Monarch commends Nigeria for setting up panel to probe Rights violations

The Nigerian Government has been commended for setting up the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East (SIIP-NE).

The Shehu of Borno Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Garbai made the commendation in Maiduguri the Borno State Capital when members of the panel visited him.

The traditional ruler said the Emirate is worried about the some media report, which alleged rights violations by the armed forces describing it as capable of distracting the military in peace to Borno state and the North East region.

Umar-Garbai said, “We are happy with the setting up of the panel by the government, it is a relief to us because we are hopeful that it will get to the root of the matter and unravel the truth.”

The Royal Father recalled that prior to the deployment of troops on counter insurgency operations to Borno and other parts of the North East, several villages were captured, airports were inoperative, roads were barricaded, telecommunication was interrupted, women and school children were kidnapped at random by the insurgents.

The Monarch said atrocious crimes and grave human rights violations became minimal with the massive deployment of troops, saying that he will be highly surprised if the panel finds the military guilty of unprofessional conduct and human rights violations.

The Chairman of the panel, Justice Abdu Aboki (rtd) said the visit is necessary to enable the panel to achieve its objective of arriving at the truth of the matter and ensure justice to all parties.

The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu informed Shehu of Borno that, the panel made the visit before the commencement of sittings proper so that the Emirate will be aware of the presence of the panel in the State as well its objective.

Ojukwu noted that, some media reports has serious human rights implications, and as an Independent body which among other responsibilities, is mandated to assist the government to fulfill its international human rights obligations.

Dominica Nwabufo