By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
The former vice president presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar while reacting to the death of Innocent Chukwuma, stated in his twits; “It is sad and tragic that death has hit the civil society again. Dr Innocent Chukwuma, activist and police reform advocate, cut his teeth organising against the military dictatorship.
“And with the dawn of civil rule, he has used his headship of the @FordFoundation in the sub-region to empower democratic support organisations. May his soul rest in peace, and his memory be a blessing.”
Feeling very sad on Chukwuma’s death, the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Mr Oguwike Nwachuku said that Innocent was an exceptional being.
“He was simply a good man. His death has also robbed me of a brother, friend, confidant and ally whom I have shared true relationship for more than 30 years right from our days at the University of Nigeria Nsukka as Student leaders.
“Everybody who came in contact with Innocent has a positive tale to tell and they will miss him. His death is a personal loss to my immediate and extended family.
“The Civil Society Organisations, the media, the Town Unions, the Churches, the Schools, the Business and Political Class etc will miss Innocent sorely.
“My prayer goes to his young wife and friend, Josephine, the three beautiful daughters – Chidinma, Amarachi and Nkechinyere as well as the larger Chukwuma and Effa (inlaws)families”, the former executive editor of TheNiche Online prayed.
The Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Centre (CISLAC)/Head of Transparency International Nigeria and Chairman, Board of Trustee Amnesty International Nigeria, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, in a glowing tribute signed by him, states: “An exemplary Civil Society leader and renowned human right activist with great sense of humour and character brewed in undaunted spirit of patriotism, nationalism and activism, late Innocent Chukwuma distinguished himself in the late 1980s while demonstrating uncommon interest, objectivity and professionalism in the relentless fight for democracy, human rights and good governance in Nigeria.
“These outstanding qualities were brought to bear when he joined other well-meaning students within the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) platform in peaceful protests against the arbitrary powers of the military rule, while exhibiting resilience and unity of purpose in advocating return to democracy in Nigeria.
Rafsanjani recalled that at the early stage of Chukwuma’s career in Civil Society, he was recognised as one of the pillars of Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), formed largely to promote human rights in Nigeria.
He further recalled that the deceased outstanding performance was further acknowledged and respected by his former boss, also one of the renowned human rights activist and former Executive Secretary of CLO and CAPP , late Emma Ezeazu, through whom “we became very close friend since 1995 . Each time he came to Abuja we used to visit his two sisters who are living in Abuja. When Innocent was going to leave CLO he was consulting with Emma for guidance.”
CISLAC executive director said Innocent Chukwuma’s profound legacy and tireless struggle for mainstreamed civility and respect for human rights especially in the operations and conduct of security forces, led to the establishment of Centre for Law Enforcement and Education (currently known as CLEEN Foundation) with a unique focus on promoting public safety, security and accessible justice.
“Mr. Chukwuma through demonstrated programmes and activities at CLEEN Foundation intensified vigorous campaign for Police reform in strategic moves and constructive partnership that led to the amendment and passage of Nigeria Police Force (Establishment) Bill by the National Assembly and its assent by the President in September 2020.
“While working assiduously to bring Police reform to the limelight, Mr. Chukwuma had contacted the Civil Society Legislative Centre (CISLAC) to give thorough attention and contribution to the legislative component of the Bill. Through wider inputs and consultations, CLEEN ensured review of the new Act is more responsive to international standards.
“Mr. Chukwuma, who I would regard as one of the successful Civil Society activists in the country, throughout his profession and life, dissociated himself totally from the recurring pressure triggered by ethnic, and religious disparity, but rather strengthened his patriotic mind-set for impartiality and intellectuality in well-informed decisions, actions and reactions on critical issues affecting democracy, human right and security reform.
“I therefore, hope his dogged principles and priceless contributions to good governance, human rights and security sector reform at all levels would be upheld and galvanised.
“While his demise remains uncommon, sober, reflective and continues to test our collective resolve as citizens of Nigeria, I sincerely pray may his soul rest in peace.I also pray for his wife Josephine to keep the dream of CLEEN Foundation”.