Amnesty International
The Nigerian Army has called for the closure of the Amnesty
International offices in Nigeria, alleging there is credible evidence
the organisation is working hard to destabilise the country.
The army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman said in a statement on
Monday that the organisation’s attempt to destabilise the nation was
noted through fabrication of fictitious allegations of alleged human
rights abuses against the Nigerian security forces.
Usman also alleged the AI had engaged in clandestine sponsorship of
dissident groups to protest, as well as unfounded allegations against
the leadership of the Nigerian military.
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (Socio-Economic Rights
and Accountability Project, Enough is Enough, and BudgIT) have recently
called for the probing of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) over the
funding of the war against terrorism and other crimes in the country.
The CSOs alleged the army had not made commensurate achievement in
the fight in line with the huge fund the federal government allocated to
the fight.
The COAS, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had however explained that some
of the allocated funds has yet to be cash backed and that it had not
reached the army.
Usman said the Nigerian branch of AI that has hitherto been well
respected has deviated from the core values, principles and objectives
of the original parent body in the United Kingdom.
“They have tried over the years using Boko Haram terrorists
conflicts, Islamic Movement in Nigeria, some activists and now
herders-farmers conflicts.
“The NGO is at the verge of releasing yet another concocted report against the military, ostensibly against the Nigerian Army.
“Consequently, Nigerians should be wary of Amnesty
International (Nigeria) because it’s goals are to destabilise Nigeia and
to dismember it.
“The Nigerian Army has no option than to call for the closure
of Amnesty International offices in Nigeria, if such recklessness
continues.
It was not the first time the Nigerian army and Amnesty
International would have some misunderstanding over the latter’s various
reports on human rights in the country.
-NAN