LAGOS/Nigeria: The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, has called on the federal government and Nigerians not to allow the activities of the election to push the demand for the rescuing Leah sharibu, the only remaining students from the Dapchi Girls School by the Boko Haram since February 2018.
In a statement, made available by Ndokwa Reporters, and signed by Malachy Ugwummadu Esq, National President accused the federal government of promises which had not been fulfilled of her rescue, as it had caused the family excruciating pains.
The full statement:
COMMITTEE FOR THE DEFENCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS (CDHR) JOINS THE FAMILY OF MRS. REBECCA SHARIBU IN DEMANDING THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FULFILLS ITS PROMISE OF RESCUING LEAH SHARIBU; ENJOINS NIGERIANS NOT TO FORGET HER EVEN DURING THE 2019 ELECTIONS
The CDHR notes with utter dismay the continued captivity of Leah Sharibu. It must be recalled that Leah Sharibu is the only Dapchi school girl remaining in the Boko Haram captivity since February 2018. The Federal Government has not ceased or relented in reassuring her family that she will be released soon. These continued promises without the corresponding and measurable efforts to practically effect the release of Leah Shairibu have become a mere cliché meant to satiate present electionary demands. No doubt, the pains and anxieties of such hope against hope have become excruciating to members of her family.
The Buhari administration has been so preoccupied with his reelection bid that only scant attention has been displayed to make efforts needed for her release.
Repeated calls have been made by her parents, civil society organizations and concerned citizens for her immediate release. Unfortunately one year after, these calls have become reoccurent and sadly reminding them that their innocent daughter has added a year in the captivity of such a violent sect and now is a slave with her fate hanging precariously in the balance.
On February 10, 2019, her mother Rebecca Sharibu has yet again renewed her appeal and is now begging the Federal Government to do something much more concrete. On account of this, CDHR joins Rebecca Sharibu in demanding that the Federal Government fulfill its promise of securing the release of Leah Sharibu.
Nigerian are enjoined to remain steadfast and focused on their demands for the immediate release of Leah and other captives regardless of the present election demands. The primary purpose of every government in keeping with Section 14(2)b of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is the welfare and security of lives and property. Thus, if the lives, including that of Leah, for which government all over the world exists in the first place would be want only destroyed, then for what purpose will the government of Nigeria serve when constituted after election?
We should hearken to the cry of a distressed mother and remain resolute and focused on rescuing Leah Sharibu and others in captivity.
Malachy Ugwummadu Esq.
National President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights
