The Oduwa People’s Assembly has raised concerns over Amnesty International’s alleged biased reporting on Nigeria, particularly regarding the killings in Benue and Plateau states.
The group also raised concerns about Amnesty‘s selective reporting, citing the organisation’s apparent oversight of violence in the South-East and mass killings attributed to separatist groups.
In a statement, the group‘s leader, Richard Olatunji Kayode, alleged that Amnesty International’s reports lack credible data and are influenced by Western funding, which may compromise their objectivity.
He said, “In light of the recent claims made by Amnesty International regarding reactions to their reports on the killings in Benue and Plateau, the Oduwa People‘s Assembly OPA finds it necessary to address the assertions that their findings are based on credible data, as well as the unfounded allegations that individuals are being paid to discredit their narratives.
“The Oduwa People‘s Assembly contends that Amnesty International, rather than being the victim, is culpable in its reporting on killings in Nigeria. This assertion raises critical questions about the integrity of human rights organizations and their role in shaping narratives that may influence public perception and policy decisions.
“Amnesty International‘s assertion that specific individuals are compensated to undermine its data lacks substantiation. Notably, the organisation has not clarified the origins of its statistics, whether they are derived from the Nigerian police, the Directorate of State Security, the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, or military sources.
“Furthermore, there are concerns regarding Amnesty‘s adherence to its foundational principles, as it is perceived to have shifted its focus over time. The funding of such organisations, mainly from Western sources, may influence their agenda, particularly in targeting nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America deemed unfriendly, thereby raising questions about the objectivity of their reporting.
“The Oduwa People‘s Assembly raises pertinent concerns regarding Amnesty International‘s selective reporting on Nigeria, particularly its apparent oversight of violence in the South-East. Notably, the mass killings attributed to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) remain largely unaddressed.“
