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The Nigerian Bar Association has offered free legal aid services to protesters whose basic human rights may be violated during the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
The association’s president, Yakubu Maikyau, in a statement issued on Thursday, August 1 through the NBA’s national publicity secretary, Akorede Lawal, said that directives have been sent to all presidents of the association’s 130 chapters to deal with any case of violation of the fundamental human rights of those involved in the protest.
However, he advised the protesters to carry out their activities peacefully. He also urged law enforcement officers to be professional and respect the human rights of others while carrying out their duties.
The statement reads: “The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, yesterday, July 31, 2024, directed all the Chairmen of the 130 sections of the NBA to ensure that their respective human rights committees attend to observed or reported cases of violation of the fundamental rights of any citizen, harassment, intimidation or torture perpetrated by law enforcement officers, protesters or other identified members of the public in the course of protest.
“NBA nranch presidents/chairmen have also been directed to establish Situation Monitoring Committees to monitor and report activities and interactions between law enforcement officers and protesters. To that end, an online monitoring form has been provided, accessible at https://rb.gy/q5xqg7.
“SMC members and other NBA members involved in monitoring activity are encouraged to complete the form and submit it to the NBA archive for further action as necessary.”
He added, “To ensure effective coordination of this initiative, the NBA has established Legal Support Services Teams across the country led by the NBA’s First Vice President, Ms. Linda Rose Bala; NBA-SPIDEL President, Sir Steve Adehi, (SAN); and the President, 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.
The hunger protest, aimed at drawing government attention to the economic hardships citizens are currently facing, is scheduled for all 36 states of the country and the FCT. It begins today, August 1, and will last until August 10.
