By Cheta Enyoghasi
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the newly sworn-in President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has announced that the association will hold the federal and state governments accountable for their commitments to the public.
Osigwe announced this in Lagos after being inaugurated as the 32nd NBA President and making his inaugural speech titled ‘Our Mandate’.
In laying out his vision, the NBA president stated that legal practitioners in Nigeria will be holding governments accountable and ensure that their policies and programs meet the needs of the people.
He said under his leadership, the NBA will be vocal in discussing issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice.
The association will also address the issue of illegal detention of innocent citizens by security agencies. Also a Citizens’ Liberties Committee (CLC) will be established to monitor and inspect police stations and other detention facilities in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The CLC will collaborate with NBA branches and Chief Judges to ensure that all police stations and detention facilities are visited and inspected by Magistrates and Judges monthly.
In his words: “As legal practitioners, we occupy a unique position in society, one that enables us to effect positive changes in society and to uphold the principles of justice, equity, and fairness. We must ensure that the law serves all Nigerians, irrespective of their background, status or affiliation.
“Under my watch, the NBA shall hold governments, at all levels, accountable, including and especially the Federal and State Governments. We will work towards ensuring that government policies and programs meet the yearnings and aspirations of our people, as they relate to the provision of good governance, transparency in financial expenditures, reducing drastically the cost of governance and ensuring that the welfare of our people is given topmost priority.
“We will strive to ensure that government responds appropriately to the challenges of security of lives and properties, respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms, the provision of gainful employment and all the basic amenities of life, especially food, shelter, clothing, qualitative and affordable education, healthcare, and other infrastructure as well as access to justice.
“The NBA shall be vocal and constantly speak up on issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of Justice.
“As we take on the mantle of leadership, we are well aware of the enormous responsibilities that lie ahead. We are optimistic. We know that with your support and cooperation, we will meet the challenges head-on and transform them into opportunities for the growth and progress of our members.
“It is believed that thousands of citizens are suffering in unlawful custody in many detention facilities/centers in all the states of the federation. The Association no doubt has a crucial role to play in monitoring and ensuring that the requisite authorities carry out their statutory duties of inspecting Police Stations and other detention facilities in the various states of Nigeria and the FCT. We shall, therefore, establish a Citizens’ Liberties Committee, CLC”.
