By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Av renowned human rights advocate, Ambassador, Dr. Malami Shehu Ma’aji (MFR), has been designated as the Chairman-Advisory Board, International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), in Nigeria and also function as Special Intergovernmental Advisor on Africa.

The IHRC is a transnational Intergovernmental organization with headquarters in Switzerland, according to statement made available to newsmen on Monday.

The minister of Humanitarian Affairs in Nigeria, Hon. Nentawe G.Yilwatda, presented the certificates to Dr. Malami in a well-attended ceremony at a symposium on human rights.

Accordingly, the presentation ceremony was performed during the inauguration of new officials of the human rights body with the theme ‘’ Unity in Diversity: Embracing Freedom, Equity and Dignity for All”, held at the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja.

In his maiden speech at the occasion Dr. Malami expressed his appreciation for the honour and privileged to be appointed as Chairman Board of Trustees (BOT) and Advisor of the IHRC, Africa, by the same organization.

‘’My thanks and gratitude also goes to the Office of the Head of Diplomatic Mission Nigeria for organizing this event, and everyone that contributed in one way or the other for its success.

“Today we gather to celebrate the World’s Human Rights Day. This day is unique, significant and invites all to reflect with soberness whether we have in our collective and individual positions respected the rights of fellow human beings.

“Human Rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to it regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, gender, language, religion, or any other status. These rights are universal$, he said.

He further outlined that the initiative of human rights culminates in equality of dignity at creation, safe social, economic and political privileges that are enunciated through systemic rules and laws.

According to him, it is worrisome that after decades of independence Nigeria is still under the radar of international organizations because of alleged human rights violations with special reference to the abuse of minors, women and the vulnerable persons which seems not to abate across the country with identified state actors as the focus of indictment.

According to him: ‘’i call on the government at all levels to consider assessing this situation and take bold steps to redress these infractions. The situation demands effective advocacy, which itself is a right under the need to access information for national mobilization.
.”Rights must not only be crafted for us, they should be everybody’s advocacy.

Any act of refusal or failure that denies citizens the privileges of access to their constitutionally approved obligations, is a violation of rights, which bestows a negative image on the institutions of responsibilities and the governance system.”.

He finally specified that the IHRC is not averse to states, but rather it stands as a watchdog to collaborate with states to make governance better and citizens happier. End