United Nations
Ms Callamard addressed a press briefing in Abuja on her preliminary findings on extrajudicial killings in Nigeria.
Moyo Thomas reports that the United Nations rapporteur on Extra-judicial, Summary and Arbitrary execution has presented her preliminary findings to the Nigerian government.
Callamard said the police and military had shown an excessive use of lethal force across the West African country which, combined with a lack of effective investigations and meaningful prosecution, caused a lack of accountability.
She said the country required changes in the judiciary, police and military to stop people resorting to violence in the absence of justice.
“The lack of accountability is on such a scale that pretending this is nothing short of a crisis will be a major mistake. If ignored, its ripple effect will spread in the sub-region given the country’s important role in the continent,” she said
Agnes Callamard said she will work with the government to review the findings and have a final report by 2020
The preliminary findings suggests that Nigeria is involved in so many human rights abuses, especially from the military and police who are excessive in their use of force
She says the fallout from impunity and abuse of the rule of law is the jungle justice that seems to strive in the Southern part of Nigeria.
This is to the perception of the populace that they need to take matters concerning their safety into their own hands
The 12-day preliminary findings also hinges on accountability for violations in the course of the Boko Haram conflict in the North East.
In fulfillment of the United Nations 2030 agenda which Nigeria is a signatory to, she pledges to ensure no one is left behind. It is important that this is fulfilled by giving access of justice to the poor and remedies for arbitrary killings.
