The abortion of transitional justice mechanisms in Nigeria: the Oputa Panel in perspective

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Periodical article

Title:	The abortion of transitional justice mechanisms in Nigeria: the Oputa Panel in perspective
Author:	Okogbule, Nlerum S.
Year:	2009
Periodical:	East African Journal of Peace and Human Rights (ISSN 1021-8858)
Volume:	15
Issue:	2
Pages:	441-450
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	offences against human rights commissions of inquiry legislation transitional justice
Abstract:	This paper examines the extent of human rights abuses in Nigeria that led to the setting up of the Human Rights Violations Investigations Commission, otherwise known as the 'Oputa Panel', and the legal dynamics that stalled its operations. It shows that the success of the legal challenge to the Commission was due to the absence of prior legal framework for the Panel and contends that the development is a useful lesson to other States contemplating the establishment of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions. It further submits that for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to avoid such legal tangles and serve as an instrument for redressing human rights abuses, a prior legal framework is imperative. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]