US presses Nigeria to implement EndSars reports gathering dust for 2 years
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Nigeria has been pressed by the United States to implement the full reports of various panels that investigated killings and other human rights abuses by security agencies during the EndSars protests in 2020.
Washington made the call at the United Nations Human Rights Council 4th cycle Universal Period Review of Nigeria in Geneva, Switzerland.
A representative of the US government asked Abuja to implement the reports, amend the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) Act, and review the standard operating procedure of the armed forces to protect human rights, among other demands.
“Our main concern is on certain restrictions on Nigerians on the enjoyment of human rights,” he said.
“In the spirit of constructive engagement, we recommend that Nigeria implement recommendations from state level investigations panel report on security forces response to the #EndSARS protests including prosecution as appropriate of the individual implicated in the reports.
“Amend the Nigerian Press Act of 1992 to remove restriction on the freedom of expression specifically as it applies to online and citizen journalists.
“End the arbitrary arrest and prosecution of LGBT persons and amend the armed forces standard operating procedure to ensure the protection of human rights and fundamental freedom of all Nigerians.”
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Fagbemi dodges human rights issue, speaks on purported election credibility
In response, federal Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, SAN expressed appreciation for the interest of the UN Human Rights Council in the affairs of Nigeria and the recommendations made.
He stressed “the issue of credibility of any election in Nigeria does not arise. Election is a process and until the Supreme Court makes any pronouncement, it cannot be regarded as having come to an end.
“A pronouncement has been made in respected of the presidential election and just last week, the last pronouncement was made in respect of governorship elections.
“The issue of credibility does not arise at all. It has been confirmed to be in conformity with the laws guiding the conduct of elections in Nigeria.”
A member of the Nigerian delegation, Abdulraman Yakubu, listed measures Nigeria has adopted since the last review to ensure the protection of human rights.
He said there has been a remarkable improvement in election management processes since 2019 as “our election management body has been strengthened to be independent to manage electoral process in an open and transparent manner.”