Lawmaker, Lawyers Lock Horns Over Human Rights Reforms

• Lawmaker claims existing laws are adequate, enforcement is the issue

• Lawyers argue comprehensive legal reforms are urgently needed

• Divergent views on tackling human rights abuses in Nigeria

Eko Hot Blog reports that the need for holistic reforms of the nation’s laws to safeguard the rights of Nigerians has pitted a federal lawmaker, Oluwole Oke, against Abuja-based legal practitioner, Mike Ozekhome, SAN.

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Oke, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, chairs the committee on Judiciary. “He said, ‘We have adequate laws to safeguard and protect human rights. All that we need is observance of these laws and enforcement of punishment for whoever that violates them.'”

However, in a contrary reaction, Ozekhome said, “Reforms are urgently required in all ramifications. From arrest, detention, investigation, filing of charges, prosecution, filing of civil cases, hearing/trial, adjournments, delays, up to judgment and conclusion of cases; the entire justice system in Nigeria needs fundamental reforms, rejigging and retooling.”

“This is the only way to prevent corruption and abuse of the judicial process. The entire investigative and prosecutorial machinery that brazenly affront citizens’ fundamental rights must be overhauled. Only these can prevent abuse of human rights across Nigeria,” he said.

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Speaking in a similar vein, human rights activist and constitutional lawyer, Abdul Mahmud, said, “Addressing human rights abuses in Nigeria requires comprehensive legal reforms aimed at strengthening protections for individuals and the nation-state against individuals intent on destroying it, and holding perpetrators accountable.”

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