Human rights advocates in Nigeria are calling for an end to the selective defense of fundamental rights, emphasizing the need for impartiality in advocacy. This plea was made during a public lecture organized by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in Lagos, themed "Understanding Human Rights Beyond Emotion and Personal Interests."

Prominent speakers at the event included Professor Tunde Babawale from the University of Lagos and Debo Adeniran, the President of the CDHR. They highlighted the dangers of allowing emotional reactions, political loyalties, and personal interests to dictate the defense of human rights. Professor Babawale, who presented the lead lecture, stressed that activists must advocate for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their political, ethnic, or religious affiliations. He noted, "We have substituted principles for personality, and we have substituted institutions for the individual."

Babawale cautioned against the tendency to rationalize human rights violations when they align with personal interests, stating that public anger should not be confused with guilt. He pointed out that the rights of accused individuals must also be respected, underscoring the importance of due process and evidence in human rights advocacy. He identified corruption as a significant barrier to human rights protection, claiming it undermines access to justice, education, and healthcare.

The professor called for a broader focus on economic, social, and cultural rights, emphasizing that violations occur when children are denied education due to poverty or when patients cannot afford necessary medications. He urged activists to consistently apply human rights principles, advocating for the rights of various groups, including law enforcement officers and farmers, equally.

In his welcome address, Debo Adeniran echoed these sentiments, warning that many activists defend rights based on personal sympathies rather than established legal principles. He remarked, "In many instances, people tend to portray human rights according to what is liked rather than what is right."

Adeniran emphasized that defending someone's fundamental rights does not equate to endorsing their views or actions. He referenced key international frameworks, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Nigerian Constitution, as essential for understanding and protecting these rights.

The event also featured Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, who called for stronger institutional commitment to safeguarding fundamental rights and promoting equality. He urged the judiciary to maintain impartiality and uphold the rule of law while advocating for greater transparency from government agencies.

Titilope Akosa, a lawyer and Executive Director of C21st, encouraged activists to adapt their strategies to the current democratic context. She argued that methods used during military rule need to evolve, suggesting that activists should consider engaging in government and policymaking processes rather than solely relying on confrontation.

Akosa also highlighted the importance of human rights education beyond formal schooling, advocating for community outreach to ensure that ordinary citizens understand their rights and how to protect them. She warned that advocacy should be evidence-based, stressing that visibility should not overshadow the need for sound arguments and credible information.

The collective message from the speakers was clear: a unified effort from government, civil society, the judiciary, the media, and citizens is essential to strengthen institutions, enhance public understanding of fundamental rights, and pursue justice without bias.