Politics
THE Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Comrade Fabian Ugochukwu Okoye as Director of Civil Society Mobilisation in the 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.
HURIWA described the appointment as recognition of the strategic role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The association, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said Okoye had the experience, credibility, organisational capacity and network required for the assignment.
It said the choice of Okoye was particularly significant given his long-standing engagement with Nigeria’s organised civil society and human rights community.
According to HURIWA, Okoye is a civil rights activist whose commitment to democratic values predates his current political assignment.
The association said Okoye participated in the struggle for the restoration of democracy during the military dictatorship of the late Gen. Sani Abacha.
It said his history of activism was important to civil society mobilisation, which, according to it, required an understanding of the sector and the ability to engage diverse constituencies.
“HURIWA commends President Tinubu for recognising these qualities in Comrade Okoye,” the statement said.
The group said Okoye’s experience extended beyond activism to public policy, research, documentation, strategy, communication and grassroots mobilisation.
It said he currently serves as Special Adviser to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani on Research, Documentation and Strategy.
HURIWA added that Okoye previously served as Special Adviser on Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations to the immediate past Governor of Sokoto State.
It also said he served in a similar advisory capacity to the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sen. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, between 2011 and 2015.
“These experiences, in our view, have equipped him with an unusual understanding of both the civil society space and the machinery of government,” HURIWA said.
The association also cited the endorsement of Okoye by Alhaji Saidu Ugohoh, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former governorship aspirant in Kogi.
HURIWA said Ugohoh, who worked with Okoye at the National Assembly, described him as a civil society expert, committed activist and accomplished mobiliser.
According to the association, Ugohoh attested to Okoye’s competence, commitment, composure and extensive network of contacts.
It said he also recalled Okoye’s ability to deliver assignments under pressure, describing his performance and target delivery as consistently excellent.
HURIWA said such testimony from a former colleague reinforced its view that Okoye’s appointment was based on competence and experience.
It also noted the endorsement by the National League for Advancement of Democracy, which described the appointment as a “round peg in a round hole.”
CSOs must remain critical stakeholders
HURIWA said it welcomed Okoye’s position that CSOs were critical and strategic partners in Nigeria’s democratic development.
It noted that CSOs had historically contributed to the promotion of human rights, democratic accountability, civic education, good governance and citizens’ participation.
The association stressed that CSOs should not be treated merely as electoral instruments to be activated during campaigns and abandoned after elections
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It urged Okoye to preserve the independence and dignity of the civil society community by ensuring that engagement was based on issues, policies, performance and the national interest.
HURIWA also welcomed his proposed engagement with non-governmental organisations, professional and labour groups, faith-based organisations, student bodies and community associations.
It said such engagement could be conducted through town hall meetings, public education, radio programmes, workshops and other platforms.
According to the association, the engagements should encourage dialogue rather than propaganda and provide opportunities for Nigerians to ask questions about government policies and performance.
2027 election should focus on Nigeria
HURIWA said the 2027 elections should go beyond partisan mobilisation, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic interest should remain superior to individual political ambitions and party interests.
It urged the Tinubu campaign organisation, including the Civil Society Mobilisation Directorate, to embrace constructive criticism.
The association also cautioned against portraying opposing voices as enemies of government.
“A vibrant civil society is one that can support good policies while also questioning policies it considers harmful to the public interest,” it said.
HURIWA urged Okoye, given his history as a human rights activist, to maintain that balance in his new responsibility.
It also called on all political parties and campaign organisations to respect citizens’ fundamental rights and protect democratic institutions.
The association urged stakeholders to ensure that the 2027 electoral process was free from intimidation, violence, hate speech, vote buying and other practices capable of undermining democratic choice.
HURIWA congratulated Okoye on his appointment and urged him to deploy his experience, integrity, strategic capacity and network toward strengthening democratic participation and promoting the national interest.
It also reminded him that the ultimate stakeholder in every election was the Nigerian citizen, whose constitutional right was to freely choose leaders without coercion.
Tags: Appointment CSO HURIWA