In response to the ongoing hunger protest set to commence on August 1, 2024, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has announced the establishment of free legal support services for individuals whose fundamental human rights may be compromised during the demonstrations.
NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, through a statement by NBA National Publicity Secretary Akorede Lawal, outlined the association’s proactive measures to safeguard the rights of protesters. The NBA has directed the 130 branches across the country to address any breaches of fundamental rights, including harassment, intimidation, or torture by law enforcement agents or other parties involved.
“President Yakubu Maikyau has directed all chairpersons of NBA branches to ensure their Human Rights Committees handle cases of rights violations observed or reported during the protest. Additionally, a Situation Monitoring Committee (SMC) has been established to oversee interactions between law enforcement and protesters,” the statement read.
The NBA has also provided an online monitoring form to facilitate this oversight, accessible at https://rb.gy/q5xqg7. Members of the SMC and other NBA affiliates are encouraged to use this form to report their observations.
To coordinate these efforts, the NBA has set up Legal Support Services Teams nationwide. These teams are led by notable figures, including the NBA’s First Vice President, Mrs. Linda Rose Bala; Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Sir Steve Adehi, (SAN); and Chairman of the NBA Human Rights Institute, Mr. Chinonye Obiagwu, (SAN). The NBA President has also reached out to the Inspector General of Police for collaboration in ensuring that law enforcement respects human rights during the protests.
The nationwide hunger protest, running from August 1 to August 10, aims to draw attention to the severe economic challenges faced by Nigerian citizens. The NBA encourages all participants to exercise their right to protest peacefully and urges security agencies to uphold professionalism and respect human rights throughout the demonstration.