US Asks Tinubu To Implement #Endsars Reports, Prosecute Indicted Persons

The United States Government has asked President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian Government to implement the reports of various #EndSARS panels of inquiry set up in over 20 States of the federation to investigate human rights abuses by security agencies during the 2020 #EndSARS protests.

The US made the demand at the United Nations Human Rights Council 4th cycle Universal Period Review of Nigeria in Geneva, Switzerland.

A representative of the US Government while addressing some human rights concerns in Nigeria, asked the Nigerian Government to take steps to implement the various #EndSARS reports.

The US representative also asked the Nigerian Government to amend the Nigerian Press Council Act to remove restrictions on freedom of expression and review the standard operating procedure of the armed forces to protect human rights.

Vanguard quoted the US representative as saying, "Our main concern is on certain restrictions on Nigerians on the enjoyment of human rights. In the spirit of constructive engagement, we recommend that Nigeria implement recommendations from State level investigations panel reports 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 the freedom of expression specifically as it applies to online and citizen journalists. End the arbitrary arrest and prosecution of LGBT persons and amend the armed forces standard operating procedure to ensure the protection of human rights and fundamental freedom of all Nigerians."

In response, the Nigeria's Attorney General of Federation (AGF), Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), appreciated the UN Human Rights Council's interest in the affairs of Nigeria and the recommendations that had been made.

Also, the AGF who reiterated that the issues of credibility of elections in Nigeria do not arise, said that election was a process which starts from nomination, adding that until the Supreme Court made a pronouncement, the election cannot come to an end.

Fagbemi reportedly said that "The issue of credibility of any election in Nigeria does not arise. Election is a process and until the Supreme Court makes any pronouncement, it cannot be regarded as having come to an end.

"A pronouncement has been made in respect of the Presidential election and just last week, the last pronouncement was made in respect of governorship elections. The issue of credibility does not arise at all.

"It has been confirmed to be in conformity with the laws guiding the conduct of elections in Nigeria."