Lekki shooting: Visa ban on anti-democratic forces still in force — US

FOLLOWING the dastardly shooting of unarmed #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll-Gate by men in military uniform on Tuesday, October 20, the United States (US) government has reminded that its visa ban on forces destroying the tenets of democracy in Nigeria, remains.

In other words, the US may impose a visa restriction on persons found culpable in the Tuesday shooting at Lekki in Lagos.

The judicial panel set up by the Lagos State Government to investigate the Lekki killings will begin its sitting on Monday.

Soldiers deployed to quell the protests reportedly opened fire on the protesters who were armed with Nigeria flags and singing National anthems.

The Defence headquarters has, however, denied deploying soldiers to the Lekki Toll Plaza, while spokespersons of the #EndSARS have insisted that men who perpetrated the actwere in the uniform of the Nigeria army.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said he was not aware of the deployment.

“For clarity, it is imperative to explain that no sitting governor controls the rules of engagement of the military. I have, nonetheless, ordered an investigation into the rules of engagement adopted by men of the Nigerian Army that were deployed to the Lekki tollgate last night,” the governor said.

Amnesty International, has affirmed that 12 persons were killed in the incident, even though, casualty figure remains a subject of controversy.

In its response to an enquiry sent by the media to the embassy with regards to its stand on the shootings, the embassy stated that it stands by Secretary Pompeo’s statement of October 8, 2020.

Excerpts of the statement reads, “Adherence to these democratic norms and to the rule of law allows all citizens to engage in political dialogue and support their choice of candidates, parties, and platforms. We will watch closely the actions of individuals who interfere in the democratic process and will not hesitate to consider consequences – including visa restrictions,” the statement read.

Senior officials of the United States Government had earlier met with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday to express displeasure over the Tuesday shooting incident.

Although the Nigerian Army had denied deploying soldiers to the scene, the US officials demanded that the soldiers behind the shootings be brought to justice.

Spokesperson for the State Department, Morgan Ortagus, said in a statement that the officials were led by the Counsellor of the US State Department, Ulrich Brechbühl.

Others at the meeting include Assistant Secretary Robert Destro and Assistant Secretary Denise Natali.

The officials, according to the statement, raised concerns over the ongoing violence in Nigeria as well as human rights violations and human trafficking.

Below is an excerpt of the statement:
“Counsellor T. Ulrich Brechbühl met with Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo today in Abuja, Nigeria as part of a previously scheduled delegation, which included Assistant Secretary Robert Destro and Assistant Secretary Denise Natali, to raise US concerns about ongoing violence in Nigeria, human rights, religious freedom, and trafficking in persons, and to hear from senior Nigerian government officials how they are addressing those issues.

“The counsellor expressed the US condemnation of the use of excessive force by military forces that fired on unarmed demonstrators in Lagos. He expressed condolences to the victims of these shootings and urged the government of Nigeria to abide by its commitment to hold those responsible accountable under the law.”

In the statement, Osinbajo as well as the counsellor noted that the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are essential human rights and core democratic principles.

“Counsellor Brechbühl and Vice-President Osinbajo emphasised the importance of US and Nigerian collaboration on common goals of improving security cooperation and strengthening economic partnership to foster mutual prosperity,” the statement read.

The Nigerian Army had on Wednesday denied that soldiers were at the toll plaza despite eyewitnesses’ accounts and video evidence showing soldiers shooting.

Confirming receipts of complaints over the incident, International Criminal Court Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda tweeted her concerns over the unfortunate development, while weighing it against the Rome statute.
“My office has been closely following the events around the current protests in Nigeria and the reaction of Nigeria’s law enforcement and security agencies. Any loss of life or injury is concerning. We have received information alleging crimes and are keeping a close eye on developments, in case violence escalates and any indications arise on that Rome Statute crimes may have been committed,” she tweeted.

However, President Muhammadu Buhari made no mention of any investigation or arrest during his national broadcast on Thursday.