…Says Govt Considered the Respect for Nigerians’ Lives a Constitutional and Moral Duty
By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Friday at the State House in Abuja, inaugurated a presidential panel to investigate allegations of human rights abuses against the armed forces.
The panel is headed by Justice Biobele A. Georgewill of the Court of Appeal.
Other members are: Major-General Patrick Akem, Mr. Wale Fapohunda, Mrs. Hauwa Ibrahim, Mr. Jibrin Ibrahim, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwakama and a representative of the office of the National Security Adviser.
The probe panel has the mandate to: review extant rules of engagement applicable to the armed forces and the extent of compliance thereto, to investigate alleged acts of violation of international humanitarian and human rights law under the 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended, the Geneva Convention Act, the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, Ratification and Enforcement Act and other relevant laws by the armed forces in local conflicts and insurgencies.
The panel is also mandated to investigate matters of conducts and discipline in the armed forces in local conflicts and insurgencies, recommend means of preventing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in conflict situations and make further recommendations in line with these terms of reference as may be deemed necessary.
Osinbajo said the government considered the respect for Nigerians’ lives a constitutional and moral duty, adding; “This is why it is incumbent upon us even as we maintain security, especially in conflict situations to interrogate, as we go along on a regular basis, alleged crimes and human rights abuses by all sides in these conflicts and insurgencies.”
Noting that the conduct of the nation’s defence and security forces during the insurgency in the northeast and militancy in the Niger Delta had recently attracted significant commendation, he said virtually all of the territory hitherto under the control of Boko Haram had now been recovered by security forces.(Daily Trust)