By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Human rights activist in Niger state, Alhaji Awaisu Mohammed Giwa Kuta, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to set up monitoring units or commiittees across police formations to ensure that the rights of ordinary citizens are no longer trampled upon.
Awaisu who is a member of the Board of Trustees, International Human Rights body (IHR), spoke to journalists in Minna, insisting that it is important for stronger steps to be taken by establishing monitoring committees to see that officers and men of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) consciously or unconsciously infringe on the rights of Nigerians on the course of discharging their duties.
Awaisu Kuta who is also a Peace Ambassador spoke to journalists in his office in Minna on how ordinary citizens experience human rights violations in their daily lives, adding that the police must rise up to address all forms of infringements on people’s rights.
Citizens of this country, the poor masses in particular have continued to hope for NPF that is fair, disciplined and also have respect for human dignity, but these expectations by millions of Nigerians, he said are far from being met.
Though the current IGP has shown clear commitments to improving discipline and restoring order within the police force, very encouraging, he said, adding that such efforts by the police leadership suggests progress in building a more professional law enforcement institution in line with global standards.
Awaisu however stressed the need for more to be done to ensure that every officer acts within the ambit of the law, including respect for the rights of ordinary citizens.
The Rights activist further encouraged the IGP to ensure that human rights protection becomes core part of police day-to-day operations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, this according to him is to ensure that no Nigerian is treated unfairly or denied justice as at and when due.
While also pleading for attitudinal change among Nigerians by being law abiding at all times, Awaisu encouraged them to speak up and report cases of human rights violation to the appropriate commission offices.
Human Rights Commission office is working closely with security agencies to address complaints and as well ensure that justice is served to victims of rights abuses.
Expressing regrets that Nigerian masses are still hysterical about the slogan, 'The Police is Your Friend, adding that in building trust between the police and the citizenry, the police must live above boards without which it will be difficult to achieve safer and more peaceful Nigeria. NNL.
