The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned
the reported statement credited to Arewa Youth that all Igbo people residing in
the Northern part of the country should vacate before October 1.
The Commission described the quit notice as not only
provocative and a serious threat to national peace and security, “but a clear
violation of the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians to reside, acquire
and own immovable properties in any part of the country as guaranteed under
Section 43 of the Nigerian Constitution.
The Acting Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mrs. Oti Ovrawah
who stated this in Abuja while reacting to the statement issued by Arewa youth
observed that the outburst amounts to hate speech and inciting comments with
potential to ignite ethnic and religious violence which constitute a serious
affront on human rights.
A statement by the Principal Public Affairs Officer of the
Commission, Mebrim Uchechukwu said The Acting Executive Secretary called on
security agencies as well as the federal and state governments to be more
vigilant and ensure that these allegations are properly investigated to punish
those responsible to protect lives and properties of all the citizens.
“Similarly, she used the opportunity to urge socio-political
groups in the country to preach the message of peace, tolerance and human
rights and avoid making provocative statements that lead to violence.
Restating the commitment of the Commission to address hate
speech, election related violence and extra-judicial killings in the country,
she urged Nigerians to report any form of human rights violation to the
Commission; and never to resort to self help.
By Godwin Tsa
