Geneva, Switzerland: The United States of America (US) urged the Nigerian government to implement the recommendations of the various #EndSARS panels set up to investigate human rights abuses by security agencies during the 2020 protests. This call came during the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 4th cycle Universal Periodic Review of Nigeria.
Addressing human rights concerns, a US government representative urged the Nigerian government to: Implement recommendations from state-level investigations into the security forces’ response to the #EndSARS protests, including prosecuting individuals implicated in the reports; amend the Nigerian Press Council Act to remove restrictions on freedom of expression, particularly for online and citizen journalists; end the arbitrary arrest and prosecution of LGBT persons and review the standard operating procedures of the armed forces to ensure the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Nigerians.
While appreciating the international body’s interest and recommendations, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, reiterated that the election process in Nigeria, culminating in the Supreme Court’s pronouncements, confirms its adherence to electoral laws. Additionally, a member of the Nigerian delegation, Abdulraman Yakubu, highlighted various measures the country has taken to protect human rights since the last review, including improvements in election management processes.
