Lawyer Urges FG To Stem Human Rights Abuses

A Port Harcourt-based human rights lawyer Mr Chijioke Agi, has called on the Federal Government to stem human rights violation in the country.
Mr. Agi who handed the warning while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt at the weekend expressed regret, that human rights abuses were on the increase in spite of democratic rule.
He said the situation was likely to escalate if it remained unchecked, adding that unless something was done urgently to stem the tide, there was a possibility that anarchy would set in.
Mr. Agi noted that law enforcement agents violate the law with impunity.
He remarked that in spite of provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of 1999 as amended and the Fundamental Rights Act, law enforcement agents continue to violate citizens’ rights.
According to him, until the rights of citizens are respected, the country will continue to look like a jungle where survival of the fittest operates.
“You find out that sometimes when a defendant is granted bail in a criminal proceeding, the Federal Government will still hold the defendant at its pleasure. This is unlawful but it happens,” he stated.
He cited the case of Nnamdi Kalu who had been granted bail but is still held at the custody of law enforcement agents.
Mr. Agi said there was neither respect for the rule of law nor for human lives.
He averred that the rule of impunity was taking a toll on the country’s democracy.
He said there must be a deliberate effort to strengthen the country’s democracy through strict adherence to the rule of law.
He added that it was better for individuals to be ruled by the rule of law instead of self-help.
Mr. Agi remarked that it was important for Nigeria as the biggest black nation to lead the rest of Africa by showing good examples.
He further said the growing restiveness among the youths was predicated on lack of jobs and government’s insensitivity to the plight of the youth. He therefore urged government not to shirk its responsibilities by providing jobs and enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

By: Chidi Enyie