President Muhammadu Buhari has assured the Amnesty International that his government will not condone impunity and human right violation from any quarters, even as he acknowledged receipt of the Amnesty’s report on Nigeria, titled: “Nigeria: Stories of horror in their own words.”
A statement from in Niamey, Niger Republic, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity), Malam Garba Shehu quoted President Buhari as acknowledging receipt of the report which he said contained many disturbing allegations.
The President assured that his administration will study the document and act appropriately, adding: “I assure you that your report will be looked into.”
He said that without meaning to prejudice the outcome of any investigation, Nigerians needed to be reassured that his administration will leave no stone unturned to promote the rule of law, and deal with all cases of human rights abuses.
“Respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law are the life and soul of the democratic system. We will not tolerate or condone impunity and reckless disregard for human rights.”
Meanwhile, Nigerian Director of Defense Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, has accused Amnesty International of attempting to blackmail the Nigerian government and military.
In his official response to a report published by the Amnesty International, detailing egregious human rights abuses by the Nigerian military, Olukolade described the allegation as part of the international human rights organization’s efforts at supporting the actions of Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria and trying to blackmail Nigerian officials.
The report implored the new Nigerian government under President Buhari to investigate military officials for the deaths of more than 8,000 people by murder, starvation, suffocation, and torture.
The Major General said: “the loud publicity given to these damning allegations suggests an intention to blackmail the military and particular senior officers rather than a sincere advise to the government.”
He called the report a calculated attempt to destroy the reputation and image of the Nigerian military. He also claimed that Amnesty International is trying to distract the public from the narrative of Boko Haram’s dwindling power.
“It is clear that Amnesty International (AI) becomes more active in presenting distractive allegations whenever the terrorists are losing ground in the battle.”
The Nigerian military has continuously had criticism lodged against it for human rights abuses, corruption, extrajudicial murders, and torture by local and international human rights organizations. [myad]
