In a communique issued to newsmen on Sunday, the conference, themed “Advancing and Defending the Rule of Law in Nigeria,” brought together statutory delegates from several state branches, including Anambra, Akwa-Ibom, Delta, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Imo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Observers from newly established Jigawa and Kebbi State branches also attended.
Members of the CDHR Board of Trustees, National Council, outgoing National Executives, and representatives from partner organizations were present, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Police Force, So-Safe Corps, Civil Liberty Organization, National Youth Council of Nigeria, and other civil society groups.
In his opening remarks, the Vice President of CDHR, Comrade Yinka Folarin, who presided in the absence of President Comrade Debo Adeniran, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to monitoring human rights violations, providing legal support to victims, and promoting civic education on citizens’ rights and the rule of law.
Delivering the keynote address , the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Comrade Femi Falana, SAN represented by Comrade Malachy Ugwummadu urged members to remain steadfast in the fight for justice, accountability, and the rule of law.
He expressed concern over persistent corruption in Nigeria, noting its damaging effect on democratic governance, and called for intensified monitoring of government actions.
Security agencies, including the Ogun State Police Command and the Ogun State Security Network Agency (So-Safe Corps), pledged continued collaboration with CDHR to support lawful civic engagement and peaceful protests, provided they do not threaten public order.
Other goodwill messages were delivered by leaders of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and former CDHR President, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana.
During the plenary session, delegates adopted several key resolutions, including the immediate removal of Mr. Debo Adeniran from the CDHR Board of Trustees, with a directive to notify the Corporate Affairs Commission.
The organization also declared Nigeria’s tax regime exploitative to the poor, pledged to intensify pressure on government to uphold the rule of law, and reaffirmed the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest.
Other resolutions included a commitment to hold political office holders accountable, push for electoral law reforms to curb excessive monetization of elections, and strengthen collaboration among civil society organizations to promote justice and human rights.
At the close of the conference, new national officers were elected to steer the affairs of the organization. Comrade Olayinka Folarin emerged as the new National President, while Comrade Ali Attahiru was elected Vice President. Other officers include Comrade Idris Afees Olayinka as General Secretary, Comrade Ejike Nwokoro as Assistant General Secretary, Comrade Helen Oluwatoyin Akomolafe as National Treasurer, Barrister Henry Peter Ekine as National Legal Adviser, Comrade Akinwumi Nurudeen as National Publicity Secretary, and Comrade John E. Osaigbovo as National Internal Auditor.
