“Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally
of his life…………….”
41. In the same vein, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
(Ratification and Enforcement) Act CAP A9 LFN 1990 was enacted to enable
Nigeria give effect to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. In
recognition of the sanctity of human life, Article 4 of the Charter provides as follows:
“Human beings are inviolable. Every human being shall be entitled to respect
for his life and the integrity of his person. No one may be arbitrarily deprived
of this right”.
42. Respondents argues that it was in regard for human rights and life, as
substantiated in our Counter Affidavit to the Applicants’ Application, that the
Federal Government deployed law enforcement agencies to put a stop to the
riots/unrest that erupted after the 2011 election.
43. The Respondents submit that the Government of Nigeria is committed to
ensuring the right to life, freedom of movement, freedom of association, right to
human dignity, right to integrity and right to the security of every Nigerians
irrespective of tribe, religion and class. The Government is also committed to
ensuring that human rights provided for under Articles 3, 5, 7 and 8 of the Universal
Declaration of Human Right and Articles 5, 6 and 7 of the African Charter on Human
and People’s Rights and other international treaties and conventions are guaranteed.
44. Respondent’s submission is further established in Pastor Kure’s allegations
documented in Exhibit 32 (Daily Trust of June 19, 2011), page 351 of the
Applicant’s Application. Pastor Emmanuel Nuhu Kure stated:
“...It is clear that the whole crisis was thoroughly pre-planned with logistics
set out, and line of action and operation spelt out clearly. Otherwise, how
would you explain a spontaneous call to prayer on most of the loudspeakers
in the mosque across the city at the same time at 9pm or thereabout with a
shout of Allahu Akbar? Muslims began to troop toward, the mosque and
designated areas to be followed at 10pm with another call on loudspeakers.
This was repeated a few times and the killings and burnings began. How come
the fighters on that night wore black dresses or dark pants like coloured
uniform, and surrounded the walls of the Anglican Cathedral and the Yoruba
Baptist pastor’s house and setting them on fire while shooting without any
resistance if it was not premeditated and planned?...”
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