The Senate has moved closer to reconstituting the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) governing board after a committee cleared 16 nominees, including Nigerian Guild of Editors President Eze Anaba, for appointment.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters screened the nominees following President Bola Tinubu’s request for confirmation of the appointments.
The committee, chaired by Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, has submitted its report to the Senate for consideration. The nominees must still receive approval at plenary before their appointments become final.
Anaba, who also edits Vanguard Newspapers, said the proposed role would allow him to continue his long-standing work in human rights advocacy.
Anaba Says NHRC Role Builds on Journalism Career
Speaking after the screening, Anaba said the protection of fundamental rights had remained an important part of his journalism career.
“I’ve done this human rights thing all my life. It has gone hand in hand with my journalism job. So it’s going to be a continuation of what I’ve been doing,” he said.
He welcomed the committee’s decision but cautioned that the screening clearance did not amount to final Senate confirmation.
Anaba said he was pleased with the committee’s approval and expressed confidence that the nominees’ different professional backgrounds would strengthen the commission’s work.
He also disclosed that he had been involved in the NHRC’s activities before his nomination to the governing board.
He expressed optimism that the proposed board members would help improve the commission’s capacity to promote and protect human rights across Nigeria.
Senate to Decide on NHRC Nominees
Adegbonmire confirmed that the committee had completed the screening and would submit its recommendations for consideration by the full Senate.
He explained that lawmakers would take a decision during plenary and communicate the outcome to the President through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The committee chairman also explained the structure of the NHRC governing board, which has 16 members.
According to him, the board includes representatives of the Federal Ministries of Justice, Interior and Foreign Affairs. The law specifies the offices those representatives occupy rather than naming particular individuals, so the committee did not screen them individually.
The committee also screened the commission’s serving Executive Secretary, Anthony Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Senators Urge Nominees to Uphold Integrity
During the exercise, senators urged the nominees to demonstrate integrity, patriotism and a strong commitment to Nigeria’s interests.
Senator Peter Jiya, who represents Niger South, advised them to place national interest above personal convictions when carrying out their public duties.
Jiya said the commission could make meaningful contributions to human rights protection if its governing board upheld integrity and public service.
He congratulated the nominees and expressed confidence that their professional experience would contribute positively to the institution.
Tinubu Requested Confirmation in April
President Tinubu requested Senate confirmation of the nominees in April as part of plans to reconstitute the NHRC governing board.
The request falls under Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which requires Senate confirmation before the board can formally assume office.
The nominees come from several professional fields, including journalism, law, public administration, academia and security services.
They include Eze Anaba, Maupe Ogun-Yusuf of Channels Television, Ayo Adewuyi of the Nigerian Television Authority, Chinonye Obiaku, Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku and retired Assistant Controller-General of Corrections Felix Lawrence.
Others are Edmund Chinonye, Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Otunba Francis Meshioye, Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim.
Dr Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman was nominated as chairperson-designate, while Ojukwu was retained as Executive Secretary.
NHRC Board Awaits Final Senate Decision
The NHRC is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights, investigating alleged violations and encouraging compliance with national and international human rights standards.
The proposed board reconstitution comes amid continuing concerns about accountability and the protection of fundamental freedoms in Nigeria.
Although the committee has cleared the nominees, the Senate must still consider its report and decide whether to confirm their appointments.
Until that decision, the nominees remain awaiting final approval to take up their proposed positions.