The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has initiated free legal support services to assist individuals whose fundamental human rights might be violated amid the ongoing hunger protest.
This initiative was announced by the NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, through a statement issued on Thursday by the NBA National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal.
Maikyau revealed that directives have been dispatched to the chairpersons of all 130 NBA branches, instructing them to address any cases involving breaches of fundamental human rights of those participating in the protest.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace during the protests and called on law enforcement officers to act professionally and uphold human rights while carrying out their duties.
Additionally, Maikyau announced the establishment of a situation monitoring committee. This committee is tasked with observing and reporting on the interactions between law enforcement officials and protesters, ensuring that the rights of participants are respected.
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“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.”
“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.“
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“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 hunger protest, organized to draw government attention to the severe economic hardships faced by citizens, is set to occur in all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The protest is scheduled to commence on August 1 and will continue until August 10. The NBA’s proactive measures aim to safeguard the rights of individuals and ensure a peaceful and lawful demonstration.