NHRC seeks Gombe Govt’s collaboration to strengthen human rights protection
By Elizabeth Ogunjobi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Gombe State Office has called for stronger collaboration with the government to tackle human rights violations in the state.
The State Coordinator of NHRC, Dr Joseph Wanshe, made the call on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Gov. Manassah Jatau.
Wanshe said that such collaboration had become imperative to ensure effective promotion and protection of human rights in the state, stating that rights protection could not succeed in isolation.
He said that while the commission carried out its day-to-day activities as an independent institution, its operations touched directly on the lives, security, and socio-economic wellbeing of the people.
The coordinator said that security and human rights were two sides of the same coin as sustainable peace could not exist without justice, just as human rights could not flourish without security.
He said that recognising the vital link, the commission respectfully sought to deepen its strategic collaboration with the state government.
“We humbly request that NHRC be granted observer or advisory inclusion in State Security Council meetings.
“This will allow us to share field-level human rights monitoring data, provide early warning insights, and support peacebuilding strategies that strengthen public trust between citizens and law enforcement.
“Also, as electoral cycles unfold, we look forward to working closely with the state government and relevant community stakeholders to support a peaceful, inclusive, and rights-respecting environment,” Wanshe said.
The coordinator commended the state government’s efforts at advancing the wellbeing of the people through investments in infrastructure, road network, public facilities and urban renewal.
Responding, Jatau described NHRC as a noble and humanistic organisation whose activities should be highlighted and recognised.
He pledged government’s support at strengthening the protection of citizens’ rights in the state.
According to him, with the increasing cases of human rights violation especially against children and women, it has become necessary to support any efforts at tackling such issues.
“The inhumane nature of people is what we are seeing today whereby children are maltreated, women are victimised and so many other prevalent ills.
“Everyone must help the commission to protect human rights and ensure better welfare for our people,” he said.
The deputy governor called on the media and other stakeholders to support the fight against human rights violations, stressing that the protection of citizens’ rights was everyone’s responsibility.
