Amnesty International has called on United States of America, USA, Secretary of State, Antony Blinken to prevail on President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria to respect the human rights of Nigerians.
Kate Hixon, Africa Advocacy Director at Amnesty International USA, in a statement on Tuesday, said:
“On US, Secretary of State, Antony Blinken’s ongoing visit to Nigeria, Amnesty International USA, makes the following statement:
“Secretary Blinken’s trip to Nigeria is a great opportunity for US engagement with the new Tinubu Administration, but will only be successful if human rights are front and center.
“As we saw during the recent Christmas Eve attack in Plateau State, the Tinubu government is failing on its promise to protect civilians.
“Secretary Blinken must urge President Tinubu to do more than issue statements and actually ensure justice and accountability.
“In Nigeria, it is imperative that Secretary Blinken raise the ongoing harassment of human rights defenders and journalists, such as Omoyele Sowore, who is facing flawed charges solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression.
“Secretary Blinken must also press for the immediate release of the remaining #EndSARS protestors, who continue to be detained years after their protests without due process or even a trial,” she added.
