Gombe Seeks Stronger Human Rights Cooperation With NHRC

Gombe Deputy Governor Manassah Jatau says the National Human Rights Commission has a larger role to play as complaints about rights violations increase across the state.

Receiving the Gombe coordinator of the NHRC, Dr Joseph Kwanshe, and his management team, Jatau described the commission as “indispensable” to preserving peace and preventing conflict. He said almost all the family-related complaints he receives come from women.

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

“Almost 100 per cent of the complaints I receive concerning family issues are from women,” Jatau said. He expressed concern about gender-based violence, alleged humiliation of widows by their late husbands’ families and the failure of some men to meet family responsibilities.

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

Jatau also connected unresolved grievances with drug abuse and wider social problems. “Your task is enormous because issues of human rights violations are always on the increase,” he said, adding that complaints against government or individuals could threaten public order if left unresolved.

He said Gombe had adopted an inclusive approach to security management, involving different sectors of society. The state also has a Public Health Emergency Management Taskforce that includes health officials, traditional institutions, security agencies, development partners and civil society groups. Jatau proposed adding the NHRC, saying its mandate could support the state’s development and stability. He also called on the commission to increase public outreach so residents know their rights and where to seek help.

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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.