Call for Investigation into Alleged Military Involvement in Civilian Death
The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) has demanded an urgent investigation into the alleged involvement of Nigerian Air Force personnel in the death of Promise Moses in Rumuokwurusi, Rivers State. This plea highlights the growing concerns regarding military operations within civilian territories and their impact on local communities.
Press Release from ISSJHR
In a press release issued on Tuesday, Prime Minister Jackson Omenaza urged Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke to “immediately launch a comprehensive and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Promise Moses’ death.” This statement emphasizes the need for accountability and transparency in military-civilian interactions.
The Incident and Its Implications
Promise Moses, a tricycle driver described as “law-abiding and striving to earn a legitimate livelihood,” represents a disturbing statistic in a troubling trend. The ISSJHR believes that his death reflects an alarming reality: unchecked military activities within civilian spaces are creating an environment of fear and concern.
Concerns Over the “Air Force Market”
Part of the controversy centers around a local facility referred to as the “Air Force Market.” The ISSJHR asserts that this establishment operates without any legal legitimacy. The group has questioned its existence within a civilian area, arguing that it contradicts standard military operational norms. This situation raises significant ethical and legal questions regarding military presence in civilian life.
Reports of Harassment and Abuse
Residents have raised serious concerns over three years of perceived harassment and intimidation by Air Force personnel, citing instances of “unlawful interference in civil disputes” and “abuse of authority in a purely civilian jurisdiction.” These actions, the group stresses, are beyond the legal scope of military personnel and violate established norms governing civilian-military relations.
Urgent Actions Requested by ISSJHR
The group has called for the “immediate implementation of an independent judicial inquiry into the murder of Promise Moses” and emphasizes the necessity for identifying and prosecuting any officers found culpable. Additionally, they demand full compensation for the families affected by this tragedy and immediate relocation of the controversial market.
A Warning Against Militarization
The ISSJHR has warned against what they term the “creeping militarization” of civilian life, asserting that “Nigeria is not under military rule.” They advocate for military operations to remain strictly within the bounds of constitutional democracy. Any deviation from these principles, they argue, not only erodes public trust but also jeopardizes innocent lives.
Call for Justice
The society insists on the importance of justice, emphasizing that it must not only be done but also be visibly evident. “The people of Rumuokwulusi have endured enough… Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done,” the ISSJHR remarked, reinforcing their commitment to securing safety and accountability for the community.
