NHRC urges Nigerians to reject identity politics, hold leaders accountable

Dr Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged Nigerians to reject identity politics and to hold leaders accountable based on competence, service delivery, and respect for human rights.National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

Ojukwu made the call in a statement while reacting to the comments allegedly made by Sheikh Sani Jingir on Sunday.

“The commission watched with grave concern as the cleric openly canvassed for religiously exclusive politics ahead of 2027 .

“He used derogatory language while urging supporters to obtain voter cards to show their limit.”

Ojukwu described the statements as a direct attack on the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and peaceful coexistence guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

“The commission finds these remarks to be hate speech and incitement to religious hatred and potential violence.

“At a time when we are preparing for another general election, such utterances are reckless and dangerous.

“They serve no purpose other than to divide Nigerians along religious lines and set citizens against one another,

“We cannot afford to look away. If we fail to speak and act now, we embolden both Christian and Muslim clerics and other influential persons to make worse statements in the coming months. That path leads only to crisis,” he added.

He therefore, called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services and other relevant authorities to immediately arrest and prosecute Jingir for hate speech and incitement.

He added that prosecution must proceed irrespective of status or political affiliation in order to serve as a deterrent to others who may seek to exploit religion for political gain during this election period.

Ojukwu further called on all religious leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians to refrain from divisive rhetoric