NBA asks FG to address insecurity, economic hardship, justice reform
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has asked the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the worsening state of security in the country and its dwindling economic fortune in view of the impact on the populace.
Speaking in Abuja , NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) said the heightening state of insecurity and the sorry state economy constitute a major source of concern, and which the Fed Govt must address without delay.
He said: “In other to focus the nation’s attention on the issue of insecurity and to ensure that all resources at our disposal are put in place to deal decisively with this issue, we call on
President (Bola) Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the area of security.
“As rightly noted by Mr. President himself, neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.”
Maikyau noted that what make the current state of insecurity more worrisome “is the increasing boldness of the perpetrators.
“Security personnel, who have the responsibility of securing the lives and properties of Nigerians, have apparently been unable to effectively stem the spread of the violent crimes across the country.
“What used to be at the fringes of the country (bad as it was) has now taken the centre-stage. The entire country is under siege by terrorists, bandits, and criminal gangs.
“It is no longer easily determinable, if not impossible, which square kilometre of the Nigerian territory is under the authority or control of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“A situation where criminality dots all over the space known as the Nigerian territory, in a manner that
diminishes the presence of law enforcement agencies, directly challenges the sovereignty of Nigeria.
“Some Nigerians have lost, and many more are fast losing confidence in the ability of the Federal Government to deal with the security situation in Nigeria. At this time, when public confidence in the sincerity of government in dealing with insecurity is at its lowest ebb, something radical must be done as a matter of emergency.”
He faulted the increasing militarisation of the civil space in view of the frequent deployment of military personnel for duties ordinarily meant for the police, arguing that such practice is not only weakening the police as an institution, it overburdens the military agencies.
“This military intervention, as we have seen over the years, is not sustainable. There is no substitute for
embarking on far reaching reforms of the Nigerian police that will elevate it to an effective
and efficient institution capable of enhancing the sense of security of Nigerians.
It is obvious that the Nigerian Police in its present form cannot deliver on its mandate,” he said.
The NBA President urged the Fed Govt to adopt a holistic approach to the issue of security while not overlooking the peculiarities of each region and design bespoke measures to deal
with them.
“Beyond getting the right tools and equipment, the welfare of security personnel must be reviewed to improve the lot of officers and men of the Armed Forces, and other security personnel, in and out of service.
“It is our view that the delay in commencing fundamental reforms in the Nigerian Police is a contributory factor to our nation’s current state of insecurity.
“We call on the administration to stop paying lip service to Police Reform and begin a meticulous reform of the police.”
He expressed concern about the current sorry state of the nation’s economy, noting that despite claim the country has the largest economy in the content and the progress have been made, the current reality presents the opposite.
“Our economy is dwindling, the naira is on a free fall, prices of food stuff have skyrocketed, our future
economic outlook seems to be on the negative trend. Inconsistent economic policies have
largely led to weakened economic fundamentals including sluggish economic growth. .
“The direct result of these is the low standard of living, alarming rate of poverty, high unemployment rate and the wide disparity in the socio-economic status of the Nigerian population.
“It would not be surprising given this current reality if the number of Nigerians living in extreme poverty has increased.
He urged the government to urgently communicate to the populace concrete efforts being put in place to address the current hardship in the country and called on President Tinubu to take seriously the cries of ‘we are hungry’ by Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines.
He argued that with the calibre of individuals who constitute the Federal cabinet, and President Tinubu’s impact in Lagos as the governor, the Fed Govt cannot now argue that it lacked plans to address the negative effects of the economy policies of previous administration.
As a way of addressing the current economic challenge, the NBA President recommend that the Government must, as a matter of urgency, announce deadlines for specific fundamental economic steps to be taken towards economic recovery.
He added: “This will enable all stakeholders to assess the performance of government in regard promises it has made and become a basis to hold government accountable to the people.
“Secondly, the Tinubu administration must show demonstrably a commitment to diversification of the
economy. There is so much talk by Ministers on what the government wants to do in the
areas of agriculture and solid minerals. It is time to back up talking with concrete deliverables,” he said
Maikyau commented the Fed Govt for a raise in financial allocation to the Judiciary and urged President Tinubu to ensure the inauguration of the recently appointed 11 Justices for the Supreme Court.
“On current developments within the justice sector, we welcome the commitment of the Federal Government to the improvement of the conditions of service of judicial officers.
Advertisement
“We are pleased to note that the NBA’s recommendations for the upward review of judicial salaries and
allowances are being considered for implementation.
“We want to specifically commend the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation for his leadership role in this regard. The appropriation of N341, 625, 739, 236.00 for the Judiciary is a development that has never happened in the history of Nigeria.
“We look forward to the urgent implementation of the proposed review. We also request that the President should swear-in the 11 Justices appointed to the bench of the apex court.”
Expressed concern about the ebbing public confidence in the Judiciary and called for urgent reforms to ensure enhanced commitment to justice delivery by judicial officers and improved transparency and accountability in the management of the system.
“Judicial officers must take their oath and judicial code of conduct seriously; they must avoid actions and omissions that will give the appearance of compromise.
“Like Ceaser’s wife, judicial officers must be above suspicion – they must live above reproach. Proven cases of judicial misconduct must be dealt with decisively.
“I am aware that petitions have been written to the National Judicial Council, alleging one form of misconduct or the other against some judicial officers, particularly in election related matters.
“These cases must be thoroughly investigated, and any judicial officer found to have compromised his oath of office must not be allowed to continue to serve on the Bench and should be made to face the wrath of the law. This is the way to begin building back confidence in the judiciary.”
The NBA President kicked against an aspect of the “Enhanced Trade Investment Partnership (ETIP)” agreement recently signed the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of the United Kingdom, which allows UK lawyers to practice on Nigeria.
He noted that despite the latest clarification by Minister for Investment, Trade and Industries that the agreement did not allow UK lawyers to practice in Nigeria, the NBA was adverse to such plan in whatever for.
Maikyau added: “It is very sad that while the UK government is creating opportunities for its lawyers outside the United Kingdom, the Government of Nigeria, by its action or omission, seeks to shrink the legal space for an already burdened legal practice.
“What efforts has the government of Nigeria made to ensure that Nigerian lawyers have access to the UK legal environment?
“What is even more tragic is that the agreement was entered into without engaging the NBA on the text of the agreement.
“This is a clear indication of the limited recognition the Government of Nigeria attaches to its professional bodies.
“We are certain that the UK government will not treat its law society and bar council in such despicable manner.
Read Also: Alleged sexual harassment: NBA, FIDA storm court for suspended UNICAL professor’s trial
“For avoidance of doubt, let me say clearly, that the NBA reject the agreement in so far as it relates to legal services. We fully intend to seek judicial review of the agreement including up to the supreme court if necessary.
“While we must accept the reality of globalisation and open our borders for transnational trade and exchange of services, this must be done strategically, purposefully, without and endangering the already exposed and weakened Nigerian market.
“We therefore request for a holistic review of all the agreements under the ETIP and the AfCFTA, particularly in view of the developments in the ECOWAS sub-region.
“In addition, we have begun the process of mobilizing our members for a possible nationwide public demonstration in objection to this agreement,” Maikyau said.
