Lawyer Tasks Govt On Human Rights Abuses

A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Anthony Aroh, has called on all tiers of government in Nigeria to address human rights abuses among the citizens.

Aroh,who spoke with our correspondent in Lagos, said it was unfortunate that many Nigerians were not interested in challenging infringement of their rights.

“Those that are aware of their rights do not have the willingness to pursue violation of those rights in courts.

“While the not so wealthy ones amongst us feel that it is expensive to engage a lawyer to assist in seeking redress for any infringement of their rights.

“And the sum total of our lackadaisical attitude to challenging violation of our rights is that the practise is increasing in ratio,’’ he said.

Aroh, who is also a human rights legal practitioner, said it was sad that even the educated Nigerians were not setting good examples for others to follow.

“It is somehow baffling that most enlightened people living among us are the ones guilty of easily condoning infringement of their rights,’’ he said.

He said that there were numerous civil society groups interested in giving legal assistance to anyone willing to challenge any violation of his or her rights.

“It is my expectation that since the beginning of this Fourth Republic in 1999, our courts ought to have been inundated with cases on violation of rights.

“Democracy as a political system guarantees the protection of people’s rights, and so, one would expect that by now our courts will be replete with suits related to the enforcement of fundamental human rights, “ he said.

Aroh urged more government collaboration with civil society groups in the advocacy for protection of human rights.

He added that Nigerians should be enlightened on the role the “public defender’’ played in their pursuit of justice, including legal aids available to them from government.