Osinbajo reaffirms Nigeria commitment to African Court
By Andrew Orolua, Abuja
Vice President f Yemi Osinbajo has commended the work undertaken by the African Court in dispensing justice on human rights issues in the continent.
A statement by the African Court, said Osinbajo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment when he received a delegation of the court led by its President, Justice Sylvain Oré, at the State House in Abuja.
The Vice President said that Nigeria is committed to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the creation of the court, adding that its establishment guarantees protection of human rights in Africa.
“I commend the work of the African Court on the protection of human rights,’’ he stated.
Nigeria had ratified the protocol establishing the court in 2004, but is yet to make the declaration as required under Article 34 (6) of the Protocol establishing the court for direct access to the court by individuals and non-governmental organizations.
The Vice President assured the African Court delegation, which included three judges and registry staff that there would be consultations amongst relevant authorities to consider making the declaration to allow non-governmental organizations and individuals have direct access to the court.
President of the African Court, Justice Oré implored the Vice President on the making of the declaration, underscoring Nigeria’s influential position and its unwavering commitment to the peace and stability in the region and the continent.
Justice Oré thanked the Nigerian government for the warm reception accorded to the court’s delegation. The delegation met with key officials of government and also conducted a sensitization seminar for stakeholders in Abuja.
Among the key Nigerian officials that the delegation met with during its visit, are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN). The delegation also held discussions with the Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission and his team, and the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and his team.
