FG Presidential investigation panel will not witch hunt the army ―Justice Georgewill

THE Chairman of Presidential Investigation Panel (PIP) to review compliance of the Armed Forces with Human Rights Obligations and Rules of Engagement, Justice Biobele Georgewill has said that the Panel is not in any way out to witch hunt the military.

He told a crowded court session that the presidential investigation was aimed at ensuring that justice is done to all without fear or favour, ill will or affection in conformity with International Standards.

Justice Georgewill who commenced public sittings in court ten on Monday in Maiduguri said that Borno State said that it was meant to once and for all put the records straight about all the complaints in the country.

He said, his panel was inaugurated on the 11th of August, 2017 by the Vice-President, Yemi Osibanjo, who reiterated that there were fresh allegations of wrong doings against our security forces in spite of their achievements.

“It is a well-known fact that the conduct of the country’s defense and security forces during the insurgency in the North East and Militancy in Niger Delta has in recent times attracted commendation, nonetheless, there have been series of allegations levelled against the security forces by some local and international commentators.

“If such allegations are left unaddressed, it is capable of undermining the good work and efforts of the men and Women of the Armed Forces who have largely conducted themselves in a disciplined and professional manner.”

Justice Georgewill further said, that the mandate of the PIP was based on a Memoranda submitted to it and the ones yet to be collated which is to review extant rules of engagement and compliance, investigate alleged acts of violation of Human Rights, Investigate matters of conduct and discipline in the Armed Forces in Local Conflicts and Insurgencies.

He revealed that his panel will recommend means of preventing violations and to make further recommendations in line with these terms of reference as it may deem necessary.

“I want to inform this gathering that the panel since inauguration sent out, as well as published in some National Dailies and other Electronic Media, a call for Memorandum from members of the public, state governments, Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders, NGOs, Civil Society Organizations, stakeholders.

“It is gratifying to note that the panel has been receiving memoranda from across the country and we have planned to hold public hearings in each of the six geopolitical zones. We have concluded with the first phase in Abuja for the North-Central zone, and now here in Maiduguri for our public sitting for the North-East zone,” Said the Jurist.

He observed that, all over the world, insurgencies, militancy and such other armed local conflicts are asymmetric in nature and are thus not executed according to any particular pattern or conventional mode of warfare “this therefore, posses unique challenges that most modern armies have to grapple and contend with and thus putting the response and discipline of the Armed Forces to the litmus test as to how to curtail, contain and defeat insurgencies, among other conflicts.”

Responding, Borno State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, KakaLawan, expressed gratitude to Presidency, and other security agencies and governor Kashim Shettima for the fight against Boko Haram sect, which he said, the collective efforts put in place led to the restoration of peace in the region.

He therefore recommended to the panel and the Federal Government to Reactivate the Committee on Conjestion of Detention Centre of Suspected Boko Haram members in the state.

Barister Lawan also said, that cases that would be brought after the panel winds up its sitting should be looked into; and Access to detainees should be granted to their families and their legal counsels at all times.