One week after Amnesty International (AI) released a report which indicted Nigerian security forces, especially the Nigeria Army, of killing unarmed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) protesters in Abia State, Senators from the South-East are reportedly making a frantic effort for a federal probe.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu |
South-East caucus members who will sponsor the motion include Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) who doubles as chairman of the caucus, Ike Ekweremadu (Enugu West), Hope Uzodinma (Imo West), Andy Uba (Anambm South), Sunny Ogbuoji (Ebonyi South) and Gilbert Nnaji (Enugu East).
Others are Mao Ohuabunwa (Abia North), Theodore Orji (Abia Central), Samuel Anyanwu (Imo East), Stella Oduah (Anambm North), Benjamin Uwajumogu (Imo North), Chukwuma Utazi (Enugu North), Sam ngu (Ebonyi North) and Obinna Ogba (Ebonyi Central).
Recall that the report released by AI, revealed that over 150 unarmed protesters were killed by security agents.
A lawmaker from the South East, who is familiar with details of the proposed motion, told DailySun Newspaper that the lawmakers intend to mount pressure on the Federal Government to set up a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the killings as contained in the Amnesty AI report within two weeks.
“We will urge the Federal Government to restrain its law enforcement agents from applying extreme force in the containment of peaceful protest,” the senator noted.
It was gathered that Abaribe has received a comprehensive report from officials of AI, who paid him a courtesy visit on Monday, “to furnish him with details of their findings in the South-east.”
Abaribe had, last Tuesday, raised a motion under Matters of National Importance, and urged Senate to debate the AI report.
His plea was adopted by the Senate.
Senate President, Bukola ruled that the motion will be debated this week.
It is, however, unclear if it will come up before the end of this week.
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