Senate will ensure protection of human rights, says Saraki

Senate President, Bukola Saraki has pledged that the National Assembly would protect Nigerians against rights’ abuse.

Saraki made the promise in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, while speaking at the ongoing 135th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva, Switzerland.

The theme of the forum is: “Human rights abuses as precursors of conflict: Parliaments as early responders.”

He said the National Assembly would continue to support efforts by the world legislative body to check human rights abuses across the world, stressing that it was time governments demonstrate courage in implementing laws against rights abuses.

According to him: “There are available laws addressing most of the human-rights related issues, the major problems are centered on non-implementation, poor oversight and lack of enforcement of these laws. We must speak out loudly when our laws are not obeyed and work in synergy with the other arms of government to ensure that rights violation wherever it occurs is condemned and addressed.

“The National Assembly of Nigeria will continue to be a people-centered institution where the interest and welfare of every Nigerian is paramount. As duly elected representatives of the people, we will continue to work closely with every stakeholder in the arduous task of building a prosperous, secure and egalitarian society, where everyone will have a sense of belonging.”

The Senate President also told the world body that the National Assembly is working to reposition the Nigerian economy to effectively meet the challenges of the 21st century on human development, economic and social rights.