Implement #EndSARS report – U.S Government

The U.S has called on the Nigerian government to implement the recommendations of the #EndSARS report and also amend the 1992 Press Act on freedom of speech particularly for journalists.

The appeal was made on Tuesday, by a U.S government representative at the 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Nigeria by the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

Pointing out some of the human rights issues in Nigeria, the representative said, “We remain concerned regarding certain restrictions on the enjoyment of Nigerias’ human rights. 

“In the spirit of constructive engagement, we recommend that Nigeria implement recommendations from the state-level investigations panel on security forces response to the #EndSARS protests, including prosecution as appropriate of the individuals implicated in the reports.    

 “Amend the Nigerian Press Act of 1992 to remove restrictions on freedom of expression, specifically as it applies to online and citizen journalists. 

She further recommended an end to prosecution of the LGBTQ people. “End the arbitrary arrest and prosecution of LGBT persons and amend the armed forces standard operating procedure to ensure protection of human rights and fundamental freedom of all Nigerians.” 

The Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who led the Nigerian delegation said the government had taken steps to promote and protect the enjoyment of fundamental human rights however, it has to engage the national and subnational governments to arrive at a decision.

“I would like to assure you that Nigeria has continued to take very commendable steps towards building a consensus across the federation of Nigeria in order to have a justice sector reform that is worthy of emulation all over the world. 

“You must take into consideration that ours is a federation therefore, we need to engage both the national and subnational governments in order to arrive at a consensus,” he said.   

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