Abuja – President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration is committed to restoring normalcy to all regions affected by insurgency.
Buhari made this known at the celebration of International Human Rights Day and commemoration of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)’s 20th Anniversary in Abuja on Thursday.
The President, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Alhaji Abubakar Malami, noted that Nigeria, like several other countries of the world, was afflicted with grave humanitarian crises.
He, however, restated his administration’s determination to tackle the crisis confronting the country.
“This administration has made the restoration of normalcy in the affected regions a cardinal priority because of the belief that no Nigerian must be made to suffer the denial of his fundamental human rights.
“I re-assert my administration’s determination to ensure that all institutions and agencies of government will continue to be guided by human rights norms and values in carrying out their statutory responsibility.
“The respect for human rights is not negotiable; it underlies our status as a democratic country; therefore, we have made tremendous progress in restoring normalcy in the affected regions.”
Buhari gave the assurance that the return of all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their original homes was a matter of priority and would soon be completed.
The President commended the (NHRC) for maintaining its credibility and visibility as a foremost national institution and independent extra-judicial mechanism for the enhancement of human rights by citizens and residents of Nigeria.
Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo, in his presentation at the event, urged governments at all levels to promote and uphold the basic human rights of citizens and residents in their domains.
Oshiomhole, who spoke on “Advancing the Rights to Social Security Protection in Nigeria’’ ,said that such rights included rights to job security, food, potable water, housing, education, and serene environment free of air and noise pollution.
In a message from the UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-Moon to mark the occasion, countries were urged to enshrine the freedom of expression, worship, and freedom from want and fear as guiding principles in their democratic processes.
The UN scribe also advocated for the rights of persons to seek asylum without discrimination in the face of global security challenges.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that international agencies such as the European Union, Embassy of Spain, High Commissions of Canada and Jamaica, were represented at the event. (NAN)
