NIGERIA: Obasanjo admits extrajudicial killings by police, pledges action

[struggle4progress]

19 Aug 2005 16:56:16 GMT

Source: IRIN

ABUJA, 19 August (IRIN) - Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo has confirmed widespread extrajudicial killings of suspects and innocent citizens by the country's police and promised tough action to clean-up the force.

Obasanjo's speech in Abuja on Thursday, ia a rare acknowledgement of gross human rights violations by security forces, confirming recent findings by the United Nations Human Rights Commission and rights groups.

"These violations ranged from extra-judicial killings to torture and unlawful detention," Obasanjo said at the opening of a forum on human rights called by the police. <snip>

But Obasanjo promised action in future, specifically in resolving a recent case in which policemen allegedly executed six people in Abuja and framed them as armed robbers. <snip>

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/1f11e3a961080f9210808832d97f91d0.htm

[bemildred]

1. What's up with this?

Why is this weasel suddenly making nicey-nice noises?

[On the Road]

2. In a Continent of Thugs and Strongmen,

Obasanjo seems to be one of the better ones. He transitioned to civilian rule and a US_type constitution in the late 70s, then came back later in his career to win an election over more corrupt opponents. I just hope he's serious about this.

[bemildred]

3. I tend to be annoyed with him for his role in the removal of Aristide.

But maybe he was doing a good deed there.
So I'll try to lighten up.

[On the Road]

4. I Hadn't Heard About That

Do you mean he offered sanctuary to Aristide after he was kidnapped? I didn't necessarily think badly of states who did that, unless there was evidence of collusion in Aristide's overthrow.

[bemildred]

5. IIRC, when they had him in custody and were looking for a place to

ship him to, Nigeria agreed to allow Aristide to be a guest there for a while, while things were worked out in Sud Afrique. I considered that Nigeria helped the coup, therefore, but they might have helped keep him alive as well.