Group Urges NBA To Help Protect Rule Of Law, Order, Rights Of Citizens

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Bail is Free Campaign Group (BFCG), has called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Edo State chapter to help protect the rule of law, order and the rights of citizens in the state.

The9aTEND reports that the group made the appeal during a courtesy visit recently to the new Edo State Executive of NBA led by Barr. Nosa Osagie at its secretariat, Benin City, the State capital.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Comrade  Oni-Edigin Justice, Coordinator who urged members of  NBA to help enlightened the general public on bail procedure and enforcement highlighted the purpose of the visitation which includes the move for justice and egalitarian society, goals and objectives of the movement Bail Is Free which is a constitutional right of every citizens.

According to him, we all understand the laws and procedures surrounding administrative Bail or Police Bail but yet this system put in place has completely failed us in the Nigeria contest, “Bail is Free ” which is attached is just mere word used to beautify a book and not in practice in any of the police station.

“When officers of the laws, i.e., lawyers, military personnel and paramilitary (mostly the Nigeria Police Force), who are supposed to interpret, enforce and execute the law are the one promoting the act of extortion and abuse of the rights of the people, what would then be the hope of common man in the society.”

He noted: “Since the judiciary is the protector of rights and the guardian of the Constitution, it goes out of its way to ensure the legislature is not making laws that restrict the rights of the people. Judicial review is the proactive measure used by the judiciary to review the actions of the legislature and the executive. There are three kinds of reviews, review of legislative actions, review of decisions, and review of administrative action. A review of legislative actions means the power of the court to determine the constitutionality of Acts made by the legislature. Judicial review of decisions includes determining the lawfulness of a particular decision or action made by a public authority.

“Administrative actions, although do not decide a right, they have the capability of affecting the rights of people. Thus, a review of administrative action includes determining the constitutionality of a particular action.

“In this note I employed the Nigeria Bar Association, Edo State Chapter to assist in the campaign for pro bono matters, and facilitate the Bail process within the law. Administration of justice and good governance for the people of Edo state, and Nigeria at large. I stand to be corrected counsels, you will agree with me that one of the key requirements for lawyers in Nigeria to be inducted as a Senior Advocate is to have offered free services to indigent citizens that could not afford legal fees. In legal terms, it is known as ‘Pro bono services’.

“Pro bono is short for “Pro bono Publico”, a Latin phrase which means ‘For the public good’. Unlike the Legal Aid Council Services funded by the Nigerian government, pro bono services are provided by lawyers in their professional capacities without the anticipation of receipt of payment for such services.

“Though there are no pro bono chambers in Nigeria, some law firms do offer the service, and to many of them, it is part of their contribution to better the lot of the common man. Often, they help to secure the bail of people arrested by the police and also visit prisons to find out about inmates who have no legal representation in court.”

He appealed to the Association to help educate members of the public who lack information their rights as citizens.

“Please counsel with this humble observation and submission I am appealing through this great Association of learned men and women of values, to help educate the members of the public of rights as citizens who lack information, and don’t forget to pass this message to other members of this great Association that has broken several barriers. I repeat, our brothers and sisters need our help and our society at large need to be re-educated and be liberated from the chains of oppression. Let’s collectively work together and achieve egalitarian society where no man is oppressed.)”

In his response, the State Chairman of the NBA, Barr. Nosa Osagie who embraced the movement with a warm reception promised to support, collaborate, and assist financially and morally in all areas where attention is needed assured to build a better society for the betterment of Nigerians.

Barr. Osagie also assured the group that a Pro Bono will be given and that since his emergence as chairman he is playing a vital and pivotal role in different committees in the state to ensure crime free and safe for Edo citizens.

While presenting an award to Coordinator of group for the great vision and move, the state chairman of NBA sued for more meetings and not to limit the movement to Bail is Free alone but cut across other sectors.

He therefore advised the group to also visit Nigerian Police Station, Nigerian Correctional Service and others so as to see the infrastructures on ground, meet with some suspects in their custody and know their plight, education, orient and sensitize citizens on their rights and above all embark on massive advocacy and public enlightenment on right and freedom of citizens.

Present at the visit were Comrade  Oni- Edigin  Justice Coordinator, Comrade Iki-Esiolee David Onome (GS) – Administrative Publicity Secretary, Comrade  Akpako Favour Okeoghene, Comrade lkhide John (PRO), Comrade Aimuamwonosa Igbinomwanhia, Comrade Nosa Imaruagheru, Comrade Ewemade Michael, Comrade Oyewo  Dare Philemon, Comrade Anietie Titus, Comrade Ogbebor Friday O., Comrade Esechie Saturday and Comrade Theophilus Ifan.