The United States has called upon the Federal Government to act on the findings of various #EndSARS panels tasked with investigating human rights violations by security agencies during the 2020 #EndSARS protests. The U.S. made this plea during the Universal Period Review of Nigeria’s human rights situation at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Addressing human rights concerns in Nigeria, a U.S. government representative urged the Federal Government to implement the #EndSARS report, eliminate restrictions on freedom of expression by amending the Nigerian Press Council Act, and review the armed forces’ standard operating procedure to safeguard human rights.
Expressing particular concern about restrictions on Nigerians’ enjoyment of human rights, the U.S. recommended the implementation of state-level investigation panel reports on security forces’ response to the #EndSARS protests. This includes appropriate prosecution of individuals implicated in the reports. Furthermore, the U.S. called for amendments to the Nigerian Press Act of 1992 to lift restrictions on freedom of expression, especially for online and citizen journalists. The U.S. also emphasized the need to cease the arbitrary arrest and prosecution of LGBTQ individuals and urged a review of the armed forces’ standard operating procedure to ensure the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Nigerians.
In response, the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, acknowledged the UN Human Rights Council’s interest in Nigeria’s affairs and the recommendations provided. He reassured that the issues concerning the credibility of elections in Nigeria were irrelevant, emphasizing that elections are a process that extends from nomination to the Supreme Court’s pronouncement. Fagbemi highlighted recent pronouncements by the Supreme Court on the presidential and gubernatorial elections, asserting that the credibility of these elections aligns with Nigeria’s electoral laws.