Folarin Takes Over CDHR Leadership as Group Renews Fight for Rule of Law

 Folarin Takes Over CDHR Leadership as Group Renews Fight for Rule of Law

By Temidayo Babalola 

Comrade Olayinka Folarin has emerged as the new National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), with the organisation reaffirming its commitment to defending the rule of law and demanding greater accountability from public office holders.

The election took place during the CDHR Annual General Conference on Saturday at the Nigeria Labour Congress Hall, Abiola Way, Abeokuta, drawing statutory delegates from 14 state branches and observers from Jigawa and Kebbi states

In his opening remarks, Folarin, who represented the outgoing President, Comrade Debo Adeniran, pledged that the CDHR would strengthen monitoring of human rights violations, provide legal support to victims and deepen public education on civic rights and constitutionalism.

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 the promotion of human rights and the fight against corruption, which he described as a major threat to democratic governance.

“Corruption continues to weaken the rule of law. CDHR must intensify its vigilance and ensure that government actions conform strictly with legal and constitutional provisions,” Ugwummadu said.

Security agencies and civil society organisations present at the conference pledged 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, said security agencies were not opposed to peaceful protests, provided they did not threaten public order.

They assured the CDHR of continued collaboration in handling petitions, investigating alleged abuses and prosecuting offenders. Similar goodwill messages were delivered by the Police Community Relations Committee, Trade Union Congress, Nigeria Labour Congress and the Civil Liberty Organisation.

At the plenary session, delegates adopted far-reaching resolutions, including the immediate removal of Mr. Adeniran from the Board of Trustees and the notification of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The organisation also condemned Nigeria’s tax regime, describing it as oppressive to the poor, and resolved to apply legitimate pressure on governments at all levels to uphold the rule of law and end impunity.

The conference reaffirmed the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest, pledged to hold political office holders accountable and called for reforms of the electoral law to curb excessive monetisation of political participation.

In the election of national officers, Comrade Ali Attahiru of Kaduna State emerged Vice President, while other elected officers include Comrade Idris Afees Olayinka (General Secretary), Comrade Ejike Nwokoro (Assistant General Secretary), Comrade Helen Oluwatoyin Akomolafe (National Treasurer), Barrister Henry Peter Ekine (National Legal Adviser), Comrade Akinwumi Nurudeen (National Publicity Secretary) and Comrade John E. Osaigbovo (National Internal Auditor).

The AGC ended with a call for stronger collaboration among civil society organisations to advance justice, defend human rights and promote accountable governance in Nigeria.