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  • CACOL, CDHR Strengthen Advocacy for Transparency and Good Governance in Nigeria

    CACOL, CDHR Strengthen Advocacy for Transparency and Good Governance in Nigeria

    By Jabiru Hassan

    The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria, describing their partnership as central to sustained civic advocacy across all tiers of government.The twin civil society organisations, operating as non-governmental organisations (NGOs), have continued to engage public institutions through policy memoranda, public statements, and advocacy campaigns aimed at strengthening democratic governance. Under the leadership of veteran activist Mr. Debo Adeniran, both groups say they remain resolute in pushing reforms that align with national development and citizens’ welfare.

    As 2025 draws to a close, CACOL and CDHR have highlighted a series of interventions and engagements undertaken during the year to reinforce transparency in governance and promote respect for human rights. In January 2025, both organisations jointly organised a public forum on the “State of the Nation,” where participants reviewed achievements of the current administration in infrastructure development, economic diversification, and security improvements. The forum also examined persistent challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, healthcare delivery, education gaps, environmental degradation, corruption, rising tariffs, media freedom, and proposed tax reforms.The event further addressed issues in the political and aviation sectors, culminating in policy recommendations and calls for action directed at relevant authorities. According to the organisers, the approach reflected their preference for constructive engagement through peaceful and institutional channels.

    In February, CDHR publicly opposed the alleged tenure elongation of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, calling for strict adherence to constitutional provisions and due process. The organisation described its stance as part of its broader advocacy for rule of law and institutional integrity.

    Other notable actions by CACOL and CDHR during the year included criticism of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its invitation of former Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel, condemnation of the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and commendation of the federal government’s “Nigeria First” economic directive, which the groups described as a step toward strengthening domestic economic policies.The organisations also backed calls for a federal probe into the alleged $300 million Ogoni fund disbursement, wrote to the Speaker of the House of Representatives over the proposed bill on compulsory voting, and commended the federal government’s initiative on free education for technical colleges.

    In June 2025, CACOL praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for honouring June 12 democracy heroes and welcomed discussions around the state pardon granted to the Ogoni Nine. The group also drew attention to concerns over anti-corruption compliance by several ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), while condemning the arrest and alleged mistreatment of activist Omoyele Sowore.

    CDHR, on its part, consistently raised alarms over rising insecurity nationwide, releasing figures on casualties and issuing statements on corruption as a major impediment to Nigeria’s progress. The organisation also criticised controversies surrounding the academic credentials of Minister Uche Nnaji, calling for accountability.Both organisations participated in activities marking Human Rights Day, emphasising the theme of reclaiming shared human dignity and reiterating that human rights protections remain essential to everyday life. They said growing public engagement reflects increased confidence in CACOL and CDHR as watchdogs for transparency and good governance in Nigeria.

  • International Human Rights Day 2025: Renewing the Call to Protect Human Dignity

    International Human Rights Day 2025: Renewing the Call to Protect Human Dignity

    By Debo Adeniran

    On this year’s International Human Rights Day, the global community reflects on the urgent need to reclaim and uphold the dignity that binds humanity together. The 2025 theme, “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” reinforces the idea that human rights begin with the daily choices of individuals and communities, all contributing to a more humane and peaceful world.The theme is not merely symbolic. It echoes the revolutionary spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted more than 75 years ago. Today, the Declaration’s principles remain a living blueprint for justice, equality, freedom, and dignity—values that continue to guide societies through emerging challenges.

    The relevance of the UDHR is stronger than ever. It offers direction as nations confront complex issues such as digital surveillance, widening economic inequality, climate-related injustices, and persistent conflicts. At its core, the UDHR insists that human rights are not privileges but inherent entitlements that belong to every individual—regardless of ethnicity, gender, belief, socio-economic status, or political affiliation. From the market vendor and the student to the journalist, farmer, civil servant, and dissident, every person stands equal in dignity and rights. This year’s theme also underscores a vital truth: a society that protects its most vulnerable populations builds the strongest foundation for peace and progress. When justice is upheld for one individual, the rule of law is strengthened for all. When one voice is allowed to speak freely, national dialogue is enriched. And when dignity is defended, the collective humanity of a nation is elevated.

    Yet, it is clear that governments must do more. The primary responsibility to promote, protect, and fulfil human rights rests with the state. Across all levels and branches of government, rhetoric must give way to meaningful reforms. This includes strengthening independent institutions, ensuring accountability for security agencies, enacting laws that safeguard liberties, and guaranteeing access to justice for all victims of rights violations.A government’s legitimacy is tied to its ability and willingness to protect its citizens. When the state repeatedly fails in this duty, or when violations occur with impunity, the social contract is broken. The people cannot be expected to offer unconditional trust, loyalty, or cooperation when their fundamental rights are not secured.

    On this International Human Rights Day, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) issues a unified call to action:

    • – To the People: Know your rights. Uphold your dignity. Stand in solidarity with one another.
    • – To Civil Society: Continue to document violations, advocate for justice, and hold power to account.
    • – To the Government: Demonstrate commitment through decisive action. Investigate abuses, prosecute offenders, and prioritize citizens’ safety and welfare.

    Furthermore, Chapters 2 and 4 of the Nigerian Constitution, which provide for fundamental rights, must be made justiciable, particularly those relating to social and economic rights. No society loses by constitutionally protecting the right to education, healthcare, food, shelter, and employment. Instead, it gains a stronger, more equitable foundation for development.The promise of the UDHR is the promise of a world where fear gives way to freedom and oppression yields to justice. Together, we can choose that world. The time to act is now.

    Debo Adeniran is the President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR).

  • CDHR Condemns Police Clampdown, Demands Unconditional Release of Nnamdi Kanu Protesters

    CDHR Condemns Police Clampdown, Demands Unconditional Release of Nnamdi Kanu Protesters

    By Jabiru Hassan

    The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has condemned the disruption of a peaceful protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore in Abuja, describing the police response as an abuse of power and a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday, the rights group said the protest, which was organized to demand the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, was a constitutionally guaranteed peaceful assembly. The group criticized the use of tear gas and force by officers of the Nigerian Police, calling it “unnecessary, excessive, and utterly condemnable.”

    “The protest was peaceful, and the deployment of tear gas and force against unarmed civilians represents a gross violation of their fundamental rights,” CDHR said. “Freedom of assembly and expression are inalienable human rights enshrined in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory.”

    The organization maintained that the government cannot criminalize citizens for peacefully expressing dissent or dissatisfaction with government policies, actions, or inactions.

    “It is oppressive and undemocratic to subject individuals to inhumane treatment for exercising their right to peaceful assembly,” the statement added. “Such actions constitute a direct assault on the sensibilities of Nigerians and undermine the very foundation of democracy.”

    CDHR further stated that the use of state security agencies to suppress legitimate grievances only deepens public resentment and could lead to greater unrest in the future.

    “We are particularly alarmed by the arrest of several protesters in Abuja. We demand the **immediate and unconditional release** of all individuals detained for participating in the peaceful protest,” the group declared.

    Describing the arrests as “a blatant attempt to criminalize dissent,” the human rights body warned that continued efforts by the government to silence opposition voices could have grave consequences for Nigeria’s peace and stability.

    “The government’s attempt to suppress dissent will only breed anger and frustration among citizens, potentially leading to widespread instability,” the group cautioned.

    The CDHR reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation to ensure that victims of rights violations receive justice.

    “We will continue to hold authorities accountable and ensure that those whose rights have been trampled upon in this and other protests get the justice they deserve,” the statement concluded.