News Release Issued by the International Secretariat of Amnesty International
AI-index: AFR 44/010/2003 13/03/2003

Amnesty International is urging all candidates in Nigeria's upcoming
presidential, federal and state elections to commit themselves publicly to
place the prevention of human rights abuses during elections at the heart
of their electoral campaigns.

Amnesty International's plea comes in the aftermath of what seems yet
another politically motivated killing during the electoral period in
Nigeria, that of Harry Mashall, a leading member of the All Nigeria
People's Party.

In two open letters to candidates for the federal executive and legislature
and to candidates for state governorship and houses of assembly, Irene
Khan, the Secretary General of Amnesty International stressed that
protection and promotion of human rights should be central to their program
for the post election period.

She pointed out that it is during electoral periods in the past that
Nigeria has most suffered violence resulting, on many occasions, in the
military seizing power.

"Respect for human rights during the electoral process is essential, even
more so when political stability might depend on it, Amnesty International
said.

However, the organization has received reports of numerous cases of
political violence at the federal, state and local levels in the run-up to
the elections, resulting in the death of some candidates and several
supporters.

Allegations are rife across Nigeria of the use of groups of civilians armed
by political leaders, including vigilante groups, to foment political
violence at local and state levels.

"Unless immediate and sustained action is taken to prevent human rights
violations by vigilante and other armed groups, further human rights abuses
are inevitable," Irene Khan added.

"All candidates to the federal executive and legislature as well as
candidates to state governorship and houses of assembly must do their
utmost in preventing political violence whether it is generated by leaders
or supporters of their own political parties in internal disputes or
against other political party leaders or sympathizers," the organization
urged.

Candidates must also avoid the instigation of ethnic or religious tensions
among the electorate.

Post-election human rights agenda

In its open letter, Amnesty International urges candidates to both federal
and state executive and legislature to give priority to human rights in
their post-election agenda.

New state authorities should ensure that existing legislation in their
various states complies with international human rights law and with the
Nigerian Constitution. Several northern states have introduced new Sharia
Penal Legislation which provides for mandatory use of the death penalty and
other cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments despite Nigeria's
ratification of many international human rights instruments

Furthermore, new authorities of those states that have tacitly or openly
endorsed vigilante groups should ensure that these groups do not violate
the fundamental human rights of any individual.

At the federal level, Amnesty International is calling on all candidates
for the federal executive and legislature to commit themselves to making
public the report of the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission
(Oputa Panel), and to produce a plan to implement its recommendations.

In the past four years of civilian rule, the Nigerian Police and the armed
forces have been responsible for large numbers of extrajudicial executions,
deaths in custody, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of
alleged criminals in custody.

"Newly elected federal officials should give priority to the establishment
of training programs for the federal police and the armed forces that
include specific training on the use of force according to international
standards," Amnesty International urged.

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