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FG accuses ICC, Amnesty International of impeding fight against insecurity
By Modupe Shodeinde
The Federal Government of Nigeria has accused the International Criminal Court (ICC) and international human rights organizations, of harassing security forces and worsening the fight against insecurity in the country.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed in a statement after a briefing with newsmen in Lagos, criticized the International Criminal Court’s plans to investigate the Nigerian Armed forces for possible war crimes.
He described it as an attempt to demoralize Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
“Gentlemen, let me say straight away that Nigeria is fending off attacks on many fronts, not just from terrorists and bandits, but also from some human rights organizations and the International Criminal Court,“ he said.
“The ICC and some international human rights organizations, especially Amnesty International, have constituted themselves to another ‘fighting force’ against Nigeria, constantly harassing our security forces and threatening them with investigation and possible prosecution over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes.”
The Minister stated that Nigeria is a sovereign state “did not join the ICC so it can become a pawn on the court’s chessboard.”
According to him, the nation which is currently in an existential war against bandits and terrorists is also being held down by international organisations.
“Nigeria is a sovereign state and will not surrender its sovereignty to any organization. ICC, Amnesty International and their cohorts should desist from threatening our troops and putting the security of our country in jeopardy,” Mohammed said.
The Minister also attacked CNN’s coverage of the Lekki Massacre, calling it “a massacre without bodies.”
“As you are aware, we called CNN out and also petitioned the network. Though they acknowledged receipt of our petition, we have yet to hear from them on what actions they intend to take to prevent a recurrence of the fake news they peddled about Nigeria. I can assure you, gentlemen, that the matter is far from over.”
Recall that ICC had last month announced plans to seek a full investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed by the Nigerian Armed forces.
