By King Richard
The National Human Rights Commission has called on Nigerians to increase their tempo for more tolerance and national cohesion.
The executive secretary of the commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, who spoke at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday to mark the 2022 International Day of Tolerance said, ” stakeholders and the citizens must make a bold statement to encourage tolerance and create awareness for the Intersection, Social Cohesion, Interpersonal and Cultural Dialogue, Justice and Human Right Protection in Nigeria”.
The International Tolerance Day, which was marked with a Media round table and Dialogue by the National Human Rights Commission in collaboration with International Federation of Ageing – Nigeria ( IFAN), has as its 2022 theme, “History, Significance and Quotes”
Chief Ojukwu in his welcome remarks stressed that the call for tolerance is apt due to the nations preparation for the 2023 general election and campaigns in which some may give out misinformations or actions that engender conflicts. He therefore, called on those with power not to misuse it for selfish interest adding that all actions should place national interest above sectional interest.
“The timing is apt considering that Nigeria is gearing up for the 2023 general election and campaigns and discussions maybe laced with misinformation and hate speeches that could lead to an electoral process characterized by crises that occur before, during and after the conclusion of voting”.
“Nigeria is faced with the challenge of communal religious conflicts as well as election related violence that affects most parts of the country.
“Presently, there are growing concerns about attacks on critical government infrastructures, including offices of INEC, which destroys voters card and important records.
The alleged attack of some political parties and other non-state actors and cessationist groups that causes fear, culminating in the refusal to use halls, schools, stadiums by the party in power against the opposition political parties all these amount to Hunan Rights violation and acts of intolerance. No doubt these acts of intolerance across the country requires urgent solutions to pave way for actions that supports reconciliation, peace, security and sustainable development.
These are intrinsically interrelated to critically strengthen democracy, national security and development.
“It is worthy of Note that the national development plan 2021- 2025 reiterates the importance of peace and security as the enablers of socio-economic growth and development”, he said.
In his keynote address, the National coordinator of IFAN, Ike Wilie-Nwobu, said true tolerance requires the free flow of ideas, quality education for all, respects for Human Rights and the sharing of culture for mutual understanding.
He added that in order to move the advocacy of tolerance foward they will partner with the NHRC to explore research programs and studies on the effects and impacts of intolerance on diverse stakeholders and issues ranging from communication, Niger Delta, Culture, Women Finance, Investment Tourism and others.
