By Ukpa Ewa
A coalition of civil society organizations has commended the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Afam Osigwe (SAN), for his unwavering support for the rule of law. The NBA President earned praise for his symbolic and courageous presence at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, to observe the arraignment of human rights and pro-democracy activist, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, on alleged cybercrime charges.
In a joint statement, 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 highlighted the significance of Osigweโs action in reinforcing the importance of judicial transparency, fairness, and accountability.
โThe presence of the NBA President in court sent a strong message about the critical role of legal professionals in upholding constitutional rights and ensuring justice is not only done but seen to be done,โ the statement read.
The CSOs stressed the need for institutionalized court observation and urged the NBA to establish dedicated legal monitoring teams to oversee proceedings in cases involving human rights defenders and activists. They also called on the NBA to take a more proactive role in advocating for judicial reforms and combating the misuse of the Cybercrime Act to suppress dissenting voices.
โAs a professional body, the NBA has a responsibility to champion the rule of law and safeguard the integrity of the judiciary. We encourage the association to collaborate with civil society groups to create a framework for monitoring trials and ensuring due process is upheld,โ the statement added.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the NBA in any necessary capacity to strengthen democracy and human rights protections in Nigeria.
โMr. Afam Osigwe has set a commendable precedent, and we urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant in defending justice and democratic values,โ the CSOs concluded.
