Yemi Obafemi
The Nigerian Bar Association has urged memebers and the protesters to exercise their rights peacefully and within the bound of the law.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association Mr Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), made this known on Thursday as he directed all chairpersons of its branches to take up observed or reported cases of violation of fundamental right(s) of protesters during the protests
In a statement by the NBA National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, the President also urged the security agencies professional to observe human rights in their duty to enforce the law.
“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 statement read.
