The conference, themed “Advancing and Defending the Rule of Law in Nigeria,” was held on Saturday at the Nigeria Labour Congress Hall, Abiola Way, Leme, Abeokuta, Ogun State. It attracted statutory delegates from 14 state branches, as well as observers from Jigawa and Kebbi states.
In his opening address, Folarin, representing the outgoing President, Comrade Debo Adeniran, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to intensifying the monitoring of human rights violations, offering legal support to victims, and expanding public education on civic rights and constitutional governance.
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 steadfast in promoting human rights and combating corruption, which he described as a significant threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.
“Corruption continues to undermine the rule of law. CDHR must remain vigilant and ensure that government actions strictly comply with legal and constitutional standards,” he said.
Security agencies and civil society organisations at the event expressed 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), represented by Mr. Adegbuyi Adegunwa, affirmed that security agencies support peaceful protests, provided they do not threaten public safety.
They also assured CDHR of continued collaboration in addressing petitions, investigating rights violations and prosecuting offenders. Goodwill messages were also received from the Police Community Relations Committee, Trade Union Congress, Nigeria Labour Congress and the Civil Liberty Organisation.
During the plenary session, delegates adopted several 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 policies as burdensome to low-income citizens and resolved to apply lawful pressure on governments at all levels to uphold the rule of law and end impunity.
The conference further reaffirmed citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest, pledged to hold political office holders accountable, and called for reforms to Nigeria’s electoral laws to curb excessive monetisation of the political process.
In the election of new national officers, Comrade Folarin emerged as President, while Comrade Ali Attahiru of Kaduna State was elected Vice President. Other elected officers 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).
