The Global Executive Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, under the leadership of President-General, Senator Azuta Mbata, has approved the constitution of a committee on human rights to address growing concerns over alleged human rights abuses against Ndigbo both within Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
This was made known through a statement made available to newsmen by the national publicity secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Ezechi Chukwu.
According to the statement, the committee was established in response to the myriad of complaints and disturbing reports indicating that many Ndigbo, particularly youths, have become victims of extortion, harassment, intimidation, unlawful arrests, and prolonged detention in various parts of the country.
“In line with its mandate, the committee is expected to identify areas and cases of alleged human rights abuses, unlawful detention, and victimization of Igbos in Nigeria and across the Diaspora.
“Secondly, it is charged to develop a strategic roadmap for engagement and visitation to affected persons in order to ascertain the circumstances and rationale behind such alleged victimization.
“The committee is chaired by Barr Chizoba Iheka, the assistant national legal adviser of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, whose wealth of legal experience and commitment to justice are expected to guide the Committee in carrying out this important national assignment.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide remains deeply committed to the protection of the rights, dignity, and constitutional freedoms of Ndigbo everywhere. The organisation believes that no citizen should be subjected to unlawful treatment, discrimination, or abuse on account of ethnicity, social status, or political perception,” he said.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation therefore called on relevant security agencies, human rights institutions, civil society groups, and well-meaning Nigerians to cooperate with the Committee in the interest of justice, fairness, national unity, and the rule of law.
Ohanaeze further reassured Ndigbo worldwide that it will continue to pursue lawful and constructive measures aimed at safeguarding the welfare, security, and fundamental human rights of its people.
