Saraki appointed as International Human Rights Commission ambassador at large

SENATE president Senator Bukola Saraki has been has been appointed as an International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) ambassador-at-large with responsibility for upholding human rights globally.

Senator Saraki, 56, the outgoing leader of the Nigerian National Assembly, lost his seat in the Kwara Central senatorial District in February's elections and will be leaving the senate when it reconvenes on June 10. He has been a dominant feature in the politics of Kwara State over the last 20 years, serving as a two-term governor and has been in the senate since 2011.

In a dramatic turning of the tide, however, he lost his seat the last elections, being defeated by the little known Dr Ibrahim Oloriegbe of the All Progressives Congress (APC). It had been uncertain what Senator Saraki would do now outside the senate as his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost the presidential elections, meaning he could not be appointed as a minister.

In a letter dated March 16, however, Ambassador Friday Sani, the diplomatic head of the IHRC to Nigeria and Africa, stated that sequel to the approval of the commission's general secretary, Senator Saraki will take up his new role when the term of the eighth senate expires on May 29. In the new capacity, Senator Saraki is expected to lead the diplomatic team of the IHRC in various diplomatic missions across the world.

His appointment letter read: “While our role as a regional body is to promote and encourage institutions and persons to uphold human dignity across the world, we must not fail to mention the commendation of our Nigerian team over your resolute efforts in the stability of your country and your firm leadership of the Nigerian senate which is adjudged to be among the most proactive parliaments across the world. Besides, the commission is not unmindful of the maturity that you recently displayed in the face of an obvious provocation in your constituency during the last presidential and National Assembly elections.”

Senator Saraki has accepted the nomination by the commission and has expressed his appreciation to the IHRC for the appointment. it is not yet clear though on what date he will take up his new appointment.