Rule of engagement: Osinbajo constitutes judicial commission‎ to probe military

The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has appointed a 7-man Judicial Commission, headed by Justice Biobele A. Georgewill, of the Court of Appeal, to review compliance of the Nigerian Armed Forces with human rights obligations and rules of engagement, especially in local conflict and insurgency situations.

In a press release made available to newsmen by the senior special assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande on Friday, the Commission is empowered to review extant rules of engagement applicable to the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the extent of compliance.

According to the statement, “the commission is also empowered to investigate alleged acts of violation, (by Nigerian security agencies) of international humanitarian and human rights law under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Geneva Conventions Act, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act and other relevant laws.

“The Commission equally has a mandate to investigate factors that might be militating against a speedy resolution of local conflicts and insurgencies and also advise on means of preventing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in conflict situations.”

Members of the committee include: (i) Hon. Justice Biobele A. Georgewill – Chairman; (ii) Major-General Patrick Akem – member; (iii) Mr. Wale Fapohunda – member; (iv) Mrs. Hauwa Ibrahim – member; (v) Mr. Jibrin Ibrahim – member; (vi) Mrs. Ifeoma Nwakama – member; and (vii) Representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser – member.

The Commission is expected to commence work immediately and submit its report within 90 days, the statement said.

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