Prof. Atsenuwa calls for defence of fundamental human rights of citizens

 

IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – Professor Ayodele Atsenuwa  has  said there is an urgent need for Nigeria to shift away from a culture of violence to safeguard the fundamental human rights outlined in the constitution.

Speaking at the 75th International Human Rights Day Celebration hosted by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch, Atsenuwa proposed a departure from merely discussing increased salaries as a solution to human rights abuses by law enforcement.

Rather than solely focusing on monetary incentives, Atsenuwa advocated for robust support for the Nigerian Police Force and the establishment of more effective law enforcement systems. In her keynote address, she scrutinized Chapter 4 of Nigeria’s Constitution, highlighting discrepancies between its provisions and the operational practices of law enforcement agencies within the country.

Atsenuwa criticized the widespread complicity of the Nigerian state and its agents in violating citizens’ fundamental human rights. She underscored that various state agencies, vested with law enforcement powers, often resort to forceful methods, ultimately encroaching upon citizens’ rights to movement, peaceful assembly, and lawful gathering.

The law professor emphasized the need to align Nigerian laws more closely with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) to protect citizens from abuses. She lamented the current treatment of economic, social, and cultural rights in contrast to civil and political rights within Chapter 4 of the 1999 constitution, stating they are viewed more as aspirations rather than enforceable rights.

Additionally, Atsenuwa criticized the perception among law enforcement agencies that they operate separately from the criminal justice system, which she believes impedes their duties. She highlighted a concerning attitude among some police officers who view killing criminals as an effective solution, attributing this perspective to a lack of capacity for efficient law enforcement.

Atsenuwa proposed a shift in the Nigerian criminal justice system towards proactive crime prevention strategies instead of reactive measures. She stressed the necessity to address issues such as unlawful arrest, detention, and forced confessions to prevent further violations of human rights.

During the event, U.C. Tracy Amadigwe-Dike, the Vice Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch and Chair of the Human Rights Committee, deplored the Nigerian government’s role in violating citizens’ rights through its agencies. The Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch, Oluwaseun Olawumi, emphasized the importance of upholding human rights, even if doing so entails a slower and more expensive process.

The celebration included a panel discussion featuring notable figures such as Jiti Ogunye, Adaku Mama, Malachy Ugwummadu, Akeem Bello, Kuti Ezebiro, and Babajide Otitoju, adding depth to the discourse on human rights issues in Nigeria.