The Oputa panel was established in Nigeria to

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks about the purpose of the Oputa Panel, a key topic in Nigerian government and history.

Step 2: Explain the concept The Oputa Panel is the popular name for the Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission (HRVIC). President Olusegun Obasanjo set it up in 1999, soon after the return to civilian rule. It was headed by Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, which is why it carries his name.

Its main job was to:

• Investigate human rights abuses and killings, including political assassinations, committed from January 1966 to May 1999. This covered the long period of military rule.
• Hear petitions from victims and their families.
• Recommend compensation or other remedies, and measures to prevent future abuses.

It was similar in spirit to South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Notable figures such as former military leaders were invited to appear before it.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Monitor military spending - Wrong. The panel had nothing to do with budgets or defence expenditure.
• B. Facilitate arms trades regulations - Wrong. It was not a trade or regulatory body.
• C. Investigate human rights abuses during the military rule - Correct. This matches the panel's mandate exactly.
• D. Promote military intervention in politics - Wrong. The panel was a part of the transition to civilian democracy and did the opposite of promoting military rule.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C.

Exam tip: Link the name to the purpose: Oputa = Observing Past abuses. Whenever you see "Oputa Panel" in an exam, think "human rights violations under military rule, 1966-1999". Also remember the year (1999) and the president who set it up (Obasanjo), as these are often tested.