The Concerned Nigerians for the Protection of Human Rights and the Rule of Law initiative has announced the appointment of human rights activist and pro-democracy crusader Adebayo Raphael as its new convener.
This follows the departure of former convener Barrister Adeyanju Deji, who has stepped down to focus on his law career and other endeavours.
In a statement released by the group’s spokesperson, Agada Abuh Theophilus, Barrister Adeyanju Deji has formally informed the organisation‘s trustees of his decision to step aside as convener.
Adeyanju has been a prominent figure in the group, leading numerous civil rights movements and advocacies over the past decade.
Adebayo Raphael, the incoming convener, has been at the forefront of democratic activism for years, tirelessly promoting, leading, and participating in advocacies for human rights, social justice, digital freedom, electoral reforms, and democratic accountability.
“The appointment of Adebayo Raphael underscores his commitment to social justice and ensuring a Nigeria that works for all its citizens, regardless of their backgrounds,” said the group‘s spokesperson.
Before his new role, Adebayo served as the National Secretary of the ‘OurMuMuDonDo’ Movement between 2015 and 2019. During this period, he led and participated in protests and projects against corruption, presidential junketing, gender profiling, electoral malpractices, and modern slavery.
In 2017, Adebayo was one of the key organisers of the first nationwide peaceful protests against police brutality in Nigeria under the EndSARS-ReformPoliceNG Movement, resulting in his frontline role in coordinating the 2020 #EndSARS protests in Abuja. He also spearheaded Digital Freedom Advocacy, which played a crucial role in halting the passage of two legislative bills that sought to curtail free speech under the guise of fighting fake news and hate speech.
Reacting to the appointment, Adebayo said, “I consider this an opportunity to engage more directly and fiercely with the current structure of the Nigerian state, which privileges the few and the worst of us over the majority and the best of us. With the support of the group as a whole, I am firmly committed to defending and educating the ordinary people of our country, who must now move beyond just being victims of the joyless conditions of life in Nigeria to champions of a much more ideal society.
“Also, I wish the former Convener, my good friend and brother, Deji Adeyanju, all the best in his new endeavour.”
The Concerned Nigerians group expressed gratitude to Adeyanju Deji for his tireless efforts in championing various advocacies and leading numerous civil rights movements.
“We especially want to thank our former convener, Adeyanju Deji, who led this organisation on many civil rights movements and advocacies for nearly a decade. His contribution to the growth of this organisation cannot be forgotten, and we wish him well in his law career,“ the spokesperson said.
Adebayo Raphael‘s appointment as the new convener of the Concerned Nigerians group is expected to strengthen the organisation‘s commitment to upholding human rights, promoting democratic values, and driving positive change in Nigeria.
