By Ejiofor Alike
The Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, last night appointed a seven-man Judicial Commission to review compliance of the Armed Forces with human rights obligations and rules of engagement, especially in local conflict and insurgency situation with Boko Haram.
The panel, according to a statement, issued by Bolaji Adebiyi, the Director, Press, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is to be chaired by a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Biobele A. Georgewill.
The Commission is expected to commence work immediately and submit its report within 90 days.
The statement said by its terms of reference, the Commission was empowered to review extant rules of engagement applicable in the Armed Forces of Nigeria and extent of compliance thereto.
 It is also has the power to investigate alleged acts of violation of international humanitarian and human rights law under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Geneva Conventions Act, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act and other relevant laws by Nigerian security agencies.Â
The Commission also has a mandate to investigate factors that might be militating against a speedy resolution to local conflicts and insurgencies and advise on means of preventing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in conflict situations.
Apart from Hon Justice Georgewill, other members of the Judicial Commission include: Major-General Patrick Akem; Olawale Fapohunda, Mrs. Hauwa Ibrahim, Jibrin Ibrahim, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwakama; and a representative of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
