The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi has lamented the level of human rights abuse ongoing in Nigeria.
He stated that Nigeria has been marked as a nation that denies it’s citizens right to freedom of speech and among West Africa’s most dangerous and difficult countries for journalist.
Obi made this statement in a post shared on his X handle to mark the Human Rights Day celebrated every December 10.
He stressed that on this day, Nigeria needs to judge herself how she has progressed or retrogressed in respecting the human rights of her citizens.
According to him, millions of Nigerians lack the willpower to stand up against the abuse of their rights nor the voice to speak out and seek help.
His post reads partly,”Yesterday, Monday, I joined the global community to commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day, and today, Tuesday, I am again adding my voice to that of the global community as we mark Human Rights Day.
“It is said that Human rights are the foundation for peaceful, just, and inclusive societies. On a day like this, therefore, we ought to judge for ourselves how we have progressed or retrogressed in respecting the human rights of our citizens.
“As much as I would like to sing the praises of our nation, however, the obvious realities witnessed daily by Nigerians are saddening.
READ MORE:Do Not Increase Your Rents—Sanwo-Olu Urges Lagos Landlords
“The gross disrespect for the human rights of the citizens, abuse of power and public offices, extrajudicial arrests and punishments for perceived wrongs, and so many other manifestations of human rights abuse stare us in the face and are very worrisome.
“The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently reported that it receives more than two million complaints annually regarding human rights abuses across Nigeria. It is worth noting that millions of others have neither the willpower to stand up against the abuse of their rights nor the voice to speak out and seek help.
“Our nation has sadly remained notorious for human rights abuse. We have been ranked 21st among the countries with the worst record for human rights and rule of law violations in the world in 2022. We are also ranked the 15th weakest state out of 177 countries measured on the Fragile State Index for 2023.
“Aside from continually denying the citizens their right to freedom of speech, we are now among West Africa’s most dangerous and difficult countries for journalists. We must, therefore, discontinue this dangerous path of ruin, which continues to hamper our development.
“By the commemoration of today’s event, I hope we, the leaders, will begin to champion the respect of the rights of our people.
“I also hope that we, the people, begin to tear down the walls of tribe and religion and begin to appreciate and respect one another as humans. A New Nigeria remains POssible,” he added.
Follow Parallel Facts on WhatsApp Channel:https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
