FG says Nigeria not withdrawing from International Criminal Court

dimeji akinloye

November 3, 2016 6:38 PM

The Federal government said the court represents an international mechanism for ensuring justice for all.

Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs

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Some African countries, including South Africa, Burundi and The Gambia, have announced their intention to withdraw from the court.

But the Federal Government said the ICC represents the hope and aspirations of millions of people around the world, therefore Nigeria will not withdraw from it.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, November 3, by the acting spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jane Adams, it said as a party to the Rome Statute, Nigeria believes that the court also represents an international mechanism for ensuring justice for all.

It also said Nigeria remains a signatory to the Rome Statute adopted on July 17, 1998, which entered into force on July 1, 2002.

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According to the statement, non-membership of the court does not preclude anyone from prosecution, adding that the UN Security Council could refer cases to the court for prosecution.

Reacting to the plan by some African countries to leave the ICC, it said was their national decisions.

dimeji akinloye