National Council Member of SECI and IHRC Ambassador in India

New Delhi, India – September 2025

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) proudly announces a milestone achievement: Dr. Adv. Arif Nasir Butt, IHRC Ambassador in India, National President of IHRC (India), and Head of the IHRC Diplomatic Mission in India, has been nominated as National Council Member (NCM) of the Council for Promotion of Social Justice and Empowerment of India (SECI) – a prestigious body working under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

Dual Leadership – National and International Impact

Dr. Butt’s appointment to SECI represents not only a personal honour but also a reinforcement of IHRC’s global mission in India. His leadership now bridges two powerful platforms:

• IHRC, advancing human rights, diplomacy, and international cooperation.
• SECI, shaping national policies for social justice, equality, and empowerment.

Through this unique position, Dr. Butt is strategically placed to drive collaboration between India’s social development initiatives and IHRC’s global humanitarian mission.

Commitment to Justice and Equality

The nomination to SECI honours his lifelong dedication to:

• protecting the rights of marginalized communities,
• advocating for equality and dignity,
• creating sustainable opportunities in education, livelihood, and social welfare.

As IHRC’s senior diplomat in India, Dr. Butt has consistently advanced dialogue between civil society, government institutions, and the international community, ensuring that India remains a vital voice in global human rights discourse.

Strengthening IHRC’s Presence in India

Under Dr. Butt’s leadership, IHRC India has grown into a recognised diplomatic and humanitarian mission, spearheading initiatives in awareness, advocacy, and direct support for vulnerable groups. His dual capacity now allows IHRC to align even closer with the Government of India’s vision for an inclusive society, amplifying the Commission’s impact and credibility.

A Symbol of Honour and Responsibility

This achievement reflects not only Dr. Butt’s dedication, but also the collective commitment of IHRC to nation-building, social transformation, and international solidarity. It highlights India’s role as a cornerstone in IHRC’s global architecture of human rights protection.

Author:
Dawid Szablowski
Editor-in-Chief & Publisher, IHRC News
Head of IHRC Press Department

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Diplomatic Appeal Calls on President Tinubu to Uphold Constitutional Rights of Retired Police Officers

Abuja, Nigeria | 6 July 2025

IHRC Steps In: A Call for Justice in Police Pension Welfare

In a constitutionally grounded and diplomatically significant intervention, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Corporation in Nigeria has issued a formal appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging immediate reform of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) as it affects retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force. This action directly echoes and supports the persistent advocacy of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun for comprehensive pension reform.

Highlighting Constitutional Breaches

The appeal, titled “A Diplomatic Appeal for Police Pension Welfare Reform in Line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” was signed by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of IHRC’s Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria. The document points to constitutional irregularities in the current pension scheme for Police officers, specifically referencing Sections 17(3)(f) and 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which enshrine the dignity and welfare of all citizens—particularly public servants.

Recent High-Level Engagement

The IHRC’s intervention follows a high-level meeting on 1 July 2025 at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where IGP Egbetokun received delegations from the National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NARPON), led by AIG Paul O. Ochonu (Rtd), and a coalition of CPS retirees, led by CP Henry Njoku Esq (Rtd).

During the meeting, the IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of its retirees. He openly acknowledged the “deep-seated inadequacies” of the CPS, pledging to pursue sustainable solutions that guarantee timely and adequate disbursement of retirees’ entitlements.

“Our retirees deserve dignity, support, and a structure that reflects their sacrifice and service to Nigeria,”
— IGP Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

This statement builds upon earlier remarks made by the IGP in February 2025, when he described the CPS as an “inadequate arrangement” that has left thousands of retired officers in hardship due to meagre benefits and delayed payments.

IHRC Adds Legal and Diplomatic Weight

By issuing this appeal, the IHRC strengthens the growing national demand for reform and directly urges President Tinubu to act in accordance with his Renewed Hope Agenda—centred on social justice, constitutional order, and public welfare.

“Reforming the Police pension system is not only a matter of human rights and dignity—it is a constitutional obligation,”
— H.E. Dr. Duru Hezekiah, IHRC Nigeria.

The Commission highlights the inequity between military retirees (who are exempt from the CPS and enjoy a tailored scheme) and Police retirees, whose dangerous duties demand similar recognition. IHRC maintains that this disparity must be corrected if the administration is genuinely committed to fairness and national security.

A Unified Call for Justice

As the nation reflects on the invaluable contributions of its retired Police officers, IHRC, NARPON, and the Nigeria Police Force now speak with a unified voice, calling for justice, urgent reform, and restitution. The outcome now depends on the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose action on this matter could mark a historic commitment to constitutional values and the welfare of those who served.

Prepared by:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head of Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

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