The Nigerian Bar Association – Human Rights Institute (NBA-HRI) has hosted a summit on the state of Human Rights in Nigeria with the theme, “Human Rights and Insecurity; Assessing the Future of Governance and Sustainable Livelihood in Nigeria”.
Lawyer, feminist and Founder of Women Aid Collective, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo while delivering the keynote address titled, ‘Insecurity, Human Rights, and Governance in Nigeria, emphasised the duties of political actors in the country, stressing that “it is one of the primary duties of the government to protect the lives of its citizens.”
Speaking separately, Nigerian Activist, Aisha Yesufu added that “the citizens can become politically active by running for political positions or supporting viable candidates running for political positions”.
She equally encouraged members of the Nigerian Bar Association to vie for political positions especially those of legislative nature.
Human Rights Expert and Director, Amnesty International, Osai Ojigho introduced the dynamics of gender-based violence and gender unresponsive infrastructures as another form of life-threatening act and omission that has claimed the lives of several women in Nigeria.
Mr Femi Falana (SAN) also advised on essential sections of the correctional service act that the NBA could leverage to create more jobs for legal practitioners in the country.
During the interactive session, one of the participants who identified as a solicitor suggested that the Nigerian Immigration Service should be strengthened and held accountable since most of the time, the government have responded that the perpetrator of grave terrorism act in the country are non-Nigerians.
The program ended with a vote of thanks by Mr Sule Sani (SAN), a member of the NBA-HRI Governing Council.
The event, attended by over 200 participants both virtually and physically, had in attendance notable speakers such as Professor Joy Ezeilo (OON), Dr Martin Ejidike, Ms Osai Ojigho, Ms Aisha Yusuf, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), Mr Tommy Mom, Ms Funmi Adeogun, Ms Abiye Tam George, and Ms Dorothy Njemanze.
Other personnel in attendance were Mr Chino Edmund Obiagwu (SAN), the chairman of the NBA-HRI Governing Council and Mr Olumide Akpata, President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
