Chidi Odinkalu, a renowned human rights lawyer and former chairman of the national human rights commission recently reacted after a public holiday was declared to honor the memory of late President Muhammadu Buhari. According to the statements which were shared on his official X handle, he drew comparisons between the former president and other Nigerian leaders.
The declaration of a public holiday to mourn the demise of late President Muhammadu Buhari was met with diverse reactions after the reports went viral across various social media platforms.
While many view the declaration as a welcome development, Chidi Odinkalu, a renowned human rights activist and lawyer found the declaration unnecessary, and took a step back by revisiting history.
According to the statements which were shared on his official X handle, he pointed out that several Nigerian past leaders died while in active service but a holiday was not declared to honor their memories.
Notable amongst those who died in office and denied national recognition were Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Aguiyi-Ironsi, Murtala Mohammed, Sani Abacha and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
This, according to the former national chairman of the human rights commission should have been considered before a public holiday was declared to honor the memory of late President Muhammadu Buhari.
These were the words of Chidi Odinkalu which he shared on his official X handle,
“Abubakar Tafawa Balewa died in office, No public holiday.
“Aguiyi-Ironsi died in office, No public holiday.
“Murtala Mohammed died in office, No public holiday.
“UMYA died in office, No public holiday.” He wrote.
Explore More News By Using The Button Below.
