FG protests Nigerian Army’s probe by ICC

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has asked the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, to stop the prolonged investigation of the Nigerian military.

The AGF stated the country’s position on Monday in a statement made available to the media in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Publicity, Office of the AGF and Minister of Justice, Kamarudeen Ogundele.

According to the statement, the AGF, in his remarks at the 23rd session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC in Hague, stated that Nigeria at the global stage had demonstrated the will to promote justice and end terrorism among other global crimes.

The AGF, while expressing the country’s commitment to confronting impunity, holding perpetrators of heinous crimes accountable, and restoring justice for victims, noted further that the preliminary examination into alleged crimes in Nigeria had lasted 14 years and was demoralising to the service men laying their lives to defend their country against terrorists.

The minister emphasised that Nigeria, as a responsible state party to the Rome Statute, had consistently engaged with the Office of the Prosecutor and demonstrated its military’s adherence to international humanitarian law and ensuring accountability for any personnel found guilty of misconduct.

He said, “While we respect the court’s mandate to intervene when states are unable or unwilling to prosecute such crimes, it is important to emphasise that there must be respect and regard to the principle of complementarity. The ICC is meant to act as a court of last resort, intervening only when national legal systems are unable or unwilling to address grave crimes. I must assert that Nigeria does not fall under any such situation. Our nation has consistently demonstrated both the will and the capacity to investigate and prosecute serious crimes, including those committed by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups. We are proud of the Nigerian military, which has systems and structures in place to ensure their operations are guided by international humanitarian law and human rights principles.

“At the 22nd Session of this Assembly, Nigeria reported the establishment of an independent Special Investigative Panel by the National Human Rights Commission to address allegations against the Nigerian military made by Reuters. After thorough investigations spanning eight months, the panel found no evidence to substantiate these claims. The allegations of killings, torture, and the recruitment of underage fighters have been proven to be false and exaggerated.

“Indeed, the work of the panel and acceptance of its recommendations by the government clearly indicates that Nigeria has the political will to investigate allegations of heinous crimes and hold violators accountable.

“The conduct of military operations during conflict is regulated by international humanitarian law, and we can assure this Assembly that the Nigerian military does not engage in arbitrary killings or inhumane treatment of those no longer directly participating in hostilities. Our military ensures that captured combatants are treated with dignity and respect. While inadvertent mistakes or errors of judgment may occur in the chaos of conflict, these are promptly investigated by impartial commissions and panels. I wish to state that Nigeria has a well-established and functional court martial system for holding erring officers accountable. We also employ restorative justice measures, including compensation, when appropriate.

“In addition, Nigeria’s six-month Demobilization, Deradicalization, and Reintegration  programme has successfully reintegrated 4,000 former Boko Haram combatants into society. We continue to prioritise the training and re-training of our armed forces, ensuring that human rights and international humanitarian law remain at the forefront of our military operations, with a focus on the protection of civilian protection.”

The AGF observed further that the country was concerned by the seemingly predetermined stance of the Office of the Prosecutor regarding armed forces and the situation in Nigeria despite these efforts.

“We are also concerned about activities of apologists of terrorist groups, parading as civil society organisations, who are continuously making unsubstantiated allegations in order to undermine legitimate efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” he added.

Fagbemi, on behalf of Nigeria, called on all States Parties to ratify the Convention on Cluster Munitions, as the use of cluster munitions continues to cause widespread suffering and hinders peace-building and humanitarian efforts.

He also congratulated the newly elected members of the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims, saying that with their exceptional qualifications, he was confident they would fulfil the Fund’s mandate with integrity and dedication.

“Nigeria stands firm with fellow State Parties in the shared commitment to ending impunity for the world’s most serious crimes. We fully support the work of the ICC and encourage those States Parties yet to accede to the Rome Statute to do so,” he added.

*Hon. TAIWO OYEKAN: Setting The Template For Qualitative Cum Responsive Grassroot Governance And Human Capital Development

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UBA SANI SUPPORT COALITION HAILS GOVERNOR’S RECENT APPOINTMENTS, URGES CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR LEADERSHIP

The Chairman and founder of the Kaduna Forward: Uba Sani Support Coalition, Tasiu Musa, has expressed profound appreciation for Governor Uba Sani’s recent appointments of commissioners, heads of parastatals, and special advisers. In a statement released to the press, Tasiu underscored the coalition’s unwavering confidence in the governor’s leadership and decision-making capabilities.

“We believe that these appointments reflect the governor’s commitment to fostering effective governance and delivering on his promises to the people of Kaduna State,” Tasiu stated. “We are confident that the newly appointed officials will bring their expertise and dedication to the table, furthering the progress and development of our great state.”

Tasiu took the opportunity to congratulate the outgoing appointees for their invaluable service, thanking them for their contributions to the state’s growth. He urged them to remain available for public service whenever called upon, emphasizing the importance of continued engagement from seasoned leaders in the community.

In his remarks, Tasiu also extended prayers for the new appointees, wishing them a successful tenure filled with accomplishments that benefit the citizens of Kaduna State. “We are optimistic that the new leadership will build on the successes of their predecessors and drive innovative solutions to the challenges facing our state,” he added.

The coalition also recognized the significant support of the 9th Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani FCNA, who serves as the Grand Patron of the movement. Tasiu highlighted Zailani’s unwavering financial and advisory support, which has been instrumental in the coalition’s activities and outreach efforts. “His commitment to our cause has been a source of inspiration for us all,” said Tasiu. “We are grateful for his guidance and generosity, which continue to empower our mission.”

The Uba Sani Support Coalition remains steadfast in its commitment to championing the governor’s ideology and vision for a prosperous Kaduna State. Tasiu called on the good people of Kaduna to rally behind the coalition and the governor, emphasizing that collective support is crucial for achieving sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.

“As we move forward, let us unite in our efforts to support our governor and his administration. Together, we can create a brighter future for Kaduna State,” Tasiu concluded.

The coalition’s dedication to promoting good governance and community engagement reflects its resolve to foster a collaborative environment for progress in the state. With the backing of influential leaders and a committed membership base, the Uba Sani Support Coalition is poised to make a significant impact in the ongoing journey toward a better Kaduna.