The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has taken a proactive stance in response to the ongoing nationwide protests by establishing Legal Support Services Teams across the country. These teams are dedicated to providing free legal assistance to protesters whose fundamental rights may be infringed upon during the demonstrations, which commenced early Thursday morning.
This initiative underscores the NBA’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights, especially in moments of civil unrest where the potential for rights violations is heightened.
The President of the NBA, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), has issued directives to the chairpersons of the NBA’s 130 branches across the country. These directives mandate the activation of their respective human rights committees to address any cases of rights violations that may arise during the protests.
Whether the violations involve harassment, intimidation, or even torture at the hands of law enforcement agents, protesters, or other members of the public, the NBA is prepared to intervene. Maikyau’s instructions reflect a broad and vigilant approach to safeguarding the rights of all citizens, ensuring that legal recourse is available in real-time as events unfold.
In addition to this, Maikyau has instructed the branch chairpersons to establish situation monitoring committees. These committees will have the critical task of observing and documenting interactions between law enforcement officers and protesters.
Their observations will be crucial for the NBA’s records and could serve as evidence in any potential legal actions that arise from the protests. The formation of these committees signifies the NBA’s comprehensive strategy to monitor the protests closely, ensuring that any breach of rights is immediately reported and addressed.
To streamline the reporting process, the NBA has launched an online monitoring form. This form is designed to be filled out by individuals who experience rights violations during the protests.
Members of the monitoring committees, along with other NBA members involved in the monitoring efforts, are also encouraged to complete and submit these forms. The data collected will be vital for the NBA to take further action, whether it be legal challenges, public advocacy, or engaging with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served.
For effective coordination, the NBA’s Legal Support Services Teams will be led by prominent figures within the association. Mrs. Linda Rose Bala, the 1st Vice President of the NBA, will spearhead the teams, along with Sir Steve Adehi, SAN, the Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), and Mr. Chinonye Obiagwu, SAN, the Chairman of the NBA Human Rights Institute.
The involvement of these senior members of the bar highlights the importance the NBA places on this initiative, ensuring that it is handled with the utmost professionalism and expertise.
In a further move to ensure the protection of rights during the protests, the NBA President has reached out to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun. In his correspondence, Maikyau has sought collaboration between the NBA and the Nigerian Police Force.
This collaboration aims to create a framework where both the NBA and law enforcement work together to ensure that the protests are policed in a manner that respects human rights and maintains public order. The NBA’s outreach to the IGP reflects a desire for a balanced approach that prevents rights violations while allowing for the lawful expression of dissent.
Moreover, the NBA has called on all citizens, including its members who may be participating in the protests, to exercise their rights in a peaceful and lawful manner. The association’s plea for peaceful protests is in line with its long-standing advocacy for the rule of law and non-violence.
At the same time, the NBA has urged security agencies to maintain a professional demeanor in their duties. This includes respecting the human rights of protesters and ensuring that their actions are within the legal framework.
This initiative by the NBA is a significant development in the context of Nigeria’s democratic evolution. It serves as a reminder of the vital role that the legal community plays in protecting civil liberties, especially during times of political and social upheaval. The NBA’s actions send a strong message to both the government and the public that the protection of fundamental rights remains a priority, even in the face of challenges.
As the protests continue, the effectiveness of the NBA’s Legal Support Services Teams and monitoring committees will be closely watched. Their success could set a precedent for how legal institutions can respond to protests and rights violations in the future. For now, the NBA’s efforts provide a critical safety net for protesters, ensuring that their voices can be heard without fear of unlawful reprisal.
