The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has elected Comrade Olayinka Folarin as its new National President, with delegates at its Annual General Conference (AGC) in Abeokuta resolving to intensify the defence of the rule of law and hold public office holders accountable.
The conference, held on Saturday at the Nigeria Labour Congress Hall, Abiola Way, Leme, Abeokuta, Ogun State, was themed, “Advancing and Defending the Rule of Law in Nigeria,” and drew statutory delegates from 14 state branches, alongside observers from Jigawa and Kebbi states.
In his opening remarks, Folarin, who represented the outgoing President, Comrade Debo Adeniran, said the organisation would strengthen its monitoring of human rights violations, provide legal support to victims and deepen public education on civic rights and constitutionalism.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Comrade Femi Falana (SAN), former CDHR President, Comrade Malachy Ugwummadu, urged members to remain resolute in promoting human rights and combating corruption, which he described as a major threat to democratic governance in Nigeria.
He said, “Corruption continues to weaken the rule of law. CDHR must intensify its vigilance and ensure government actions conform strictly with legal and constitutional provisions.”
Security agencies and civil society organisations also pledged support for lawful civic engagement.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, represented by CSP Goddy Iteyere, and the Commander of the Ogun State Security Network Agency, So-Safe Corps, through his assistant, Mr. Adegbuyi Adegunwa, said security agencies were not opposed to peaceful protests, provided they did not threaten public order.
They assured CDHR of continued collaboration in handling petitions, investigating abuses and prosecuting offenders.
Similar goodwill messages came from the Police Community Relations Committee, Trade Union Congress, Nigeria Labour Congress and the Civil Liberty Organisation.
At the plenary session, delegates adopted wide-ranging resolutions, including the immediate removal of Mr. Adeniran from the Board of Trustees and notification of the Corporate Affairs Commission.
The organisation also condemned Nigeria’s tax regime as oppressive to the poor and resolved to deploy legitimate pressure on governments at all levels to uphold the rule of law and end impunity.
The conference further affirmed the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest, vowed to hold political office holders accountable and called for electoral law reforms to curb excessive monetisation of political participation.
In the election of new officers, Folarin emerged President, while Comrade Ali Attahiru of Kaduna State was elected Vice President. Other officers elected include Comrade Idris Afees Olayinka (General Secretary), Comrade Ejike Nwokoro (Assistant General Secretary), Comrade Helen Oluwatoyin Akomolafe (National Treasurer), Comrade Barrister Henry Peter Ekine (National Legal Adviser), Comrade Akinwumi Nurudeen (National Publicity Secretary) and Comrade John E. Osaigbovo (National Internal Auditor).
The AGC ended with a call for stronger collaboration among civil society organisations to advance justice, defend human rights and promote accountable governance in Nigeria.
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