Buhari warns military against rights violation

Buhari warns military against rights violation 12 Sep 2015 1:49 PM President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed his administration’s total commitment to the rule of law and warned that proven acts of human rights violation by the Armed Forces will be punished under his leadership. Addressing officers, troops and newly-commissioned cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy on Saturday in Kaduna, the President reminded them that the rule of law applied to the Armed Forces as much as any other institution in the country. According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Shehu Garba, the President expressed his commitment to overhauling the rules of engagement so that disciplinary measures could be taken against proven human rights violation by the armed forces. Buhari said, “I wish to remind you of the Federal Government’s commitment to overhaul the rules of engagement and improve operational and legal mechanisms so that disciplinary steps are taken against proven human rights violations by the armed forces. “We are committed to a thorough investigation of recent and any future occurrences of human rights violations by elements of our Armed Forces. “While I applaud the integrity and sterling record of the Armed Forces as an institution, this administration will insist on the rule of law, and deal with any proven cases of deviation from laws of armed conflict, including human rights abuses. “In operational conduct, Nigerians expect our Armed Forces to keep law and order, and not to behave like bullies. “Let me reiterate this administration’s commitment to due process, merit and total observance of the rule of law as central pillars of a prosperous and democratic society.