News Investigators/ The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concern over the proposal by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) for the death penalty for those involved in the sale of counterfeit drugs.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, while presenting the commission’s dashboard report on Wednesday, said the death penalty proposal by NAFDAC continues to raise concerns regarding the balance between punishment and human rights.
The month of February, Mr Ojukwu noted also witnessed the enactment of several laws with significant human rights violations.
“We also have the Edo Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025, the Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025, and the Edo Kidnapping Prohibition Law 2025.
” These laws promote severe penalties, including the death penalty, for individuals involved in cultism, kidnapping, particularly those linked to ritualistic activities.
” While we understand the sentiments and the need for strong measures against such heinous acts, it is crucial to ensure that the rights of the accused are upheld, and that justice is administered in a
manner consistent with international human rights standards,” he said.
Mr Ojukwu said the commission,received a total of 205,364 complaints, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced in securing human rights for all Nigerians.
He noted that violations involving state
actors continue to top the list, which remains a grave concern.
” Inspite of our collective efforts, there are still instances where those entrusted with enforcing the law end up being perpetrators of violations themselves.
” This reality calls for a renewed emphasis on accountability, particularly within law enforcement agencies.
” The use of power must always align with human rights standards, and any abuses must be swiftly addressed” he said.
In addition to this, he observed a troubling trends in the violations of economic, social, and cultural rights.
These rights, according to Ojukwu are fundamental to human dignity, continue to be overlooked in several parts of the country.
He added access to basic necessities such as food, housing, healthcare, and education remains a challenge for far too many.
He called for urgent steps to address
these disparities and work toward policies that ensure equitable access for all Nigerians.
He lamented many tragedies that took place in February in many communities
This month, we also report on a number of tragic events that have deeply affected communities in some states across Nigeria.
” The situation in these states calls for a swift and coordinated response from both state and federal authorities to bring an end to the cycle of violence.
“Furthermore, the discovery of three young children who tragically lost their lives in a freezer in Anambra State has shocked the nation.”
This according to him underscores the importance of child protection, and we urge relevant authorities to intensify efforts to prevent such atrocities from recurring.
He said it is imperative for states and federal law enforcement agencies to respond decisively to dismantle criminal organisations and restore peace to affected communities.
The disturbing trend of child abandonment, he said, remained largely unaddressed with an
upsurge in reported cases to our offices.
He stated NHRC has approved a Child Safeguarding Policy to take care of children.
Mr Hiliary Ogbonna, a senior human rights adviser in the commission, presented the graphic report of the dashboard.
NAN