Ugochukwu Iwuchukwu
The Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development CEHRD, has called on the federal government to bring to justice all officer accused of human rights violations in the country.
The Head, Human Rights and Governance of Environment, Human Rights and Development CEHRD Dr. David Vareba during a press briefing in Port Harcourt asked the federal government to implement the 2017 Anti-Torture Act.
Dr. David Vareba also called on the federal government to dialogue with the youths with a view to meeting the demands of the genuine protesters.
He also asked President Muhammadu Buhari to take steps to engender holistic reforms of the Nigeria Police Force and bring all perpetrators of police brutality to book.
”CEHRD is calling on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to personally address the Nigerian people to reinforce the commitment of his government to respect the rule of law, citizens’ rights, and good governance. Uphold the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest. Dialogue with the youths with a view to meeting the demands of the genuine protesters.
”Protect citizens/protesters and cease any form of harassment or violation of their rights. Immediately take steps to engender holistic reforms of Nigeria Police Force, and bring all perpetrators of Police brutality to justice, while victims of state brute force are compensated. Reduce the cost of governance and fight corruption in the system to the letter. Ensure the equality of all Nigerians”, he said.
Dr. David Vareba also called on the youths to develop a comprehensive list of demands with specified timelines.
He also called on the youths to roll out coordinated strategies to effectively and peacefully engage the government on their genuine demands.
The Centre of Environment Human Rights and Development CEHRD also commended the Human Rights Commission NHRC for setting up an Independent Investigation Panel on SARS.
Dr. David Vareba also called on the youths to develop a comprehensive list of demands with specified time lines, ensure their protests are entirely peaceful; resist attempts by hoodlums to hijack the peaceful protests.
