Amnesty International has been accused by the Integrity Youth Alliance of falsifying its most recent report regarding the deaths of 24 people by police during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.
In a statement signed by Adewole Kehinde, the board chairman, and Danjuma Lamido, national publicity, respectively, the Alliance characterised the report as an extension of Amnesty International’s string of false claims intended to damage the positive reputation of the Nigeria police.
Amnesty International’s latest reports stated that the Nigeria police used excessive force to violently quash #Endbadgovernance protests, while 24 protesters were killed.
“The 34-page report titled “BLOODY AUGUST: NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT’S VIOLENT CRACKDOWN ON #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTESTS” was contrived lies orchestrated to blackmail and ridicule the Nigeria police.
The statement went on to say that Amnesty International has a history of supporting non-state actors who kill, maim, and destroy public property in their efforts to overthrow the government.
“We believe that the Nigeria police will not fall for or accept intentional lies that have nothing to do with the facts or reality on the ground, even though it respects and acknowledges the opinions and constructive criticism of people, organisations, or even international organisations like Amnesty International.
“As a matter of fact, the Nigeria police have never concealed their operations from the public’s attentive scrutiny. Instead of requesting explanations from the appropriate authorities, Amnesty International decided to spread false information and made-up stories.
“Amnesty International’s insistence on publishing an unverified and unsubstantiated report is smack of mischief,” the statement stated, adding that only they know why the organisation has embarked on such an honourable endeavour over time.
“Since the Amnesty International report was intended to portray Nigeria negatively, we urge the Nigeria police to reject it in its entirety and urge all well-meaning Nigerians to ignore it and discount its contents.
“The statement ended by assuring Nigerians that the Nigeria police, led by IGP Egbetokun, are committed to resolving the nation’s numerous security issues, regardless of baseless accusations and cheap blackmail from Amnesty International.