Former presidential candidate and ex-governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has made a passionate appeal to leaders to prioritize respect for the rule of law and human rights in Nigeria. Obi emphasized that the rule of law and the protection of human rights are the most valuable intangible assets any nation can possess, fostering peace and attracting foreign investors and international organizations.
During his address, Obi highlighted alarming statistics from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which revealed that over two million complaints of human rights abuses are filed annually across Nigeria. He expressed concern for the millions of Nigerians who lack the means or courage to speak out against the violation of their rights.
“Our nation has gained a regrettable reputation for human rights abuses,” Obi lamented. He pointed out that Nigeria ranked 21st globally for human rights and rule of law violations in 2022 and was identified as the 15th weakest state out of 177 countries in the 2023 Fragile States Index. Additionally, Obi noted that Nigeria is now one of West Africa’s most perilous environments for journalists, highlighting the urgent need for change.
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Calling for an end to these trends, Obi warned that the continued disregard for human rights hampers the nation’s development and undermines its democratic principles. He urged leaders to champion the respect and protection of citizens’ rights, stating that this is a vital step toward building a stronger, more equitable nation.
Obi also condemned the recent detention of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi over alleged defamation, describing it as a misuse of police powers and a grave assault on democracy and justice in Nigeria. “This action represents an attempt to silence opposing voices and stifle accountability in governance,” Obi stated.
During a meeting with Nigerian legal luminary Afe Babalola, SAN, in Ado-Ekiti, Obi urged the senior advocate to intervene in Farotimi’s case, calling for a swift resolution to what he described as a blatant abuse of power.
Peter Obi’s impassioned plea serves as a call to action for Nigerian leaders to address the country’s deteriorating human rights record and ensure that democracy, justice, and the rule of law are upheld for all citizens.
