NBA provides #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protestors with free legal services

For anyone who believes that their fundamental human rights are being violated as a result of the continuing hunger protest, the Nigerian Bar Association has established free legal support services.

The NBA National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, on behalf of the association’s President, Yakubu Maikyau, revealed in a statement on Thursday that all 130 branch chairpersons have received instructions to investigate any allegations of violations of fundamental human rights made by protest participants.

But even as he asked law enforcement officials to act professionally and respect other people’s human rights when carrying out their duties, he counseled protestors to carry out the demonstration in a peaceful manner.

He also mentioned the creation of a situation monitoring committee to keep an eye on interactions between demonstrators and law officers.

The statement read in part, “The President of the Nigerian Bar Association Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, has yesterday, July 31, 2024, directed all the Chairmen/Chairpersons of the 130 Branches of the NBA to ensure that their respective Human Rights Committees take up observed or reported cases of breach of fundamental right (s) of any citizen, harassment, intimidation or torture perpetrated by law enforcement agents, the protesters or other identified members of the public in the course of the protest.

“Chairmen/chairpersons of NBA nranches have also been directed to set up Situation Monitoring Committees to monitor and report activities and interactions between law enforcement agents and protesters. To this end, an online monitoring form has been provided, and it can be accessed from the link https://rb.gy/q5xqg7.

“Members of the SMC and other members of the NBA engaged in the monitoring exercise are encouraged to complete the form and submit same for NBA’s record and further action where necessary.”

It added, “To ensure effective coordination of this endeavor, the NBA has established Legal Support Services Teams across the country headed by the first Vice President of the NBA, Mrs. Linda Rose Bala; the Chairman NBA-SPIDEL, Sir Steve Adehi, (SAN); and the Chairman, NBA Human Rights Institute; Mr. Chinonye Obiagwu, (SAN). The NBA President has also written to the Inspector General of Police to collaborate with the NBA in this regard.

“As the protest commences today, August 1, 2024, the NBA wishes to encourage citizens, including members of the NBA who are joining the protest to exercise their right peacefully and within the bounds of the law. The security agencies are also urged to be professional and observe human rights in their duty to enforce the law”.

The nationwide hunger protest is set to take place in all 36 states, with the Federal Capital Territory joining on August 1 and running through August 10.

The purpose of the demonstration is to draw the government’s attention to the financial difficulties that the country’s inhabitants are currently facing.