From Godwin Tsa Abuja
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the unlawful arrest and detention of Kebbi Journalist, Hassan Mai-Waya, for exposing the deplorable conditions at Kangiwa General Hospital in the state.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), described his detention as a blatant violation of human rights and freedom of expression by the Kebbi State government.
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Ojukwu, however, commended the state government for his release and the payment of N200,000 in compensation to Kangiwa for his unlawful detention.
NHRC’s Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, in a statement, said his eventual release and payment of compensation has set a positive precedent for protecting victims of human rights violations.
Speaking further, Ojukwu said “the constitution provides for apology and payment of compensation. We are still waiting for the public apology by the Kebbi State government to fully comply with the constitutional requirement”.
“We also welcome the suspension of the Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Yunusa Isma’il, over gross negligence and abandonment of duty within his ministry. His jurisdiction has a lot to do with the protection of the rights to life and health which should be taken with all the seriousness it deserves” the Senior Advocates of Nigeria added.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria reiterated the importance of press freedom and the role of journalists in holding public officials accountable.
He used this platform to urge the Kebbi State Government to prioritise citizens’ well-being and ensure healthcare facilities meet basic standards.
He said the Commission will continue to monitor the situation, ensuring that human rights are protected and those responsible for violations are held accountable.
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