NIGERIA TRULY ON TRACK? 4

BY: STEVEN KEFASON
     stevenkefas@gmail.com

Human Rights, War crimes & Rule of Law and Buhari.

It was president Barrack Obama of the United state of America who said that "Transparency and the rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency" these were the words of the most powerful president in the world.
Since the regime of Muhammadu Buhari kick started sometime in late May 2015, there have been questions pertaining to the regime's commitment to the rule of law and human rights, prior to the polls, the ex dictator gave Nigerians the impression that he is now a repented man and that he is ready to observe all democratic processes and principles in discharging his duties if elected. This has been the bone of contention of many who still believe that the president is yet to come to terms with the fact that Nigeria has metamorphosed from what it used to be in the eighties to a more complex society where the citizens are more abreast with their human rights compared to the eighties when Buhari held sway.
There have been cases of violating the rights of citizens especially politically exposed persons accused of corruption, the presidency is fond of issuing statements condemning such persons as criminals even when the court is yet to  commence trials on them. An example of such media prosecution cum trial was seen when the president was asked during the media chat on why Col. Dasuki is still in detention despite several court injunctions ordering his release on bail, the president responded by saying that "how can a man that diverted over 400 billion naira government funds be released from custody", it is true that corruption must be fought and those found guilty be prosecuted according to the tenet of the law but the President must understand that the rule of law made provisions for how issues should be attended to without infringing on the rights of the citizens.

Under the General Buhari's regime there have been cases of shooting down unarmed civilian protesters by security personnel, these are typical examples of war crimes, an example of such is the killing of unarmed Biafran protesters in the Eastern part of the country and the killings of unarmed Shiites members in Zaria and the continued illegal detention of their leader Sheik  Al-zakzzaky without trial. All these are human right offenses as clearly outlined by the UN. These offenses have become rampant under the Buhari administration.

There is an unconfirmed report that the UN has passed a resolution protecting civic space but Nigeria voted against it. What is the implication for Nigerians and CSOs? If this report is anything to go by then i see terrible days ahead for the Nigerian masses and CSOs.