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
the 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
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.
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