impose undue burdens on non-governmental organizations.
The report underscored the need to reinstate citizens’ trust in the judiciary and hold judicial officers accountable for any abuse of office.
Nwankwo emphasised urgent reforms for Nigeria’s electoral process and institutions responsible for elections management, highlighting the necessity of an independent and non-partisan nomination and appointment process for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Concluding his address, Nwankwo pointed out the worsening economic and social conditions in Nigeria, urging the government to carefully manage reform measures.
While acknowledging the economic benefits of removing fuel subsidies and currency flotation, he stressed the importance of measures to counter rising unemployment, failing businesses, inflation, and worsening living conditions for citizens to enjoy the dividends of democracy. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Idris Abdulrahman
