Malami: How Buhari Administration Protects Human Rights, Promotes Justice

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister Of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, says it has played active role in the protection of human rights as well as promote speedy trial of cases.

A Ministerial Performance Report submitted to the Federal Executive Council(FEC) has highlighted the role of the ministry of justice of human rights and justice.

The report was obtained by THE WHISTLER.

HUMAN RIGHT RIGHTS PROTECTION

To protect the dignity of the average Nigerian, the justice ministry ensured that people-centred legislations were passed, among which include the following Acts:

” Anti-Torture Act 2017, Niger-Delta Development Commission (Amendment) Act, Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017; and Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act.

The Administration had also ensured that no one suffers human rights abuses while victims have been compensated.

For instance, according to the report, it ensured that victims of the ‘Apo Six Killings’ were compensated with 135 million naira.

Meanwhile, at the International Level, the Justice ministry, through diplomatic missions have ” met Nigeria’s Reporting Obligations Under Article 62 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.”

Also, under the United Nations(UN) Special Rapporteur, it pushed for the “Right to Adequate Standard of Living and Non- Discrimination” as well as “Extra Judicial, Summary and Arbitrary Executions to Nigeria.”

DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL DRAFTING

In a bid to widen the scope of the nation’s laws and improve the economy, the FMOJ also oversaw the enactment of the following laws:

• Finance Bill: This bill has the following legs; Value Added Bill, Stamp Duties Bill, Capital Gains Bill, Company and Allied Matters Bill, Personal Income Tax Bill, Petroleum Profit Tax Bill, Custom and Excess Tariff Consolidation Bill.
• Transparency : Proceed of Crime Bill and Whistle Blowing Bill
• Off Shore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Acts CAP D3 LFN(Amendment) Act 2019.

DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS OF THE FEDERATION

The federal government has also ensured speedy trial and prosecution of criminal cases.

According to the report, it noted that over 500 cases have been prosecuted under the watch of Malami.

The breakdown of the cases are listed below:

• Cybercrimes : 3 cases
• Hostage Taking and Kidnapping: 10 Cases
• Security and Exchange Commission Related Offenses : 10 cases
• Terrorism: 500 cases.

It also noted that the completion rate of the cases stands at 40% by end of 2019 and 45% by May 2020.

Furthermore, it reported that $14 million Bond Recoveries were made from ‘SAN PADRE PIO SWISS VESSEL’

Explaining further, it stressed that before the International Criminal Court (ICC), “8 cases” were “dropped.”

It also sent “Requests for Mutual Legal Assistance” to 58 countries while filing “11 requests for extradition.”

The report also stated the following:

“Attended and Contributed to all Statutory Meetings of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

“Report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in Nigeria – Presented to the UNHR Convention in Geneva July 2019.

“African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights -(Nigeria Up to Date in Reporting Obligation)- Presented the 6th Report which elicited a Letter of Commendation from the Chair Person.”