IFALOYE, OLUWATOSIN RUTH and Covenant University, Theses (2021) TRUTH COMMISSIONS AND VICTIM-CENTRED JUSTICE: AN EVALUATION OF THE OPUTA PANEL IN NIGERIA. ["eprint_fieldopt_thesis_type_phd" not defined] thesis, COVENANT UNIVERSITY.
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Abstract
Truth commissions generally seek to address issues of human rights violations that occurred during conflict or political violence. The Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission led the transitional justice process in Nigeria after the country transitioned from military rule to democracy. Like other commissions of its kind, it expressed claims that the truth-seeking process will benefit victims of human rights violations. The study evaluated the success or otherwise of the Commission’s operations by focusing on the extent to which victims benefitted from the process. It examined the Commission and its contributions toward meeting the need of those most affected by human rights violations during military rule in Nigeria. Four research propositions aligned with the research questions and objectives. Restorative justice theory provided the theoretical framework for this study because it advocates reconciliation instead of retribution. Furthermore, the study adopted the case study and ex post facto research designs, it is also qualitative. In-depth semi-structured interviews were used to elicit responses from relevant stakeholders such as petitioners, commissioners and participants from the population of the study. Data gathered were analysed textually and arranged using themes relevant to the research questions. This study established that the Oputa Panel did not foster accountability for past human rights violations to a large extent, and it was not an effective instrument of victim-centred justice. Although the populace and victims knew the Commission and stakeholders had the opportunity to participate, the Commission was not adequately equipped to address the issues because it could not execute its recommendations. The Commission relied on the discretion of the President for the implementation of its recommendations. Although the Commission met the psychological needs of victims that appeared during the public hearing, the cases addressed in the research report relied on the government’s implementation to receive any form of relief. It also revealed that one of the factors that hindered the process of fact-finding and reconciliation was legalism. The participation of lawyers as defendants and prosecutors did not foster an atmosphere of reconciliation. This study showed that many victims did not receive expected relief from the Commission. The study, therefore, recommends that for a truth commission to enjoy the kind of transformation that transitional justice aspires, it is essential to seek the cooperation of the three arms of government to establish and implement its recommendations towards institutional reforms, payment of compensation to victims and reparations.
| Item Type: | Thesis (["eprint_fieldopt_thesis_type_phd" not defined]) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Human rights, transitional justice, truth commission, victim-centred justice |
| Subjects: | J Political Science > JA Political science (General) J Political Science > JZ International relations |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Mrs Hannah Akinwumi |
| Date Deposited: | 18 Jan 2022 13:18 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Jan 2022 13:18 |
| URI: | http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/15573 |
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