Hunger protests: NBA launches free legal services in 130 branches

The Nigerian Bar Association, in recognition of the fundamental and guaranteed constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and protest, has set up pro bono legal support services for anyone whose fundamental human rights may be violated as a result of the protest.

The protest by citizens, calling for an end to bad governance in the country, took off on Thursday across many states of the federation.

The President of the association, Mr Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), in a statement on Thursday, through the NBA National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, disclosed that a direction had been sent out to all chairpersons of the 130 branches of the association to take up any case of breach of fundamental human rights of persons involved in the protest.

He, however, advised participants to go about the protest peacefully, while he urged law enforcement agents to be professional and respect the human rights of others in the discharge of their duty.

He also noted that a situation monitoring committee had been set up to monitor activities between law enforcement agents and protesters.

The statement read: “The President of the Nigerian Bar Association Mr Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), yesterday, 31 July 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 branches have also been directed to set up situation monitoring committees to monitor and report activities and interactions between law enforcement agents and protesters.

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

“To ensure effective coordination of this endeavour, the NBA has established Legal Support Services teams across the country headed by the 1st 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.”

The association urged citizens and security agencies to exercise their rights within the bounds of the law

“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 rights 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 statement read.