Honouring Nigeria’s Democratic Heroes and the Ongoing Struggle for Good Governance

Abuja, Nigeria – 12 June 2025

Celebrating Democracy: A Tribute to Leadership and Legacy

As Nigerians across the country commemorate June 12 Democracy Day, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals, social justice, and good governance. President Tinubu is described by IHRC as a “symbol of resilience and continuity” in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Official Acknowledgement and Historical Reflection

This message was conveyed in an official letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signed by Ambassador (Dr.) Duru Hezekiah, Country Head of IHRC Nigeria.
The letter praised President Tinubu’s role in the pro-democracy struggle of the 1990s and his advocacy for civil liberties during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent eras.

“Today, we remember June 12 not just as a date in our history but as a testament to the Nigerian people’s will to determine their future. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sacrifices, dating back to the dark days of military rule, remain etched in the democratic fabric of our nation.”
– Official IHRC Statement

President Tinubu’s Enduring Legacy

President Tinubu—a former Senator and Governor of Lagos State—was a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the movement that resisted military rule after the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
IHRC praised Tinubu’s legacy of defending electoral integrity and democratic values, even during periods of exile, at great personal risk.

Recognising Progress and Charting the Future

IHRC further acknowledged President Tinubu’s strides in governance since taking office in May 2023, with a focus on:

• Economic reform
• Youth empowerment
• Institutional accountability

“While the challenges before the nation remain considerable—ranging from insecurity to economic disparity—President Tinubu’s political courage and reform-driven agenda are commendable. As a human rights institution, we urge his administration to continue advancing policies that reflect equity, inclusion, and justice for all Nigerians.”
– IHRC Nigeria

June 12: A Symbol of Democratic Aspirations

June 12, officially Nigeria’s Democracy Day since 2018, commemorates the annulled 1993 election, widely recognised as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
The day honours the memory of Chief M.K.O. Abiola and all Nigerians who fought for the restoration of democratic rule.

A Call to All Stakeholders

IHRC calls on:

• Government officials
• Civil society groups
• Traditional leaders
• All citizens

to use the occasion of June 12 to recommit to the founding principles of democracy: accountability, freedom, and respect for human rights.

“Let June 12 not only be a day of remembrance, but a day of recommitment. The spirit of that election must live on in how we govern, how we protect human rights, and how we build the Nigeria we all dream of.”
– IHRC Nigeria

Issued by:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post 🗳️ June 12: IHRC Issues Renewed Call for Justice, Unity, and Democratic Consolidation first appeared on ihrc.news.

Abuja, Nigeria – 28 May 2025 – The International Human Rights Commission Corporation (IHRC) in Nigeria expresses its deep concern regarding the recent closure of a major market in Anambra State by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The development has led to significant public anxiety and debate, heightening tensions among traders, local communities, and various stakeholders across the state.

According to the official NAFDAC report, between 9 February and 27 March 2025, the Agency conducted an extensive enforcement operation targeting major Open Drug Markets: Idumota (Lagos), Aba (Abia), and Onitsha (Anambra). These operations resulted in the seizure and destruction of large quantities of banned, expired, falsified, and substandard medicines and controlled substances, collectively valued at over one trillion Naira. Investigations indicated that warehouses, shops, and distribution outlets within these markets failed to adhere to the Good Storage and Distribution Practice (GSDP) standards and operated without registration by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), in contravention of established national regulations.

NAFDAC has clarified that, pursuant to federal regulations, investigative charges were imposed on non-compliant operators. Notably, the initial N5,000,000 charge for the sale of unregistered products was reduced to N200,000 after appeals, while the N2,000,000 charge for GSDP violations was reduced to N500,000. According to NAFDAC, “these penalties are officially gazetted charges and were applied fairly across the affected markets.”

IHRC’s Official Position and Recommendations

In an official press statement, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, IHRC Country Representative, has called for calm, dialogue, and restraint from all parties—including affected traders, community leaders, and regulatory authorities. The IHRC strongly urges all stakeholders to refrain from any actions that could escalate the situation or undermine public order.

While recognising NAFDAC’s statutory mandate to regulate pharmaceuticals and ensure public health and safety, the IHRC emphasizes that transparency, due process, and constructive dialogue are essential in the enforcement of regulatory actions—especially where livelihoods are impacted.

The IHRC reiterates that regulatory enforcement must be guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, and the protection of human dignity. To this end, the Commission recommends:

1. Initiating comprehensive dialogue with all stakeholders, including market unions, civil society organisations, and local authorities, to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.

2. Prioritising educational and corrective enforcement strategies over punitive market closures, thereby promoting voluntary compliance and sustainable public health outcomes.

3. Safeguarding the fundamental rights of traders, particularly the right to livelihood, in line with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.

Furthermore, the IHRC appeals to the Federal Government to intervene urgently and ensure a fair and peaceful resolution. The Commission also recommends the establishment of an independent review panel to assess the closure’s circumstances and recommend appropriate remedial actions consistent with human rights principles and the rule of law.

Commitment to Justice and Human Dignity

The IHRC remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, equity, and the protection of human rights for all Nigerians. The Commission stands ready to facilitate dialogue among all relevant parties to achieve a constructive, equitable, and lasting resolution.

IHRC calls upon both the Anambra State and Federal authorities to support this process, prevent further escalation of tensions, and ensure that justice and human dignity remain central to regulatory governance.

Signed:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head of Media and Strategic Communications
IHRC Nigeria

This press statement is issued in line with IHRC’s mandate to uphold and promote international human rights standards, support peaceful conflict resolution, and foster constructive engagement between stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

The post IHRC Calls for Calm and Federal Government Intervention Amidst NAFDAC-Ordered Closure of Anambra Market first appeared on ihrc.news.