By Shuaibu Ahmad
An Anti-Human Right Violation organization, Centrum Initiative for Development and Fundamental Rights Advocacy (CEDRA), in conjunction with Advocate Movement of Nigeria, a student group at the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus, UNEC have presented human right advocacy awards to Ekiti state Governor, Ayodele Fayose, Leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, El-Zakzaky,
traditional ruler of Okwe Kingdom, HRH Igwe, Dr Emmanuel O Ugwu and others for their doggedness in defending rights of citizens in Nigeria in the face of oppression.
The award ceremony organized at the Enugu campus aimed at celebrating the beneficiaries whom, they said, have been speaking against the violation of human rights in Nigeria.
The organizing Chairman, Mr. Shuaib Isa Ahmad in his opening remark explained the importance of the award, saying that it is only those with uncommon bravery that are speaking up against injustice, persecutions and oppression of Nigerians in the face of a total clamp down of Nigerians under this administration.
He narrated how the military invaded the peaceful shite Muslims and the Biafra agitators by killing them unjustly.
He also said that Governor Fayose of Ekiti State, El-Zakzaky who is currently in detention, Nigerian Wailers, others were chosen for their bravery for speaking up against oppression of Nigerians and that they deserved the awards.
Stressing on the need to drive the campaign against human rights violations to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, Mr Shuaib said it has been organized at the University of Lagos and the campaign will be taken to other states in Nigeria.
While calling on the Federal Government to obey court rulings and set Sheikh Zakzaky free and others described as prisoners of conscience, Mr Shuaib enjoined all Nigerians to support and join the campaign.
Also speaking at the event, the National President of the Nigerian Wailers, Prince Adelaja Adeoye extolled the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheik El-Zakzaky for leading one of the most peaceful Islamic Movement in the world.
He explained what the pro-democracy and human rights advocacy group, Nigerian Wailers, have been doing to ensure a better democracy in Nigeria where he urged all the Students to be peaceful and always support every good course. He also charged them not to support hate against anyone in the name of religion.
After presenting a paper titled “Negative implications of human rights violations in the Nigerian democratic system,” Dr John Danfulani, a renowned activist and Chairman of CEDRA was also presented with an award.
The traditional ruler of the ancient Okwe Kingdom, HRH Igwe, Dr Emmanuel O Ugwu who also received an award of Exemplary Royal Father from the Academic Forum of the IMNl said much premium should be focused in ensuring the unity and good deeds among all Nigerians. He thanked the Academic Forum and CEDRA for their active action towards the quest for peaceful coexistence of interfaith in Nigeria.
Dr. Ugwu also advised youths to be truthful, patient and show love for one another .
Dr. Jibril Adekunle said lack of respect for rule of law will induce doubt in the minds of Nigerian and its democracy. He urge the Government to set Sheikh Zakzaky free as well as other political prisoners.
The event was well attended by many students, members of the UNEC community and participants from other parts of Nigeria.
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