Gombe seeks human rights commission partnership to tackle violations

Gombe State Deputy Governor Manassah Jatau has called for closer cooperation with Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission as complaints about rights violations increase.

Jatau made the request on Tuesday while receiving the commission’s Gombe coordinator, Dr Joseph Kwanshe, and members of his management team. He described the NHRC as an “indispensable” institution whose work helps preserve peace and prevent conflict.

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Almost 100 per cent of the complaints I receive concerning family issues are from women.

The deputy governor said gender-based violence, the alleged humiliation of widows by their late husbands’ families and the failure of some men to meet family responsibilities were among the concerns facing the state. “Almost 100 per cent of the complaints I receive concerning family issues are from women,” he said.

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Your task is enormous because issues of human rights violations are always on the increase.

Jatau also linked unresolved grievances and alleged rights violations to wider social problems, including drug abuse. “Your task is enormous because issues of human rights violations are always on the increase,” he said, adding that such violations could contribute to drug abuse and threaten society. He warned that anger directed at government or private individuals could also endanger peace and security.

The deputy governor said Gombe had adopted an inclusive approach to security management, involving different sectors of society. He proposed that the NHRC join the state Task Force on Public Health Emergency Management, which includes health officials, traditional institutions, security agencies, development partners and civil society groups. He also urged the commission to expand public education so residents would understand its mandate and know where to seek help when their rights were violated.

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Many people are not happy either with the government or individuals, and when people are aggrieved, then your commission has a lot to do in curtailing possible outbreaks of law and order.