El-Zakzaky: US Gives Buhari 45 Days To Release Political Prisoner

The United States of America has called on President Buhari to desist from human right abuses.

The USA made the call following the release of a white paper by the Kaduna State government on the clash that happened between the Nigerian Army and Shiite Muslims.

The US Department of State spoke through the Bureau of Public Affairs.

The spokesperson, Mr John Kirby, said that the USA fully agrees with the White Paper’s recommendations.

He said, “On Dec. 5th, the Kaduna State Government issued a long-awaited White Paper.

“The document was related to clashes last year that resulted in the [neutralization] of 348 civilians and one soldier.

“We fully agree with the White Paper’s recommendation.

“Members of the military who were involved in the unlawful [neutralizations] of civilians must be punished appropriately.

“That tragic event will soon clock one year and the Nigerian president has done nothing in this regard.
“We, therefore, call on him to be diligent, transparent, and expeditious in following through on this recommendation.”

Kirby said that the USA was also concerned with the Paper’s characterization of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria as an “insurgent group”.

He said that the U.S. government would also want the president to obey court orders and release Ibrahim Zakzaky and his wife within 45 days.

He called on the President to obey the court order which was issued on December 2nd, 2016.
He said, “As the White Paper notes, the right to freedom of worship is a cherished constitutional right in Nigeria that must be protected.

“We encourage the president of Nigeria and his government to support these fundamental principles, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or region.

If the president obeys the USA, this will be the first time he’s bowing to international pressure.