Nigeria's Islamic Movement: Investigative Panel of National Human Rights Commission Not Properly Constituted

AhlulBayt News Agency - The Islamic Movement has severed any ties with the panel of investigation on alleged attack on convoy of the Chief of army staff by Shiites in Zaria on the 12th December 2015 set up by the National Human Rights Commission.

It has resolved to discontinue its participation, appearance and involvement with the Panel due to the following reasons: At the time of setting up of the Panel, the tenure of the Governing Council of the Commission had expired and under the Rules of the Commission, the Executive Secretary of the Commission is not vested with the power and the mandate to decide on petitions, cases and complaints of violations of human rights received from individuals or other persons or communities.
 
Secondly we are uncomfortable with the methodology adopted by the National Human Rights Commission relating to the Complaint filed. We find it odd that we are unable to confront the complainant in the petition and test the veracity of all his assertions.
 
A letter to this effect has already been sent to Tony Ojukwu Esq, Chairman, Panel of Investigation National Human Rights Commission No. 19 Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja.
 
If it can be remembered shortly after the army’s attack on the Islamic movement, the Chief of army Staff quickly rushed to the NHRC, claiming that an attempt was made on his life.
            
Later the Islamic Movement tendered its memorandum on the absurd claims made by the army General to the Commission.
 
However with the current development, the impartiality and credibility of the investigative panel has been compromised, we will therefore cease any cooperation with the panel on this matter.
 

SIGNED

IBRAHIM MUSA
PRESIDENT MEDIA FORUM ISLAMIC MOVEMENT