Group kicks against move to probe military for human rights abuse

The Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), a Nigerian group, has accused the International Criminal Court (ICC) of distracting the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security forces presently fighting the war against terrorism in some parts of the country.

While speaking with reporters in Abuja, Peter Alake, compliance officer of the group, alleged that the court is beginning to lose focus from being the international court of last resort for the common man.

According to Alake, the planned move to investigate Nigerian security forces for “crimes against humanity” and war crimes is a shot in the dark.

The group wondered why the Chief Prosecutor of ICC will choose to direct her powers towards “distracting the military”, and by extension, President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government of Nigeria from sustaining the gains so far recorded in restoring peace and security to Northern Nigeria.

“Obviously, Boko Haram terrorists are known for using the unconventional strategy of launching attacks on soft targets,” the group said.

“This makes it extremely difficult to identify and isolate its members; hence attempts to repel them had often cost security agencies the lives of many personnel.

“As far as we are concerned, the hasty stance taken by Madame Fatou Bensouda as Chief Prosecutor of ICC to open investigation against the military points to pre-conviction. It has not been shown to our satisfaction that Nigerian Courts are unable to handle any human rights litigation that may have emanated from military-civilian relationship.

“For how long will ICC continue to bully Nigeria with reports and threats of prosecution as though we are not a sovereign nation? To what extent has the self-serving ICC frowned at terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN)”?

“GICN has resolved to do everything possible to defend democracy in Nigeria not minding the cost.”