TVC E. An investigation into the killings of unarmed citizens in the South East, by security forces have been ordered by the House of Reps.
The House of Reps. also asked the Federal Government to review and formulate a more efficient way for engagement with all aggrieved elements that threaten our homeland security and the territorial integrity of our sovereignty.
This followed a motion on urgent public importance, brought by Chairman South East Caucus and Deputy Minority Leader, Chukwuka Onyema.
He told the House that unarmed civilians in the South East were on the Monday, May the 30th, 2016, killed by security forces. The lawmaker also noted the increase at the spate of extra-judicial killings by security agencies in the country.
The Deputy Minority Leader expressed concern that in spite of the outcry, investigations and wide condemnation of this trend, there seems to be no cessation of same. He said he was aware that the rights to freedom of association, expression and peaceful assembly were enshrined in the constitution of the country.
The deputy leader further said that the rule of law and respect for rights of citizens were cardinal ingredients for the survival of democracy and consolidation of democratic gains. The legislator added that Nigeria’s dismal human rights records are largely out predicated on unprovoked widespread and forceful engagements of our security agencies on unarmed civilians. He was worried that historically the consequences of this high handed engagement and extra -judicial killings leaves behind a feeling of alienation, marginalization and subsequent escalation of confrontational tendencies and resistance to state.
The motion enjoyed a wide support by the House, presided over by Speaker Yakubu Dogara, as it observed a minute silence in honor of those who lost their lives as a result of the killing in the South East.
It further mandated the Committees on Human Rights, National Security and Intelligence to investigate the matter and report back to the House within two weeks.
