FG: Amnesty Int’l report lacks in-depth engagement

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the recent annual report of Amnesty International, saying it lacks wide consultations and in-depth engagement. A statement from the ministry’s spokesman, Clement Aduku, said such a blunder contradicts both local and international standards.

“A review of the publication clearly shows that AI is yet to fully appreciate and grasp the Nigerian context in protecting human rights while effectively and holistically countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism.

“It is utterly regrettable that AI did not deem it fit and proper, in line with best practices, to subject its annual report process to wide consultations and in-depth engagement. Hence, it casts unnecessary and unverifiable aspersions on critical institutions of the Nigerian state,” he said.

The ministry urged AI to consult widely before releasing future publications to ensure more balanced, credible and unbiased reportage.

According to him, it is worrisome to observe that AI’s 2015/2016 annual report neither encourages compliance with national laws nor condemns horrendous, mindless, and ruinous activities of terrorist groups.

“Where terrorists have unleashed their dastardly acts, legal means and measures are usually deployed by affected countries to counter violent extremism. Nigeria should therefore, not be unduly pressured or pilloried for taking similar measures in defence of its national security,” he added.

On the continued detention of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Adukusaid Al, in dabbling into Nigeria’s legal and judicial systems, did not give due credence to government’s appeal filed against the decision of the lower court for El-Zakzaky’s release.