The US government has requested that the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, put into effect the findings of the several #EndSARS panels of inquiry that were established in more than 20 States of the federation to look into violations of human rights committed by security agents during the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
At the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 4th cycle Universal Period Review of Nigeria in Geneva, Switzerland, the United States made the demand.
Addressing human rights issues in Nigeria, a US government delegate requested that the Nigerian government take action to put the different #EndSARS recommendations into practice.
Additionally, the US delegate requested that the Nigerian government review the standard operating procedures of the armed forces in order to respect human rights and reform the Nigerian Press Council Act in order to remove limits on freedom of expression.
According to Vanguard, the US delegate expressed worry over some limitations preventing Nigerians from exercising their human rights. We urge Nigeria to follow the recommendations of the State-level investigative panel reports on the security forces’ response to the #EndSARS protests, including the prosecution of those found to be implicated in the reports when appropriate, in the spirit of constructive engagement.
“Amend the Nigerian Press Act of 1992 to remove limitations on the right to free speech, particularly with regard to citizen and internet journalism. To guarantee the defense of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Nigerians, put a stop to the arbitrary detention and prosecution of LGBT individuals and modify the standard operating procedure of the armed forces.”
Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) of Nigeria, responded by expressing gratitude for the UN Human Rights Council’s interest in Nigerian matters and the suggestions that had been made.
Additionally, the AGF reaffirmed that there are no problems with the credibility of Nigerian elections, stating that the election process begins with nomination and that the election cannot finish until the Supreme Court gives a ruling.
According to reports, Fagbemi stated: “Any election in Nigeria does not raise the question of its credibility. Elections are processes, and they cannot be considered complete until the Supreme Court issues a ruling.
“A statement for the presidential election has been made, and the previous statement regarding the gubernatorial elections was made only last week. There is absolutely no mention of the credibility issue.
“It has been confirmed to be in conformity with the laws guiding the conduct of elections in Nigeria.”