WE REJECT SENATE’S POSITION ON APO KILLINGS

29^th November, 2013

PRESS RELEASE:

WE REJECT SENATE’S POSITION ON APO KILLINGS

The Senate on Wednesday 27^th November, 2013 declared that the eight people killed by security agents in Apo Quarters were not members of Boko Haram but the Upper House cleared the Nigerian security agencies of culpability in the death of the workers.

It will be recalled that eight Keke Napep operators were killed by security agents as they squatted in an uncompleted building at Soji Aderemi Close, Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja, on 20^th September, 2013.

We note with deep concern the obvious contradiction in the report. Whereas Senate admits that the victims were not members of Boko Haram, it went ahead to absolve the security agencies who carried out the dastardly act.

We of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) condemn this double standard in the strongest terms. This type of thing should not be happening in a democracy. Life is sacred and security agencies have no right under the law to kill and maim at will. It is sheer manifestation of impunity.

MURIC finds the testimonies in the minority reports more credible. We commend Senators Mohammed Sani Saleh (Kaduna Central) and Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa (Zamfara Central) for their courageous stand and their rejection of the report. We are of the considered opinion that Senate has allowed religious sentiment to becloud its sense of judgement. Senate has failed the people of Nigeria.

We therefore urge families and friends of the victims to seek redress in the courts. MURIC pledges to render every necessary assistance in this regard until the culprits are brought to book. Nigerian security agencies must learn to respect constitutionalism, rule of law, equal rights, justice and fairplay.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,

Director,

Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

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