US: Rights Abuses, Impunity Hinder Our Full Partnership with Nigeria Chineme Okafor in Abuja The United States has said human rights abuses and impunity by the military hinders its ability to fully partner with Nigeria on security related issues. Speaking on the topic, "Nigeria: Challenges and
Prospects for Advancing Durable Peace", at the US Institute of Peace on Thursday in Washington, DC, US Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Thomas Shannon, Jr., noted that his recent meeting with Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, at the United Nations General Assembly indicated that
the country was aware of the need to moderate the conduct of her military both on and off the battlefield in its security of the country. A copy of Shannon’s remarks obtained by THISDAY at the weekend, explained that rights abuses and impunity by the military could tarnish Nigeria’s
reputation across the globe, undermine citizens’ trusts for them, as well as impede counterterrorism efforts. Recently, Nigeria’s military has had a running battle with rights group over its conducts in its fight against terrorists in the Northeast, as well as in containing agitating groups
like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), with the likes of Amnesty International (AI) frequently accusing it of extrajudicial killings and various degrees of rights abuses. Shannon, however said: “On security issues, Nigeria is an important leader and partner in the Lake Chad Basin
collaborating with its neighbours to defeat the scourge of Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa. The United States supports this and other efforts to bring security and stability to citizens affected by violence. “At the United Nations last Continued on page 15
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Nigerian Leaders Seek a Better Nation at 57th Anniversary Police beef up security in North, Niger Delta Our Correspondents Notable leaders of thought, yesterday, joined millions other Nigerians across the world to celebrate the nation’s 57th independence anniversary,
as they unanimously in their respective messages sought a better country in unity and peaceful co-existence. Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, in his message, asked
Nigerians to always embrace peace and dialogue, because "they are the antidotes for conflict resolution", adding that, "though the nation is bedeviled with senseless agitations and conflicts, there is the need for
careful appraisal of our journey to nationhood". He, however, declared that, "The resilience of the armed forces of Nigeria to curtail secessionists’ agitation throughout our nation's post-independence
era has reduced tensions and unnecessary destruction of lives and property." "As an active participant in the Civil War and as a retired military officer, with the hard lesson learnt, I will never be tired
of calling for the oneness and unity of our great nation. We will forever be ready to sacrifice for a united and prosperous Nigeria when called again.” Continued on page 10
Buhari:CallsforRestructuring Inspired Divisive Agitations Says national, state assemblies proper & legal fora for national debate Promises to address genuine grievances Seizes occasion to render stewardship, describes Anchor Borrowers Programme as outstanding success Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has said recent calls for restructuring provided avenue for “highly irresponsible groups to call for dismemberment of the country.” He said his government could not and would not allow such advocacy. In a national broadcast on Sunday morning to commemorate Nigeria’s 57th independence anniversary, President Buhari noted that calls for restructuring were quite proper in a legitimate debate. He, however, said “proper dialogue and any desired constitutional changes should take place in a rational manner, at the National and State Assemblies.” He said, “These are the proper and legal fora for National debate,
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not some lopsided, undemocratic body with pre-determined set of objectives.” The president’s independence anniversary broadcast came on the heels of the agitation of South-east based youth dominated secessionist group, Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), which was recently checkmated by the deployment of troops to the South-east and its proscription by government. Recalling sad memories of the civil war between 1967 and 1970, the President said, “As a young Army Officer, I took part from the beginning to the end in our tragic civil war costing about 2 million lives, resulting in fearful destruction and untold suffering. Those who are agitating for a re-run were not born by 1967 and have no idea of the horrendous consequences of the civil conflict which we went through.” He expressed disappointment in South-east leaders over their Continued on page 10
CELEBRATING CULTURE… L-R: Mr. William Steue; wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; Superintendent, American International School of Lagos, Mr. Gregory Rayl; and Mrs. Funke Ade-Ojo, during the school's cultural day in Lagos…recently Kola Olasupo