By Nkem Okere
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), on Tuesday inaugurated a special independent investigative panel (SIIP North East) to probe the human rights violations allegations levelled against the military deployed to the North-East counter-insurgency operations.
The inauguration of the panel followed the widespread three-part report published last December by a foreign media organisation, Reuters, which alleged that the Nigerian military was involved in grievous human rights violations.
Reuters had reported that in the last 10 years, the Nigerian military was involved in secret abortions of many pregnancies in the North-East, infanticide, and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence acts.
Last week, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, had named a seven-member panel chaired by former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Abdu Aboki, to look into the case.
While inaugurating members of the panel in Abuja on Tuesday, the executive secretary of the commission, Tony Ojukwu said, ”following the allegations of gross human rights violations contained in the three-part report published in December 2022 on military operations in the north east by media group, Reuters, the National Human Rights Commission has invoked its inherent, express and incidental powers as contained in sections 5 and 6 of the NHRC Act as amended to constitute a special independent investigative panel.
Members of the panel include, Honourable Justice Abdu Aboki- Chairman, Ms Kemi Okenyodo representing Women Rights Organisation, Barr. Azubuike Nwanta-NBA, Maj. Gen. Letam Wiwa, retd -MLIE, Dr. Maisaratu Bakari, Dr. Fatima Akilu, Ms Helima Nuradeem and Hilary Ogbonna as the secretary.
The panel is saddled with the terms of reference to investigate allegations of gross violations of national and international human rights laws/principles alleged against the Nigerian Armed Forces in the three reports by Reuters. (Sections 5(a)(b)(j) and 6(1)(a) of the NHRC Act, 2010).
It is also to receive memorandum from individuals and organisations with interest in the subject matter of the mandate of the SIIP North-East, especially human rights, security and humanitarian organisations working in the North-East.
Also to make appropriate determinations as to culpability of individuals or institutions as may be deemed necessary in each circumstance. (Section 5(j) of the NHRC Act 2010). Make determination as to the damages or compensation payable in relation to any violation of human rights where it deems this necessary in the circumstances of the case (sec. 6(e) of the NHRC Act, 2010)
Refer any matter of human rights violations requiring prosecution to the Attorney General of the Federation or of a State, as the case may be.
(Section 5(p) of the NHRC Act, 2010).Make recommendations to government on: Institutional, Policy and Regulatory measures to be taken to integrate human rights principles and practices into military and counter-insurgency operations.
And propose remedial steps that may enhance the professional conduct of military personnel in counter-insurgency operations. And other related issues that the SIIP North-East may be considered appropriate.
Ojukwu said, “The SIIP North-East shall operate under the mandate of the National Human Rights Commission and shall enjoy its express and incidental powers under section 6(1) and (2) of the NHRC Act.
“Membership of this panel has been drawn from major professional backgrounds relating to the allegations contained in the report. These include, law and human rights, medicine and psychology, military intelligence and humanitarian affairs.
“My Lord and distinguished panel members, the allegations contained in the aforementioned reports are grievous and present a major concern to all of us in the human rights field. As I inaugurate this panel today, it is the hope of the Commission and indeed every Nigerian that this panel will work hard with all human and other resources at your disposal to investigate and unravel the truth behind these allegations and ensure that justice is done in all appropriate cases,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ojukwu stated that the Commission has given the panel the mandate and all necessary incidental powers to achieve the terms of reference and objectives. Thereby, he solicited support and cooperation of all stakeholders in the humanitarian efforts in the north east for the Panel to achieve its mandate.
In respond, the chairman of the Panel Honourable Justice Abdu Aboki (retd) thanked the commission for believing in him and all members of the panel, while pledging their readiness to do justice in their cause of their investigation.
“Our panel will endeavour in every respect to abide by the rules of natural justice. We will be fair and just to all manner of persons who appear before us as victims, witness, respondent, Officer, Counsel and citizens. This panel has been constituted to bring justice to investigate human rights violations and bring justice to victims where appropriate. We will be guided by this throughout our sittings and will strive to do substantial justice devoid of technicalities.
“I want to thank the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission and his staff for their support
and the hard work they have all put in place to make this inauguration possible. The entire Panel looks forward to working with you and sharing in your passion to promote and protect human rights,” he said.
