A coalition of civil society organizations has commended the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), for his strong stance in support of the rule of law.
The groups praised him for attending the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, to observe the arraignment of human rights and pro-democracy activist, Omoyele Sowore, on cybercrime charges.
The organizations described the NBA President’s presence in court as a symbolic but bold act, highlighting the vital role of legal professionals in protecting democratic values and ensuring justice.
According to them, Osigwe’s attendance sent a powerful message about the need for transparency, fairness, and accountability in Nigeria’s judicial system. They emphasized that while no one is above the law, concerns remain about due process violations and threats to judicial independence.
In response to this development, the coalition urged the NBA to institutionalize court observations by creating legal monitoring teams to track judicial proceedings. They also called on the NBA to take a more proactive role in judicial reforms, defending human rights activists, and preventing the misuse of the Cybercrime Act against journalists and activists.
The groups further recommended that the NBA collaborate with civil society organizations to develop a framework for identifying critical cases that require monitoring, ensuring continuous advocacy for judicial integrity.
“The collective responsibility of legal practitioners, civil society, and citizens is crucial for the preservation of democracy and the rule of law. We stand ready to support the NBA in any way necessary to ensure the success of this initiative,” the statement read.
They concluded by urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant in protecting justice and democracy in Nigeria.
The statement was signed by several organizations, including Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Hope Behind Bars Africa, Yiaga Africa, Global Rights, and the International Press Centre (IPC), among others.
