Protest: NBA Launches Free Legal Support Against Human Rights Violations

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has set up free legal support services for anyone whose fundamental human rights may be violated in the ongoing nationwide hunger protest.

NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, in a statement on Thursday, through the Association’s National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, disclosed that directives have been sent out to all chairpersons of the 130 branches of the association to take up any cases of breach of fundamental human rights of persons involved in the protest.

Maikyau advised participants to go about the protest peacefully, urging law enforcement agents to be professional and respect the human rights of others in the discharge of their duty.

He also disclosed that a Situation Monitoring Committee has been set up to monitor activities between law enforcement agents and protesters.

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 letter also revealed that the NBA President has written to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun to collaborate with the association in this regard.

The NBA encouraged citizens, including members of the NBA who are joining the protest to exercise their right peacefully and within the bounds of the law.

It noted further urged the security agencies to be professional and observe human rights in their duty to enforce the law.

The hunger protest scheduled to be held between August 1 and 10 has gained popularity all over the 36 states of the country, including the FCT.

Organisers said the protest was intended to draw the attention of the government to the economic hardship currently being faced by its citizens.