A Commission to review military’s compliance with human rights obligations has been appointed.
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said the seven-man judicial commission will ensure compliance of the Nigerian Armed Forces with human rights obligation and rules of engagement, especially in local conflict and insurgency situations.
The commission would be headed by Justice Biobele Georgewill of the Court of Appeal.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice-President, Laolu Akande, stated this in a press release.
Akande said the commission is empowered to review extant rules of engagement applicable in the Nigerian armed forces and the extent of compliance thereto.
“The commission is also empowered to investigate alleged acts of violation (by Nigerian security agencies) of international humanitarian and human rights law under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended; the Geneva Convention Act; the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act and other relevant laws.
“The commission equally has a mandate to investigate factors that might be militating against a speedy resolution of local conflicts and insurgencies and also advise on means of preventing violations of international humanitarian and rights law in conflict situations,” Akande explained.
Other members of the commission are Major-General Patrick Akem, Mr. Wale Fapohunda, Mrs Hauwa Ibrahim, Mr. Jibrin Ibrahim, Mrs Ifeoma Nwakama and a representative of the National Security Adviser.
The commission is expected to commence work immediately and submit its report within 90 days.