Presidential Order To Military On Election Riggers Threatens Citizens’ Rights, Says MOSOP
The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has joined the fray in condemning the shoot at sight order by President Mohammadu Buhari against persons suspected to be snatching ballot boxes during the General Elections.
MOSOP in a statement signed by its President, Fegalo Nsuke said the group is deeply concerned about the implications of the order which could include extra judicial killings and gross violations of the rights of citizens.
“We consider a presidential order of this kind to be capable of leading to military exdesses against citizens and gross violations of human rights”, he said.
MOSOP advised that legal specifications on dealing with electoral crimes should be strictly applied, and further advised the President to respect his publicly acclaimed commitment to the rule of law, by rescinding the order.
“Election riggers should face the legal implications of their actions rather than ordering our military against them”, MOSOP advised.
“As victims of state persecution, we the Ogoni people are aware of the implications of such order and the dangers such orders could pose on citizen’s rights and safety. A presidential order is an express permission to the military which could lead to human rights abuses”, the statement said.
