Abacha & Jonathan are Heroes of Human Rights in Nigeria - NHRC | Felix Omoko Blog

Sani Abacha
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has described former military head of state, late General Sanni Abacha and former President of the country, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as great respecters of human rights in Nigeria.

Speaking in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State during courtesy call on Governor. Dave Umahi at Government House, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Bem Angwe said though Nigerians saw Abacha as military dictator, yet he was the one that brought the human rights they are enjoying today.

The National Human Right Commission today started its journey in the year 1995 in a dramatic way. The commission was established by the late General Sanni Abacha, a military leader who Nigerians said was more of a military dictator than a democratic leader.

“Fortunately, he is the one that gave Nigeria the legacy of a National Human Right Commission. In 1993, the nations of the world through the United Nations General Assembly, passed a resolution that enjoined all nations of the world to establish the National Human Right institution with the mandate of promoting, protecting and enforcing human rights.

“So, Nigeria ratified this but this commission was not established until Sarowiwa was executed and it received international condemnation. So, General Abacha established this commission to appease the international community and also demonstrate the willingness of the military leadership in Nigeria to also respect human rights.”

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