Human Rights Lecture: HURIWA drops Soludo as lead speaker

Civil Rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), on Sunday dropped the Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo as the lead speaker for its July 25, yearly national human rights lecture.

After dropping Soludo, the group, however, picked the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the Gregory University, Professor Uwaoma Uche, as the lead speaker to speak on the theme: “Any nexus between political leadership and human rights?”

National coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, didn’t provide reasons for dropping Soludo as the lead speaker.

The Guardian gathered that other prominent Nigerians expected at the event include the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General YD Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba-Marwa among others.

Besides, the lead speaker, Professor Uche, has through the office of the National Coordinator of the HURIWA, issued an abstract of the lead paper.

Meanwhile, the university don has tasked political leaders to ensure that the human rights of the citizens of Nigeria are strictly enforced.

He advocated the mainstreaming of human rights principles in the policy formulation by political leaders and by the legislators in the making of legislative frameworks.

The university teacher deplores the unprecedented rate of poverty and deprivation in Nigeria and has asked politicians to enforce the human rights provisions of chapter 4 of the Nigerian Constitution.

Professor Uche said: “Political leaders play a significant role in upholding and promoting human rights through the policies they implement, the laws they enact, and the decisions they make. By respecting and protecting human rights, political leaders demonstrate their commitment to the well-being and dignity of all individuals within their jurisdiction.

“Effective political leadership involves ensuring that human rights are not only recognized on paper but also upheld in practice. This includes, promoting equality, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, the right to a fair trial, and other fundamental rights and freedoms.
Political leaders should work towards creating a legal framework that protects human rights, as well as mechanisms for their enforcement and accountability.

“Moreover, political leaders have a responsibility to address human rights violations, whether committed by state actors or non-state actors. They must ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and that victims have access to justice and remedies.

“By promoting a culture of respect for human rights within their societies, political leaders can contribute to building a more just, inclusive, and peaceful world.

“In summary, the nexus between human rights and political leadership is essential for fostering a society where the rights and dignity of all individuals are respected and protected. Strong leadership that prioritises human rights can lead to positive social change, greater equality, and improved well-being for all members of society.”