FG panel indicts judiciary •Says it is encouraging Boko Haram •FG to deport illegal aliens

Written by Babarinde Adetayo, Lagos Wednesday, 20 June 2012
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THE presidential committee set up by the Federal Government on the security challenges in the North-East zone of Nigeria has come down hard on Nigerian judges for aiding the activities of Boko Haram by setting arrested members of the sect free on technical grounds.

In a White Paper released by the Federal Government on the findings and recommendations of the committee, members were of the unanimous opinion that the judiciary should be sensitised to be mindful of the security implications of granting bails to terror suspects.

And in line with the findings, the Federal Government will soon take steps to review the relevant laws to address the challenge.

“The judiciary was identified as one of the major obstacles in the effort to check the activities of Boko Haram. Oftentimes, suspects arraigned before the courts are set free on technical grounds. Such suspects are usually re-cycled back into the society to continue to unleash mayhem. The action of the courts in discharging leaders of the sect or granting them bails contributed in emboldening them to continue with their negative activities.

“For instance, the discharge of Mohammed Yusuf on two occasions by an Abuja court made a hero out of him, as the reception accorded him upon his return was an avenue for him to attract additional membership into the sect,” the committee declared.

Other principal recommendations of the committee of which almost all was accepted by the Federal Government are that the Federal Government should direct the security agencies to beam their searchlights on some politicians who sponsored, funded and used militia groups that later metamorphosed into Boko Haram and bring them to justice.

“That there is urgent need to constructively engage and dialogue with the leadership of the sect as an essential strategy in bringing them on board but that the government should negotiate from a position of strength by allowing the security forces to dominate the environment and that dialogue with the sect should be contingent upon their renunciation of violence and surrender of arms.

“That tighter border control be undertaken by adequately funded, trained and equipped security and para-military agencies, to stem the smuggling of arms, ammunition and explosive materials into the country.

“That the Nigeria Immigration Service should reinforce security in the border areas to ensure that illegal aliens suspected of contributing to the prevailing insecurity in the zone are quietly eased out of the country, notwithstanding the provisions of the ECOWAS Protocol of Free Movement of Goods and Persons as well as cultural affinities existing between Nigeria border communities and their kith and kin in contiguous countries.

“That foreigners identified to have been staying illegally or have possible links with criminals or extremists should be profiled and repatriated to their countries and if the insecurity arising from the activities of the illegal aliens persist, government should consider temporary closure of Nigeria’s North-East border and organise a summit with the affected countries to find a way out of the situation.

“That the trial of the police personnel responsible for the extra-judicial murder of Mohammed Yusuf and some of his followed be expedited and publicised.

“That a judicial commission of inquiry be set up to look into the alleged atrocities committed by some members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) while the Rules of Engagement (RoE) should be reviewed to reflect the low intensity nature of the military operations not only in Maiduguri but also in all similar operations.

“That the JTF should endeavour to win the hearts and minds of the people but that in the present poisoned atmosphere, this would be difficult if not impossible to achieve, since relative peace had to be attained before the JTF personnel could feel free to mix with the people in the state.

“That there should be the replacement of the present troops with new ones from other units, preferably with those who are familiar with the terrain and the peoples’ socio-political and cultural values while the security agencies should commence immediate de-radicalisation of the sect members who are found to be willing to renounce violence and embrace the Federal Government’s olive branch.”

Members of the committee were Ambassador Usman Galtimaru (chairman); Alhaji A.B. Shehu (secretary); Senator Mohammed Ndume; Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN; Colonel Musa Shehu (retd); Senator Bala Mohammed; Dr Bello Mohammed and Chief Emeka Wogu.


http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/42850-fg-panel-indicts-judiciary-says-it-is-encouraging-boko-haram-fg-to-deport-illegal-aliens

Last time I checked, the Judiciary is the third arm of government, and it's quite obvious that this arm of government are frustrating the fight against terror.

I think they can and should do better than allowing terror suspect to walk free, based on 'technicalities.'

Let me quickly add also that the judiciary is the weak link in the fight against corruption.

We know that the anti-corruption agencies are not doing enough in the fight against corruption, but the few cases charged to courts never see the light of day. Sadly, too, the judiciary has become even more corrupt than accused persons brought before it, as the judges award sentences based on highest bidder favouritism.

The judiciary must wake up in the discharge of its duties.

LMAO! Is this a joke? When you point one finger, the remaining 4 are pointing right back at you. Who bribes the judiciary? FG. Who corrupts and overrides the Judiciary? FG. Who appoints the heads of the judiciary? FG ati be be lo.

jamace: Let me quickly add also that the judiciary is the weak link in the fight against corruption.

We know that the anti-corruption agencies are not doing enough in the fight against corruption, but the few cases charged to courts never see the light of day. Sadly, too, the judiciary is has become even more corrupt than accused persons brought before it, as the judges award sentences based on highest bidder favouritism.

The judiciary must wake up in the discharge of its duties.

This is the crux of the matter;
If the Judiciary will consider deeply the ramifications of some of their action, I am sure some of this terrorists will be cooling off behind bars by now. But when they reason (correctly) that judiciary can be induced or that can get away on technical grounds, terrorists are emboldened. This is what we see in the streets of the Northern state daily - terrorists acting with impunity! Sad!