Abuses in Nigeria

By Steve Crawshaw

Published in The Guardian

It is right to argue (Leaders, May 2) that Nigeria deserves both aid and debt relief. It is true, too, that "a healthy, strong Nigeria could be the catalyst" for growth that is badly needed throughout the region. It is, however, depressing that the British government remains reluctant to confront serious abuses that continue in Nigeria, six years after the end of the military dictatorship. These abuses include widespread police torture and killings, as documented by Human Rights Watch and by local NGOs. Britain heralds President Obasanjo's government as a beacon of democracy in Africa, ignoring widespread political violence by the ruling party which swept Obasanjo back to power in 2003.

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Human Rights Watch has repeatedly pressed the British government to raise these concerns, but it prefers to turn a blind eye. Britain is an important donor and can play a key role in ensuring the truth is confronted at last.  
 
A government which allows its security forces to commit torture, rape and killings is neither healthy, nor democratically strong. The failure to speak out on these issues can only harm the interests of Nigeria and the Nigerian people. Systemic human rights abuse must not be swept under the carpet for reasons of political convenience.