by Dolapo Adelana
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has condemned the invasion of the Abuja office of Human Rights group, Amnesty International (AI).
On Monday, a group of protesters stormed AI’s office, condemning it for its reports against security agencies in the country. The protesters went ahead to issue a 24-hour ultimatum to the international body to vacate Nigeria.
In a letter dated, March 22nd, Falana called on President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to immediately stop the harassment of the organisation’s staff.
The letter partly read, “I am writing to request you to use your good office and leadership position to direct the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to end the invasion of Amnesty International Office in Abuja, and the harassment of the organisation’s staff.
“I note that Amnesty International is a well-known international NGO and among other NGOs operating legally in the country. I recall that upon your election as President, you met with the leadership of Al and promised, among other things, to look into the allegations of serious human rights violations and abuses allegedly committed by the military as contained in the reports published by the organisation.
“These intruders have impeded the work of the organisation and threatened the safety and security of its members of staff who are all Nigerian citizens. Human rights work is imperative to ensure that millions of marginalised and disadvantaged Nigerians can fully enjoy their entitlements and realise their potential.
“Therefore, consistent with the UN Declaration of Human Rights Defenders, your government should publicly reinstate support for the legitimate work of civil society groups including AI and other international NGO operating in the country, and provide them with protection.”
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
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