JUST IN: Agbese Backs Nigeria’s Exit from ICC, Says Treaty Limits Troops in War Against Terrorists

 

 

 

By OGB Joseph Abuja 

 

 

 

Deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has argued that Nigeria should withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), contending that the country’s membership in the global tribunal hampers the armed forces’ ability to effectively prosecute the war against terrorism and other forms of insecurity.

 

 

 

 

Speaking on The Good Morning Show on Arise Television, Agbese said Nigeria’s prolonged battle against Boko Haram, banditry and other violent groups requires greater operational freedom for security forces, rather than legal constraints imposed by international conventions.

 

 

 

 

According to him, terrorists operate without observing any rules of engagement, while Nigerian soldiers face the risk of international scrutiny over allegations of disproportionate use of force.

 

 

 

 

“Terrorists can attack communities, kill women and children, and they are not restrained by any international legal framework. But our troops are constantly worried that after the war they could face prosecution over how they fought,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Agbese maintained that Nigeria has matured enough institutionally to investigate and prosecute alleged abuses through its own legal system, insisting that national security should take precedence over continued membership of the ICC.

 

 

 

He argued that several major global powers, including the United States, Russia, India and Israel, are not parties to the Rome Statute establishing the ICC, adding that Nigeria should equally review its membership based on its peculiar security realities rather than international pressure.

 

 

 

 

The lawmaker also recalled how reports by international human rights organisations allegedly affected Nigeria’s access to military equipment during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency.

 

 

 

According to him, if the ICC framework continues to limit the effectiveness of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations, the country should reconsider its participation.

 

 

 

 

“If the ICC Convention is preventing our troops from decisively confronting terrorists, then the lives of Nigerians are more important than membership of the ICC,” he stated.

 

 

 

 

 

Agbese praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as significant improvements in Nigeria’s security architecture.

 

 

 

He cited the recent salary increases for members of the armed forces, the establishment of additional military formations and the rescue of hundreds of kidnapped victims as evidence that the government is making progress.

 

 

 

 

Comparing current security operations with previous years, Agbese noted that rescue missions have become more coordinated and increasingly successful.

 

 

 

 

 

“We are beginning to move closer to where we should be. We have seen successful rescue operations in Oyo and Kwara states, and there is now greater synergy among the military, the police and other security agencies,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

The Benue lawmaker also applauded the improved coordination among the Army, Air Force and intelligence agencies, saying it has strengthened the country’s response to insecurity.

 

 

 

 

 

However, he urged state and local governments to complement federal efforts by improving rural road infrastructure to enable faster deployment of security personnel to troubled communities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond the military, Agbese called on the Federal Government to extend improved remuneration to workers across critical sectors of the economy.

 

 

 

 

He argued that poor salaries have contributed significantly to the migration of professionals, including doctors, nurses, teachers and university lecturers, to other countries.

 

 

 

 

While commending the recent pay increase for military personnel, he urged the government to replicate similar reforms across the public service.

 

 

 

 

“The improvement should not stop with the armed forces. Teachers, professors, health workers and other professionals also deserve better welfare because they are rendering essential services to the country,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

On the recurring attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, Agbese described the violence as criminality rather than genuine xenophobia.

 

 

 

 

He argued that many of the attacks are driven by attempts to seize the businesses and properties of foreign nationals rather than fear of foreigners.

 

 

 

 

He further observed that while African migrants are frequently targeted, nationals of countries such as China and India are rarely subjected to similar attacks.

 

 

 

 

Agbese expressed disappointment that South Africa, whose liberation from apartheid received widespread support from Nigeria and other African nations, has become a flashpoint for attacks against fellow Africans.

 

 

 

 

“It is unfortunate that the grandchildren of those who benefited from Africa’s solidarity during the anti-apartheid struggle are now attacking fellow Africans,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

He reaffirmed the Pan-African Parliament’s commitment to promoting the African Union’s agenda on regional integration and free movement, while stressing that violence against African nationals undermines the continent’s unity and development aspirations.