Fifteen Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have commended the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Afam Osigwe, SAN, for his unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
This commendation follows his presence at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, to observe proceedings in the arraignment of human rights activist and pro-democracy campaigner, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, who was charged under the Cybercrime Act.
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Civil Society Groups Laud NBA’s Role in Upholding Justice
The CSOs that endorsed the statement include:
- Media Rights Agenda (MRA)
- Hope Behind Bars Africa
- Restorative Justice for Africa Initiative
- Paradigm Initiative (PIN)
- Yiaga Africa
- NULAI Nigeria
- BO Foundation for Inclusive Media (BOFIM)
- Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria (HRJN)
- International Press Centre (IPC)
- Global Rights
- Nigeria Network of NGOs
- Sesor Empowerment Foundation
- Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)
- Dataphyte Foundation
- Digicivic Initiative and TechHerNG
The coalition of organizations issued a joint statement, emphasizing the NBA President’s significant role in upholding democratic values and ensuring judicial transparency.
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Statement from Civil Society Organizations
“We, the undersigned civil society organizations, commend the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Afam Osigwe, SAN, for his principled support for the rule of law.
His presence at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, to observe the arraignment of human rights and pro-democracy advocate, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, on alleged cybercrime charges, was a bold demonstration of commitment to justice and due process.
“This symbolic yet courageous act highlights the critical role of the legal profession, particularly the NBA, in safeguarding democracy and ensuring that justice prevails in Nigeria.
“The presence of the NBA President in court sent a strong message about the necessity of transparency, fairness, and accountability in the judicial process. It reaffirmed the legal profession’s dedication to upholding constitutional rights and the independence of the judiciary.
“We acknowledge that while no one is above the law, persistent concerns regarding due process violations and judicial interference make this intervention timely and necessary. The NBA President’s action is a step toward restoring public trust in Nigeria’s legal system.
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“In light of this, we urge the NBA to institutionalize court observations by establishing dedicated legal monitoring teams to oversee critical trial proceedings. We also call on the NBA to take a proactive stance in advocating for judicial reforms, protecting human rights defenders, and addressing the misuse of the Cybercrime Act against activists and journalists.
These measures would further demonstrate the NBA’s commitment to its core objective: ‘to promote and protect the principles of the Rule of Law and respect for Human Rights.’
“We further recommend that the NBA engage with relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to develop a framework for identifying cases that require observation. Such collaboration would enhance judicial integrity and ensure continuous advocacy for a fair and just legal system.
“The collective responsibility of legal practitioners, civil society groups, and the public is essential for preserving democracy and strengthening the rule of law. We stand ready to support the NBA in these efforts and commend Mr. Afam Osigwe, SAN, for setting this crucial precedent.
“We call on all stakeholders to remain vigilant in defending justice and democracy in Nigeria.”
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Strengthening the Legal Framework for Justice and Democracy
The recognition of the NBA President’s proactive role underscores the vital responsibility of the legal profession in shaping Nigeria’s democratic landscape. By standing against judicial irregularities and ensuring fair legal proceedings, the NBA sets a precedent for legal advocacy and human rights protection.
This commendation from civil society organizations highlights the growing need for continued vigilance and collaboration among legal professionals, human rights groups, and policy stakeholders to foster a transparent and accountable judiciary.
For further information and legal advocacy support, contact the NBA via legal@nigerianbar.org.ng.
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