The United States of America has called on President Buhari to desist from human right abuses.
The USA made the call following the
release of a white paper by the Kaduna State government on the clash
that happened between the Nigerian Army and Shiite Muslims.
The US Department of State spoke through the Bureau of Public AffairsThe spokesperson, Mr John Kirby, said that the USA fully agrees with the White Paper’s recommendations.
He said, “On Dec. 5th, the Kaduna State Government issued a long-awaited White Paper.
“The document was related to clashes last year that resulted in the [neutralization] of 348 civilians and one soldier.
“We fully agree with the White Paper’s recommendation.
“Members of the military who were involved in the unlawful [neutralizations] of civilians must be punished appropriately.
“That tragic event will soon clock one year and the Nigerian president has done nothing in this regard.
“We, therefore, call on him to be diligent, transparent, and expeditious in following through on this recommendation.”
Kirby said that the USA was also
concerned with the Paper’s characterization of the Islamic Movement of
Nigeria as an “insurgent group”.
He said that the U.S. government would
also want the president to obey court orders and release Ibrahim Zakzaky
and his wife within 45 days.
He called on the President to obey the court order which was issued on December 2nd, 2016.
He said, “As the White Paper notes, the
right to freedom of worship is a cherished constitutional right in
Nigeria that must be protected.
“We encourage the president of Nigeria
and his government to support these fundamental principles, regardless
of religion, ethnicity, or region.
If the president obeys the USA, this will be the first time he’s bowing to international pressure.
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