A mother cries for her missing daughter abducted in 2014 by Boko Haram Islamists, during a march to press for the release of the schoolgirls kidnapped in 2014 from their school in Chibok by the Islamist group, in Abuja on January 14, 2016. Parents of the some 200 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram in April 2014, marched along with members of the civil society and the "Bring Back Our Girls" movement, towards the presidency to press for speedy rescue of the schoolgirls, as Nigeria's government declared the Islamist group "technically defeated". / AFP / STRINGER (Photo credit should read STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images)
FeaturedHighlight

Justice not amnesty for Boko Haram, SERAP writes Buhari

299

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari urging him to “drop the proposed policy to grant amnesty to members of the Boko Haram terrorist group in the interests of justice, as any amnesty programme for the group would be counter-productive, and constitute impunity for their members, which can only continue to undermine peace and stability in the country.”

“Any amnesty for Boko Haram would take away the rights of the victims to justice, ignore the needs of the internally displaced persons, and never bring ‘closure’ to the mass atrocities committed by the group against Nigerians, the civil society group said Sunday morning.

“The victims need to know the truth about what happened, and the alleged complicity of our armed forces and security services in the atrocities committed by the group. The offer of amnesty would prevent the government from addressing these fundamental issues.”

“Boko Haram should not be allowed to escape the consequences of their crimes if the authorities are to prevent a cycle of revenge leading to further violence and conflict. We believe that granting amnesty to Boko Haram would be an open violation of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) and international law and would entail a virtual denial of justice for victims, said executive director, Timothy Olawale.

“We contend that impunity for international crimes and systematic and widespread violations of fundamental human rights is a betrayal of solidarity with the victims of Boko Haram to whom the authorities owe a duty of justice, remembrance, and compensation.”

“The pursuit of justice and accountability fulfils fundamental human values, helps achieve peace, and contributes to the prevention and deterrence of future violence. Thus, to grant amnesty to Boko Haram is to choose expedience over lasting goals and more enduring values.”

“We also contend that every state, including Nigeria has clear obligations to investigate, prosecute and punish or extradite individuals accused of crimes under international, who are present in a territory under its jurisdiction. We are concerned that the proposed amnesty for Boko Haram would have the effect of restricting such important international norms.”

The organization said the government should instead “prioritise justice for the victims of Boko Haram and help them to rebuild and get on with their lives rather than pushing to remove accountability for the mass atrocities committed against millions of Nigerian women, men, children and the elderly, and allowing those responsible to escape justice.”

 

According to the organization, “The international community is pushing for accountability for those who commit the worst of human crimes, and longer tolerating amnesty for war crimes, crimes against humanity or other gross violations of human rights.”

“SERAP is seriously concerned about the government’s offer of amnesty to “repentant members of Boko Haram sect willing to surrender their arms and embrace peace.” We note that any amnesty for Boko Haram involved in serious human rights violations would be contrary to Nigeria’s international obligations and commitments, including under the Rome Statute of International Criminal Court, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and People’ Rights.”

“We contend that any amnesty for Boko Haram with blood stained hands would serve no public interests in terms of the actual reduction of impunity for human rights crimes or deterrent effect. The authorities would never be able to get to the root of the causes of Boko Haram. Nigerians would not know the truth about the factors that continue to fuel the activities of Boko Haram if the authorities go ahead to grant members of the terrorist group amnesty.”

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Related Articles

NNPC Ltd. hosts NSC boss, pledges support for revitalization of Nigerian football

In a significant move to boost Nigerian football, the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Nigerian youths essential to repositioning Africa, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth...

Just in: Simon Ekpa ‘ll be extradited to Nigeria to face charges – Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa,...

NPA’s CEO Dantsoho Makes History as First Nigerian Chairman of PMAWCA

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Save for rainy day, Federal Accountant General urges state govts, emphasizes transparency, accountability

In a bid to ensure financial stability during adverse situations and economic...

Sacked UNIZIK VC Odoh to Tinubu: You can’t fire me through press release

Sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in Awka, Anambra State, Prof....

UBA to empower MSME’s with wealth management strategies at its ‘Built to Last’ series

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of...

Olopade assumes office as NSC DG, promises new lease of life for Nigerian sports

Bukola Olopade had assumed office as the Director General of the resuscitated...

Amid High Inflation Rate, IMF Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

International Monetary Fund (IMF) President Kristalina Georgieva and her team met with...

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Ajibade, Nnadozie, Nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the...

Just in: FG announces reshuffle of governing councils at FUOYE, Kogi varsity

The Federal Government has made changes to the governing councils of Federal...

Exclusive: Eguavoen Opens Up on Declining NFF Contract Extension, Reveals Reasons

Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, has revealed why he declined the Nigeria...

Boost for Nigeria’s Oil Production As NNPC’s Utapate Crude Grade Hits Global Oil Market

In a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation, and...

Just in: FG sacks varsity Pro-Chancellor for misconduct

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced the removal of...

Just in: INEC presents Certificates of Return to Ondo Gov. Aiyedatiwa, deputy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to...

Breaking: Senate sacks Danladi Umar, Code of Conduct Tribunal chairman  

Following proven allegations of gross misconduct and unacceptable behaviour, the Senate on...

Just in: South Africa takes over G20 Presidency from Brazil, first African nation to lead the bloc

South Africa has taken over the presidency of the G20 from Brazil,...

Tinubu submits 3 INEC REC, federal commissioner-nominees for Senate’s approval

President Bola Tinubu has sent the name of Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner,...

Just in: After a night in custody, DSS in Ogun releases Ladi Adebutu

Mr. Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in...