TheCable

The federal government says it is committed to ending impunity and “facilitating recourse to justice” for victims, as well as ensuring punishment for perpetrators.

According to Umar Gwandu, special assistant on media and public relations to Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation, the minister said this at the opening of the five-day 18th session of the assembly of state parties to Rome Statute at the International Criminal Court, Hague, Netherlands.

He said Malami informed the gathering that the Boko Haram insurgents had been considerably decimated through the efforts of the Nigerian security forces and the support of neighbours and other friendly states.

“Gradually, therefore, normalcy is returning and Nigeria is coming out of the woods and will indeed also come out of the numerous cases initiated against her at the ICC, ” he said.

“Nigeria is not a jungle, it is a peace and justice loving country which is aspiring to develop and create a conducive environment for foreign and other investments, to generate jobs and create opportunities for the teeming population.

“Therefore, impunity being a critical element that could prevent these lofty ideas from fruition, does not have a place and will never be tolerated in all facets of our criminal justice system. ”

Malami said Nigeria desired to see ICC overcome all its present challenges and become a global, independent and impartial court, with capability to rid the world of impunity.

“Nigeria is also determined to work together with state parties to oppose efforts to undermine the works of the Court, its independence and impartiality,” he said.

“In particular Nigeria strongly condemns threats against the ICC in some parts of the world, its officials, and those cooperating with the Court.

“We consider such attacks as calculated attempts to undermine and cripple the fight against impunity and the laying of a solid foundation for a peaceful and just world, not only for the present generation, but also for the unborn ones.

“Nigeria is committed to recognising the Rome Statute system of justice as key in advancing accountability at the international and national levels, for sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children as grave crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.’’