By ALEX ENEBELI

The Global Executive Council (GEC) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has inaugurated a Committee on Human Rights to investigate alleged rights abuses against Igbos within Nigeria and in the Diaspora.

The President-General of Ohanaeze, Sen. Azuta Mbata, inaugurated the committee at a meeting held at the Ohanaeze National Secretariat in Enugu.

Dr Ezechi Chukwu, the National Publicity Secretary Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, disclosed this in statement on Friday in Enugu.

Chukwu said the committee was established in response to the myriad of complaints and disturbing reports indicating that many Igbos particularly youths, had become victims of extortion, harassment, intimidation and unlawful arrests.

He also alleged many of the region’s youths were in prolonged detention in various parts of the country.

“In line with its mandate, the committee is expected to: identify areas and cases of alleged human rights abuses, unlawful detention, and victimisation of Igbos in Nigeria and across the Diaspora.

“Secondly, it is charged to develop a strategic roadmap for engagement and visitation to affected persons in order to ascertain the circumstances and rationale behind such alleged victimization,” Chukwu said.

He added that the committee was chaired by Mr Chizoba Iheka, the Assistant National Legal Adviser of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

According to him Iheka’s wealth of legal experience and commitment to justice are expected to guide the committee in carrying out this important national assignment.

The national publicity secretary explained that Ohanaeze remained deeply committed to the protection of the rights, dignity, and constitutional freedoms of Igbos everywhere.

“The organisation believes that no citizen should be subjected to unlawful treatment, discrimination, or abuse on account of ethnicity, social status, or political perception.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation therefore calls on relevant security agencies, human rights institutions, civil society groups, and well-meaning Nigerians to cooperate with the Committee in the interest of justice, fairness, national unity, and the rule of law.

Ohanaeze further reassured Ndigbo worldwide that it will continue to pursue lawful and constructive measures aimed at safeguarding the welfare, security, and fundamental human rights of its people. (NAN)

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