By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
A former US Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to repudiate his police Inspector General, Usman Baba Alkali, over a comment that green-lights the killing of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) members by policemen.
In an article published on the blog of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), Campbell said the police boss’ comment was not only giving the green light to human rights violations but also promising his protection for those who commit them.
“In addition, he is threatening those who might hang back with the loss of pension benefits! Usman is implying that he has the full support of President Muhammadu Buhari,” the diplomat said.
During the launch of Operation Restore Peace in the South East, Usman had told the policemen in that region: “Don’t mind the media shout; do the job I command you. If anyone accuses you of human rights violation, the report will come to my table and you know what I will do. So, take the battle to them wherever they are and kill them all. Don’t wait for an order.
“What another order are you waiting for when Mr. President had ordered you to shoot anybody carrying AK-47 rifle? Quote me, even a dead policeman can be tried and dismissed from the force and his family will not get his benefits. So, don’t sit and wait for them to come; take attack to them and don’t lose your arms to criminals.”
Campbell said Buhari should prove that the police boss does not have his backing on that order by reprimanding him,
“It is to be hoped that President Muhammadu Buhari will repudiate IGP Usman Baba’s rhetoric and methods, which give a green light to human rights violations in countering Biafran secessionism,” he said.