The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Comrade Fabian Ugochukwu Okoye as Director of Civil Society Mobilisation in the 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on Thursday, HURIWA described Okoye as an experienced civil rights activist with the credibility, organisational capacity and network required for the assignment.
The group said Okoye’s long involvement in Nigeria’s civil society and human rights community made his appointment significant, noting that he participated in the pro-democracy struggle during the military era of the late General Sani Abacha.
HURIWA said Okoye’s experience extends beyond activism to public policy, research, documentation, strategy, communication and grassroots mobilisation.
It noted that he currently serves as Special Adviser to Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, on Research, Documentation and Strategy. He previously served as Special Adviser on Civil Society and NGOs to the former Sokoto State governor and also worked in a similar advisory capacity to former House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
The rights group also cited the endorsement of Okoye by his former colleague, Alhaji Saidu Ugohoh, an APC chieftain and former Kogi State governorship aspirant.
According to HURIWA, Ugohoh described Okoye as a committed activist and skilled mobiliser, while attesting to his competence, composure and ability to deliver under pressure.
HURIWA said the appointment should strengthen engagement between the campaign organisation and civil society groups across the country.
It, however, urged Okoye to protect the independence and dignity of civil society by ensuring that engagement with NGOs, professional groups, labour unions, faith organisations, students and community associations is based on issues and public interest rather than propaganda.
The group said town hall meetings, public education, radio programmes and other platforms should provide opportunities for Nigerians to question government policies and express concerns.
HURIWA also urged the 2027 campaign organisation and political parties to respect citizens’ rights and reject intimidation, violence, hate speech and vote buying.
It stressed that civil society organisations should remain critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s democracy, capable of supporting good policies while constructively challenging those considered harmful to citizens.
HURIWA congratulated Okoye on his appointment and urged him to use his experience and network to promote democratic participation and protect the interests of Nigerian voters.