In a continuous effort to ensure that the rights and dignity of all are held paramount, the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) of the International Human Rights Commission—IHRC Imo State Chapter paid a courtesy visit to the State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, on Monday, November 18, 2024.
In an opening remark, the IHRC State Coordinator, Mr. Ezeani Chiemezie, extended the commendation of IHRC Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, to the CP, commending him for his unrelenting efforts in combating crimes in Imo State, stressing that the Ambassador at Large Dr. Duru Hezekiah hails from Imo State and he’s well pleased with his antecedents.
Moreover, Chiemeziehe thanked the CP for adopting an open-door policy that made the visit possible despite various attempts in the past and also appreciated the CP for honouring the Commission’s invitation to attend her Human Rights and Peace Summit, represented by ASP Henry Okoye.
He stated that the aim and objectives of the organisation were to ensure that the human rights and dignity of people are upheld without fear of brutality, harassment, and unlawful incarceration and detention.
Availing that the International Human Rights Commission in Imo State is willing to partner and collaborate with the police in ensuring that the rights of residents of Imo State are protected.
He also praised the gallant efforts of the men of the command, who have put their lives and families on line to ensure the safety of the people of Imo State.
Finally, he re-emphasised collaboration and partnership with the security agency in promoting human rights in the state, urging the CP to establish a liaison office within the State Police Command for a prompt and speedy response towards issues surrounding human rights violations in the state.
In response, CP Danjuma appreciated the Commission’s visit and its call to collaborate in ensuring human rights are protected, noting that human rights form the bedrock of sustainable peace.
According to Danjuma, he always advocated for the rights of a suspect to contact his counsel and apply for bail where applicable, maintaining that their rights to medical care and to be taken care of are ensured.
He further expressed displeasure at the report of human rights violations associated with some of his men, noting that various mechanisms, such as the X-Squad, the Public Complaint Unit, and the PPRO office, have been put in place to curtail, cut down, and check the activities of the Police Force in the Imo State Police.
Finally, he thanked the team for coming and directed the Deputy PRO, Ms. Fyebe, to the office of the X-Squad.
Therewith, ACP Barr. Linus Nwigwe, the head of the X-Squad, commended the IHRC’s work, reaffirming the commitments of the Command in ensuring that no one in the state is intimidated, extorted, or unlawfully detained by men of the Police Force.
Other members of IHRC Special Monitoring Mission officials present at the courtesy visit were Comrade Linda Dike and Comrade Immaculate Onwuachukwu.
Recall that the International Human Rights Commission – IHRC is a Transnational Intergovernmental Organization with World Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, headed by Prof. h.c. Rafal Marcin Wasik IHRC Secretary General, Chairperson IHRC GROUP, and in Nigeria by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Ambassador at Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission. Its Special Monitoring Mission in Nigeria is Coordinated by Engr. Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu.
Reported:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria
