The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, will provide free legal services to protesters throughout the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, which is scheduled to be held in all 36 states of the country and the FCT from today, August 1, through August 10.
This is as the NBA leadership, in a statement issued on Thursday morning, expressed concern over possible human rights violations that may arise against peaceful protesters during the demonstration.
It urged intending protesters to be of good conduct and not let the peaceful protest go south, stating that chairpersons of the 130 branches of the association have also been directed to act accordingly on any case(s) of breach of fundamental human rights of persons involved in the protest.
The NBA also urged law enforcement agents to be professional and respect the human rights of others in the discharge of their duty, noting that it has already set up a monitoring committee to monitor activities between law enforcement agents and protesters.
In a statement issued by the NBA National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, on behalf of its President Yakubu Maikyau, the association said:
“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 branches 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 “Hunger protest” aims to draw the government’s attention to the economic hardships its citizens are currently facing.
