Stop Arrest And Prosecution Of LGBT Persons – US Tells Nigeria

The United States has put pressure on the Federal Government to take action during a critical session of the UN Human Rights Council’s 4th cycle Universal Period Review of Nigeria in Geneva, Switzerland.

The call includes putting the reports from several #EndSARS panels into action, resolving violations of human rights during the 2020 protests, and ending the nation’s practice of arbitrarily detaining LGBTQ people.

Throughout the review, a U.S. government representative emphasized the significance of putting the #EndSARS report into practice and pushed for changes to the Nigerian Press Council Act to remove limitations on open speech.

The United States also requested that the military forces’ standard operating procedures be thoroughly reviewed in order to guarantee the respect of human rights.

“Our main concern is on certain restrictions on Nigerians on the enjoyment of human rights. In the spirit of constructive engagement, we recommend that Nigeria implement recommendations from state level investigations panel report on security forces response to the #EndSARS protests including prosecution as appropriate of the individual implicated in the reports.

“Amend the Nigerian Press Act of 1992 to remove restriction on the freedom of expression specifically as it applies to online and citizen journalists. End the arbitrary arrest and prosecution of LGBT persons and amend the armed forces standard operating procedure to ensure the protection of human rights and fundamental freedom of all Nigerians.”

In response to these concerns, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney General of the Federation, expressed gratitude for the UN Human Rights Council’s involvement in Nigerian matters and its suggestions.

He highlighted the legitimacy of Nigerian elections, saying that they start with nomination and go on until the Supreme Court issues a ruling.

The issue of credibility of any election in Nigeria does not arise. Election is a process and until the Supreme Court makes any pronouncement, it cannot be regarded as having come to an end. A pronouncement has been made in respected of the Presidential election and just last week, the last pronouncement was made in respect of governorship elections. The issue of credibility does not arise at all. It has been confirmed to be in conformity with the laws guiding the conduct of elections in Nigeria,” he said. [CONTINUE READING HERE]