Abuja, Nigeria — The Concerned Nigerians for the Protection of Human Rights and the Rule of Law has announced the appointment of renowned human rights activist and pro-democracy advocate, Adebayo Raphael, as its new convener. This follows the resignation of Barrister Deji Adeyanju, who is stepping down to focus on his legal career and other pursuits.

In a statement released by the group’s spokesperson, Agada Abuh Theophilus, Adeyanju formally notified the organization’s trustees of his decision to step aside. Adeyanju has been a prominent figure in the civil rights landscape, leading numerous advocacy efforts over the past decade.

Adebayo Raphael, the incoming convener, is a veteran in democratic activism, known for championing human rights, social justice, digital freedom, electoral reforms, and democratic accountability.

“The appointment of Adebayo Raphael underscores his unwavering commitment to social justice and the vision of a Nigeria that works for all its citizens, regardless of their backgrounds,” the group’s spokesperson stated.

Adebayo previously served as National Secretary of the OurMumuDonDo Movement between 2015 and 2019. During this period, he spearheaded protests against corruption, gender profiling, electoral malpractices, and modern slavery.

In 2017, he played a pivotal role in organizing Nigeria’s first nationwide peaceful protests against police brutality under the EndSARS-ReformPoliceNG movement. His involvement continued into 2020, coordinating the historic #EndSARS protests in Abuja. He also led digital freedom advocacy efforts that successfully halted the passage of legislative bills aimed at restricting free speech under the guise of combating fake news and hate speech.

Reacting to his appointment, Adebayo expressed his resolve to tackle the systemic inequalities in the country.

“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,” he said. “I am firmly committed, with the support of the group, to defending and educating the common people of our country to become champions of a much more ideal society.”

Adebayo also wished his predecessor well: “I wish the former Convener, my good friend and brother, Deji Adeyanju, all the best in his new endeavors.”

The organization expressed its gratitude to Adeyanju for his significant contributions to the group’s growth and advocacy efforts.

“We wholeheartedly thank our former convener, Adeyanju Deji, who for close to a decade led this organization in numerous civil rights movements and advocacies. His contributions will not be forgotten, and we wish him well in his legal career,” the spokesperson said.

The appointment of Adebayo Raphael is expected to further strengthen the group’s mission of defending human rights, promoting democratic principles, and driving positive social change in Nigeria.

About Concerned Nigerians for the Protection of Human Rights and the Rule of Law

The Concerned Nigerians for the Protection of Human Rights and the Rule of Law is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the protection of human rights, upholding the rule of law, and promoting democratic values in Nigeria. The group has been at the forefront of numerous civil rights movements and advocacies across the country and continent.