- The Nigerian Army has called for the closure of the Amnesty International's offices in the country
- The call came following the group's attack on the army over the continued menace of Boko Haram
- The army, making a reaction, said the recent criticism of AI is capable of damaging the country, alleging that the group has been sponsoring some protest against it
The Nigerian Army has called for the closure of the Amnesty International's offices in Nigeria, alleging there is credible evidence the organisation is working hard to destabilise the country.
NAN reports that the army spokesman, Sani Usman, said in a statement on Monday, December 17, 2018, that the organisation’s attempt to destabilise the nation was noted through fabrication of fictitious allegations of alleged human rights abuses against the Nigerian security forces.
Legit.ng gathers that 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.
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A coalition of civil society organisations, namely 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 group 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, 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.
He said: “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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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a traditional ruler in Osun state, Olowu of Owu Kuta, Hammed Oyelude, had berated the Amnesty International and the International Criminal Court over their alleged indictment of the Nigerian Army on the continued Boko Haram menace and recent attack on the military base in Melete.
Addressing a press conference at his Kuta palace, it was gathered that the traditional ruler said the report accusing the Nigerian Army of war crime was mischievous and highly damaging.
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Nigerian Air Force Operations Against Boko Haram | Legit TV
Source: Legit.ng
