President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of 15 nominees as Chairman and members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in a move aimed at strengthening the institution’s capacity to promote and protect human rights across Nigeria.
The request, contained in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, seeks legislative approval for the appointment of Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman as Chairman of the Commission, alongside 14 other nominees as members of its governing board.
If confirmed, Suleiman, a seasoned human rights advocate and former Executive Secretary of the NHRC, will lead the Commission.
Among the nominees are media professionals, including Ayo Adewuyi of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and Channels Television anchor Maupe Ogun.
Other nominees listed as members are Roseline Tasha, Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Edmund Chinonye, Chinonye Obiaku SAN, Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, and Otunba Francis Meshioye.
Also nominated is Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) as Executive Secretary, with Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim listed as members.
President Tinubu stated that the request is in line with Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, and urged the Senate to give it expeditious consideration.
The Senate has since referred the request to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative action, with a report expected within two weeks.