The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau SAN has urged board members of the newly inaugurated NBA Human Rights Institute (NBA-HRI) to promote rule of law, saying the members have the expertise to deliver on the mandate.

Inaugurating the board today at NBA headquarters, Maikyau stated that “the Board, which is now saddled with the management of the NBA-HRI, has the competence and expertise to deliver on this mandate.”

He urged the Board members “to appreciate the fact that the legal profession is best positioned to ensure the enhancement of human rights in Nigeria and that the protection of human rights is at the core of the objectives of the NBA, an objective the NBA-HRI under their care is expected to pursue with vigour and commitment.”

The NBA President also approved the continuous occupation by the Institute of the wing of the former NBA Secretariat in Garki, Abuja named after former NBA President and Governor of Ondo State, Arakurin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

Responding on behalf of the Board members, its Chairman and respected human rights activist, Mr. Chinonye Obiagwu SAN thanked the NBA President for the appointment and assured that it “would dutifully deliver on its mandates, even as the Institute is poised to improve on its research and training capacity.”

According to a statement made available to CITY LAWYER by the NBA Publicity Secretary Akorede Lawal, the inauguration ceremony was attended by Prof. Joy Ezeilo, OON, SAN; Mr. Usman Ogwu Sule SAN, former NBA Welfare Secretary and other members of the Board. Also present was Mrs. Linda Rose Bala, NBA 1st Vice President.

It is recalled that Maikyau had by a notice issued on August 4, 2023 reconstituted the NBA-HRI Board. The Board had immediately set to work by holding its first meeting after the inauguration at the NBA House.