A non-profit making organization named “Access to Justice (A2J)” has urged the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai to step aside while investigation into how the military killed Shi’ite protesters in Zaria, Kaduna State, over a week ago, was been conducted by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
A2J Director, Joseph Otteh, in statement yesterday, said that it would be difficult to conduct an investigation or hold officers responsible while the people who ordered and shot members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, are still in office.
“While we are not unmindful of the fact that Nigeria is engaged in a long-drawn out war with Boko Haram, we nevertheless think it will be more helpful if the federal government requests, or the Chief of Army Staff of his own volition, steps aside for the period of the investigation.
“This will create a better environment for a credible, more impartial, unimpeded investigation to take place and prevent, to some degree, interference or obstruction with it”, he said.
The organization also condemned the subsequent arrest and detention of the leader of the movement, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his spouse alongside other members of the group.
These arrests, according to A2J are further provocative, illegal and unconstitutional. [A2J]
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate