By Halimah Olamide
In commemoration of the 2023 Human Rights Day, the President, Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, has called for a collaborative effort with the necessary stakeholders to strengthen human rights.
This was contained in a statement to celebrate the annual Human Rights Day which is held on the 10th of December, with the theme for this year being: “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All” and a call to #StandUp4HumanRights”.
“I call on members of the Bar to join hands as we collaborate with other stakeholders for the purpose of advancing the human rights of all Nigerians regardless of ethnic group, state, gender, language, status, or political persuasion. “
Maikyau also urged the government on all levels to uphold people-oriented policies to achieve a just society and system for all Nigerians.
“On its part, government at all levels must renew its social contract with the people by adopting policies that are people-oriented and which align with sustainable development principles.
“Government must recognize the place of economic policies in increasing inequality, fueling instabilities, and eroding the fabric of society, and take steps to address these. I reiterate my call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to pay close attention to security, the economy, and the administration of justice if we are to achieve a fair and just society that works for all Nigerians. “
The statement further read; “I therefore, on behalf of the NBA, wish to restate our commitment to championing and upholding the fundamental human rights as enshrined in the three landmark documents we subscribe to as a Nation: the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
“The concept of “justice for all” is unattainable without an independent judiciary. Individual rights and freedoms will remain a mirage without a truly independent and competent judiciary. For human rights to thrive, there must be in place a judiciary that commands the respect and confidence of the people – members of society must have confidence in the capacity and integrity of the court to dispense justice.
“Similarly, an independent and vibrant Bar is necessary for the attainment and preservation of individual rights and freedoms. As observed by Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, CJN (of blessed memory), “The respect in which the Bar in any country is held is the best indicator of the freedom in that country.” Consequently, my administration is committed to upholding one of the cardinal objectives of the NBA, which is the “Maintenance and defense of the integrity and independence of the Bar and the Judiciary in Nigeria.”
Additionally, all members of the bar have been urged to maintain good conduct and behaviors to command the public’s respect.
The statement also urged that members should embrace the pro bono program by volunteering with the NBA Pro Bono Centre to avail free legal services to less-privileged citizens.
“We must always therefore, as members of the legal profession, sitting at the Bar or on the Bench, conduct ourselves within the bounds of ethics and our rules of professional conduct, as that is the only way we can earn the confidence, and command the respect of the public. We have a critical role to play in society and that is not something to be treated with levity or taken lightly. We must work daily to uphold the rights of Nigerians because human rights are the catalyst for the development we seek.
“We must make provision for free legal services to indigent citizens. Let us create awareness in our respective communities and encourage deserving citizens to avail themselves of our pro bono service. And by so doing move “Justice for All” from mere rhetoric to becoming the reality of our countrymen.”