President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate, seeking the screening and confirmation of 15 nominees for appointment into the board of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The request, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s human rights protection framework, was read on the floor of the Senate by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
In the letter, the President said the nominations were made in line with Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
Among the nominees are President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, Eze Anaba, as well as Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is nominated to serve 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 as members.
President Tinubu stated that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate of promoting and protecting human rights nationwide.
Following the presentation, the Senate referred the nominees to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and a report within two weeks.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a key role in strengthening the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly amid growing concerns over human rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.