Fuel subsidy protest: Jonathan urged to repeal Police Force Order 237

Amnesty International on Wednesday reiterated its call on the Nigeria Police to stop shooting at protesters.

The organisation urged the Nigerian authorities to reform Nigeria’s police regulations in line with international standards, to prevent additional loss of life and ensure that the police use only firearms when it is strictly necessary to protect life.

Amnesty International had repeatedly called on the authorities to repeal Police Force Order 237, which provides guidance in the use of firearms by the police in Nigeria. It is so broad that it permits police officers to shoot protesters, whether or not they pose a threat to life.

Amnesty International considers it unacceptable that Force Order 237 instructs police officers in “riot” situations to “single out” and fire at “ring-leaders in the forefront of the mob.”

The force order also directs officers to fire “at the knees of the rioters” and explicitly prohibits firing in the air.

Shooting at people, regardless of where an officer aims, is likely to result in death.

With more protests announced, President Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to demonstrate a commitment to protect the people.

“The president must repeal Force Order 237 and immediately announce that the use of lethal force is only allowed when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life.

“The president must also set up an independent commission of inquiry to investigate all reports of use of force by the police against protesters. International standards require that any use of force or firearms resulting in death or injury is investigated to ensure that the use of force was not arbitrary or abusive.

“The police must be provided with non lethal equipment to properly manage public order situations, including protests even if they turn violent.”Amnesty International said.

The protests started on January 2, after President Goodluck Jonathan announced the removal of fuel subsidy. This increased the price of petrol from N65 (US $0.40) to at least N140 (US$ 0.86) a litre.

 Transport costs have consequently doubled and other essential daily expenses are expected to rise considerably.

Nigerian workers had been on strike since January 9, while tens of thousands of people throughout the country had taken to the streets  to protest against the removal of fuel subsidy and to demand good governance.

The protests are generally peaceful, but in some instances, violence had been reported.

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