The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Tony Ojukwu Esq has urged all stakeholders in 2019 general elections to adhere with the rules guiding the conducts of the election.
The NHRC boss, advise security agencies, electorates, media organisations, religious leaders, civil society organisations, etc. desist from any act that may adversely affect the conduct of the election and as well comply with the human rights standards in the course of performing their duty, adding that, instigators or perpetrators of electoral violence when found, would be apprehended and punished.
He made this statement at a press briefing with journalists and stakeholders recently in Abuja.
He said: “The Commission affirms the citizens’ right to freedom of expression and the media as a fundamental right guaranteed in regional, international and domestic Human Rights Instruments as supported by Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
“However, the Commission notes that the run up to the 2019 general election scheduled to hold on February 16th and March 2nd 2019, respectively, is characterised by high incidence of hate speech, fake news, and electoral violence. The menace of hate speech, fake news, and election violence constitute a threat to free, fair, credible and transparent elections in Nigeria and violates citizens right to vote and participate in governance and public affairs.”
