Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has inaugurated a 7-man Judicial Commission to probe activities of the military on various indicting reports of gross human rights violations in their operations in the North East and other areas.
The Commission is headed by Justice Biobele A. Georgewill, of the Court of Appeal.
A statement from the presidency signed by Laolu Akande said, “Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has appointed a 7-man Judicial Commission, headed by Justice Biobele A. Georgewill, of the Court of Appeal, to review compliance of the Nigerian Armed Forces with human rights obligations and rules of engagement, especially in local conflict and insurgency situations”.
In the last few months notable pro-human rights group such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and several others have all at one time or the other leveled allegations of gross human rights abuse against the military and it (the military) vehemently deny such.
The presidential committee “is empowered to review extant rules of engagement applicable in the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the extent of compliance thereto.”
Read Also:
- Governor Mutfwang Commends Mr. President on Improved Security in Plateau State
- Troops of 401 Special Forces Brigade rescue 8 Kidnapped Victims of Taraba Express Transport in Benue State
- Cache’s of Illicit Arms Captured from Terrorists, Bandits, Kidnappers Emanated from Govt’s Security Armoury-NSA; Condemn Security Operatives who facilitate movement of weapons to Terrorists, Criminal Elements
“It is also empowered to investigate alleged acts of violation, (by Nigerian security agencies) of international humanitarian and human rights law under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Geneva Conventions Act, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act and other relevant laws” the statement noted.
Akande added that the “the commission equally has a mandate to investigate factors that might be militating against a speedy resolution of local conflicts and insurgencies and also advise on means of preventing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in conflict situations.”
Members of the judicial commission are Mr. Georgewill as Chairman; and Patrick Akem, a Major General, as member.
Other members are Wale Fapohunda, Hauwa Ibrahim, Jibrin Ibrahim, Ifeoma Nwakama, and a representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“The Commission is expected to commence work immediately and submit its report within 90 days,” Akande said.
