Col. Dasuki accused AI for blackmailing Nigeria and prefers publicity and fundraising to seeking for justice for the victims.
In a letter to Amnesty International, titled: Re: Alleged Extrajudicial Executions and Mass Arbitrary Arrests by the Nigerian Military and Members Of the “Civilian Joint Task Force”, the NSA said that there was no doubt that the alleged actions shown in the video were horrific and if the claims that these atrocities were conducted by Nigerian soldiers are proven accurate, every soldier involved in these actions deserves to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Amnesty had on August 5, 2015 alleged in a video footage that Nigerian soldiers were slitting Boko Haram members. But Col. Dasuki declared that the organisation’s actions were bias and ill-motivated.
The letter which was signed by S.Y. Bello on behalf of Col. Dasuki reads:
“Prior to your press release, however, we had thought that our Government and Amnesty International were united in a desire to investigate the video and other allegations and hold alleged perpetrators to account. In a letter you sent to President Goodluck Jonathan on July 23, 2014, you asked for an ‘immediate, impartial, independent, and thorough investigation’ into these reports of extrajudicial killings. On July 30, 2014, we responded with a letter stating that in response to your allegations, the ‘Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff has accordingly directed for an immediate and thorough investigation into all the issues and allegations contained therein.”
It went on to say that “as soon as the investigation is concluded you will be availed with the report, findings, recommendations, and actions taken on the issue.
“To our shock and dismay, despite this clear and unequivocal response, Amnesty International rejected this action and only days later launched a public assault against the Government of Nigeria. We had thought from our correspondence, mistakenly, that Amnesty International actually wanted to stand in solidarity with the victims and obtain justice and accountability for alleged perpetrators. Instead, by your hasty press release, you have compromised our investigation and made our job more difficult. It is clear the only reason for making such a choice can be a conscious decision to prioritise your own publicity and fundraising ahead of demonstrable results.
“First, by making the video public and identifying the alleged perpetrators as being with a specific battalion, you have broadcast to those pictured on the video that they are being investigated, giving them time to evade arrest as the Government determines their identities. Secondly, you have made it much more difficult for the Government to identify and interview witnesses, who may now be very worried about the public profile of the case. And thirdly, you also have failed to facilitate our investigation by connecting us directly with witnesses who can shed light on the video.
“Our security and law enforcement agencies are committed to abiding by the Geneva Conventions and all standard operating procedures designed to maximise the protection of civilians when fighting an armed and hidden insurgency, which blends in with the local population. That said, however, there have indeed been abuses committed where our security and law enforcement operatives failed to abide by those important standards. We are, however, determined to do better and happily with each passing day we are doing better.
“But if Amnesty International really wants to advance justice and accountability for all perpetrators of crimes in Nigeria, then when making accusations against the government, they should give us a fair opportunity to investigate allegations of abuse and don’t act in ways that make it easier for perpetrators to evade responsibility for their actions. Please accept the kind assurances of the National Security Adviser as always,” he said.
Source: Nigerian Pilot
No comments:
Post a Comment