By Dennis Okechukwu
President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to screen and confirm 15 nominees for the reconstitution of the board of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s human rights system.
The request was conveyed in a letter read on the Senate floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. According to the letter, the nominations are in line with statutory provisions governing the commission.
Prominent among the nominees is Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor of Vanguard Newspapers. Also nominated is Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman as Chairperson of the board, while Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is proposed to continue as Executive Secretary.
Other nominees include Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Edmund Chinonye, Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, Otunba Francis Meshioye, Patience Patrick, and Hawwa Ibrahim.
President Tinubu stated that the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the NHRC (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate approval. He added that reconstituting the board is necessary to strengthen the commission’s capacity to promote and protect human rights nationwide.
Following the presentation, the Senate referred the nominees to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening, with a report expected within two weeks.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to enhance the commission’s oversight role, particularly amid growing concerns over accountability and human rights protection in Nigeria.