The probe, which is being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), may be extended to similar allegations raised by Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, a source said.
Besides, members of the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have started consultations on how to approach the petition sent to the commission by President Goodluck Jonathan.
A source said the commission would follow the rules of procedures in treating Jonathan’s petition.
All security agencies are involved in the probe of the allegation of training of snipers to deal with 1,000 Nigerians on a watch-list, it was learnt.
The security agencies were reportedly mandated to go deep into the veracity or otherwise of the allegations.
A top source said: “I can confirm that investigation of security issues in Obasanjo’s letter, especially the training of snipers, is ongoing.
“We have resorted to discreet investigation because of the sensitive matters raised in the letter. These are not what you put in the public domain at this initial stage because it might be prejudiced by political consideration.
“And if you look at the letter, it contained political issues mixed with security concerns. So, we decided to be careful not to play to the gallery because national security is at stake.
“The proper thing is to conduct an in-depth probe devoid of any political colour because Obasanjo might have some privileged information unknown to the government.
“And Obasanjo might also be acting on false reports. Yet, we must look at all angles knowing full well that whatever we do today will be on record for the succeeding administrations.”
Asked how long the investigation will take, the top source replied: “As soon as practicable, but I think within one month, we should go far.
“In the midst of this probe, some highly-placed Nigerians like Governor Rotimi Amaechi and a former Minister of FCT, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, have declared that they are on the watch-list.
“We may ask them to oblige us information at their disposal in confidence as responsible citizens.”
The source said since the President, in a counter-letter, came up with allegation of subversion against Obasanjo, the probe will examine his claim.
Members of the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission following the “weighty” nature of Jonathan’s petition, have been calling for an early meeting this month.
A source in the Council said the Rules of Procedures would be strictly applied in treating Jonathan’s petition.
The source said: “Members are eager to meet on Jonathan’s petition because of the public interest attached to it. We have been consulting and we will meet this month.
“When we meet, we will decide whether or not to raise an adhoc committee to investigate his complaint. The assurance I can give you is that we will follow the Rules of Procedures put in place by the Commission.”
A copy of the Rules of Procedures was obtained last night by our correspondent.
Rule 65 of the procedures reads in part: “It shall be the responsibility and function of the Governing Council to decide on petitions, cases and complaints of violations of human rights received from individuals, or other persons, or communities.
“Council may delegate any of its roles with respect to the preparation, investigation or mediation of complaints to the Executive Secretary or any other person or expert designated by it.
“The Executive Secretary shall, at each session, present to the Council, a list of all complaints received, the procedures undertaken by the Secretariat, and the proposals or remedies for consideration or decision by the Commission.”
Source
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