The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the provision of free legal assistance for individuals whose fundamental human rights might be violated during the ongoing hunger protests.
In a statement released on Thursday by NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, through the NBA National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal, directives have been issued to all chairpersons of the association’s 130 branches to address any cases of human rights violations related to the protest.
President Maikyau encouraged participants to protest peacefully and urged law enforcement officials to act professionally while respecting human rights during their duties.
A situation monitoring committee has also been established to oversee interactions between law enforcement officers and protesters.
The statement read, “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.
“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 is set to take place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory from August 1 to August 10. The aim is to draw government attention to the severe economic hardships faced by citizens.
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