Legislators and attorneys dispute on laws pertaining to abuse of rights

The necessity for comprehensive legal reforms to protect Nigerians’ rights has set federal legislator Oluwole Oke against Abuja-based attorney Mike Ozekhome, SAN.

The chair of the judiciary committee is Oke, a member of the House of Representatives who represents the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State.

In a phone interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, Oke stated that the laws of the country sufficiently protect human rights, adding that the only things left to do are enforce those rights and impose penalties in cases where violations are established.

He said, “We have adequate laws to safeguard and protect human rights. All that we need is observance of these laws and enforcement of punishment for whoever that violates them.”

However in a contrary reaction, Ozekhome said, “Reforms are urgently required in all ramifications. From arrest, detention, investigation, filing of charges, prosecution, filing of civil cases, hearing/trial, adjournments, delays, up to judgment and conclusion of cases; the entire justice system in Nigeria needs fundamental reforms, rejigging and retooling.

“This is the only way to prevent corruption and abuse of the judicial process. The entire investigative and prosecutorial machinery that brazenly affront citizens’ fundamental rights must be overhauled. Only these can prevent abuse of human rights across Nigeria,” he said.

In a similar vein, human rights activist and constitutional lawyer Abdul Mahmud stated that “addressing human rights abuses in Nigeria requires comprehensive legal reforms aimed at strengthening protections for individuals and the nation-state against individuals intent on destroying it, as well as holding perpetrators accountable.”