PANEL TO REVIEW COMPLIANCE OF THE ARMED FORCES WITH HUMAN RIGHTS OBLIGATIONS FOR THE SOUTH-EAST COMMENCES

The public sitting of the Presidential Investigation Panel to review Compliance of the Armed Forces with Human Rights Obligations and Rule of Engagement for the South-East Zone has commenced in Enugu.

The panel which was inaugurated on the eleventh of August 2017 by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo is to investigate the extant rules of engagement applicable in Armed Forces of Nigeria and the extent of compliance, investigate alleged acts of violation of International Humanitarian and Human Rights law under the  Constitution of Nigeria.

The panel will also investigate matters of conduct and discipline in the Armed Forces in local conflicts and insurgencies as well as recommend means of preventing violations of human rights law.

The Chairman of the panel, Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill said the panel would be upright in the course of its investigation.

In an address of welcome, the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Priscillia Emehelu described the public hearing of the panel as apt.

The Presidential panel had earlier visited Lagos for the

South-West Zone and would hold public hearings in each of the six geo-political Zones of the country.

The South-East sitting of the panel will last for three days.

MAUREEN OTUKWU