CDHR Set To Mark 30th Anniversary

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

The Committee for Defence of Human Rights has concluded plans to mark its 30th anniversary in Lagos State.

P.M.EXPRESS reports as was disclosed by the Chairman of CDHR, Lagos State, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, in a world press conference at the branch office located at 696 Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, by Ijaiye bus stop area of Lagos.

He explained that the seven-day event will commence on 1st April and Saturday 6th April, 2019, will be the grand finale. Omotehinse said that several activities had been lined up for the celebration.
The theme of the celebration is: Human Right Situation in Nigeria, CDHR as Intervention Group, the Prospects and Challenges.
The chairman of the occasion will be legal luminary, Chief Mike Ozehkeme, SAN, while having the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja 1) as the Royal Father of the Day and the Olu of Ibogun Owu Kingdom, Oba Fakayode Faluade, among other prominent Nigerians expected at the event.
Omotehinse explained that CDHR was founded in 1989 and had the late Beko Ransome Kuti as it founding President over the detention of a trade unionist, now Barrister Femi Aborishade, who was detained in 1989 by the Federal Government under the decree two by the Military juntas. He said owing to the detention of many Nigerians at that period, it metamorphosed into the organization across the federation, ensuring the protection of human rights in Nigerians.

He noted that since the inception of the group, it has not compromised on its objectives which include the protection of peoples’ rights as enshrined in the UN declaration, establishment of system of prompt and efficient assistance for needy persons whose human rights are violated. Also in line with the African Charter on human rights of the UN convention, CDHR had worked and allied with organizations committed to the ideals of Nigerian society founded on participatory democracy and social justice.
To mark the anniversary, Omotehinse outlined the programme of events which included the visit to the office of Human Rights Commission Southwest zone in Lagos on Monday 1st April, 2019.
Then on Tuesday and Wednesday April 2nd and 3rd, the Lagos branch executives will visit the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke, Ikoyi and Kirikiri Prisons respectively.
Then on Thursday and Friday being 4th and 5th April, the executives will mobilize thousand of its members to the Lagos Executive Governor’s office, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, for rally and clinic at the liberation office at Ijaiye.
The grand finale will be on 6th April where lectures and awards will be given to individuals and groups that have promoted Human Rights of average Nigerians especially those who have affected the lives of indigents positively.
Omotehinse explained that at the grand finale, the CDHR will outline the achievements, challenges and prospects of the organizations and enjoined every Nigerian to join in the celebration. The press conference witnessed the presence of media houses and members of the group in attendance.