Nigerian Bar Association Provides Free Legal Services for #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protesters

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has launched free legal support services for anyone whose fundamental human rights may be violated during the ongoing hunger protests.

NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, through National Publicity Secretary Akorede Lawal, announced that directives have been issued to all 130 branch chairpersons to address any cases of human rights breaches related to the protests. He emphasized that protesters should act peacefully and urged law enforcement agents to uphold professional standards and respect human rights while performing their duties.

A Situation Monitoring Committee has been established to oversee interactions between law enforcement and protesters. An online monitoring form has been provided at https://rb.gy/q5xqg7 for reporting any incidents.

Maikyau’s statement included, “All NBA branch chairpersons have been instructed to ensure their Human Rights Committees address any reported cases of rights violations, harassment, or abuse. They are also to set up Situation Monitoring Committees to track and report activities during the protests.”

To coordinate these efforts, the NBA has formed Legal Support Services Teams nationwide, led by First Vice President Linda Rose Bala, NBA-SPIDEL Chairman Sir Steve Adehi (SAN), and NBA Human Rights Institute Chairman Chinonye Obiagwu (SAN). The NBA President has also reached out to the Inspector General of Police for collaboration.

As the hunger protests begin today, August 1, 2024, and continue until August 10, the NBA urges all participants to protest peacefully and legally, while calling on security agencies to act professionally and respect human rights. The protests aim to highlight the economic hardships facing citizens.