The Executive Secretary National Human Rights Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN has called on the presidential candidates of the 18 political parties contesting the 2023 Presidential elections in Nigeria to focus on issue-based campaigns devoid of hate speech while selling their ideas and manifestos to the electorates.
Ojukwu stated this in his address in Abuja, during the town hall on human rights for Presidential candidates which is one of the programmes slated for the celebration of Human Rights Day 2022 by the National Human Rights commission in collaboration with United Nations system and other parties.
While setting the ground rules for town hall meeting, Ojukwu enjoined the presidential candidates of the various political parties to eschew name calling, rebuttals and hate speech.
Seven presidential candidates were in attendance.
Some the presidential candidates reiterated their commitment to the total promotion, and protection of Human Rights if elected in the 2023 elections.
The candidates observed that no society will grow if the rights of citizens were not respected, and protected.
Speaking at the occasion the candidate of Action Alliance Major Hamza Almustapha rtd. noted that he has been a victim of torture, maintained that if elected he will reform the Nigerian police and the Judicial system to enhance Human Rights promotion, and protection.
Also speaking the presidential candidate of African Action Congress, Mr. Omoyele Sowore said ineffective government policy, and social rights were the reasons for the nation’s setback, he said there must be rights to dignity of Human persons, Omoyele said his party will ensure that laws are enforceable and the party’s interest in economic social and cultural rights will be evident.
For the presidential candidate of Action Democratic party Alhaji Sani Yabagi, there will be strict adherence to rule of law and separation of power will not be compromised when elected into power he said.
Other candidates that attended the program include Mr. Adewole Adebayo of the social Democratic party, Professor Christopher Imumolen of Accord Party, Chief Peter Imeadi of All Progressive Grand Alliance, and the representative of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party.
