The Economic, Social and Cultural Council, an organ of the AU, has come out to say that Western nations are allegedly sponsoring Amnesty International to destabilize Nigeria.

Leader of a delegation of the group, Mr. Tunji Ashaolu, revealed this during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General, Tukur Yusuf Buratai at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

According to him, Tukur Yusuf Buratai is winning the battle against terrorism and the people saying he is violating human rights are mere sponsors by western people.

He added that on behalf of AU, Economic and Social Council, he has passed a vote of confidence in the Nigerian Army under Tukur’s leadership.

His words, “You have reorganised the army through professionalism and has retrained them, adding that the Army has been experiencing rapid promotion.

“You have established human rights desk in all the Army formations. If you have been able to do this, I don’t see why some group would say that you are violating human rights. Someone violating human rights would not establish those desks.

“I think they have put this in place not only to undermine your office but the Nigerian government.

“The Amnesty International that is saying you are violating human rights is being sponsored by western people,”

“You have won the war against terrorism. There was nothing like Boko Haram before, it came, you are facing it, tackling it and winning it. You have worked effectively in civil-military relations and you have supported democracy to succeed in Nigeria.

“I, on behalf of AU, Economic and Social Council, passed a vote of confidence in the Nigerian Army under your leadership”. “You have done it all, all you need is encouragement.”

“We are here to tell you, we are behind you. African Union is behind you. It means you have to do more. We are not partisan, we are not politicians, and we can’t be used.

“Whatever we see, we say it. You have done a lot. And we are now saying enough is enough for international organisations to be using Amnesty International as part of their foreign direct agencies to destabilise the government of Africa which we will not take any longer.”

Buratai added, “This visit is a morale booster. This has increased our confidence, that we are being appreciated not only in Nigeria but across the continent and globally.

“You have come with a message from the African Union. The AU Agenda 2063, of silencing the gun is a laudable initiative. It should be imbibed by all and sundry.

“We have had this challenge for a long time, the proliferation of Small Arms across the country.”