Chidi Odinkalu, a prominent lawyer and activist, has strongly criticized the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, for his lengthy address appealing for restraint and dialogue in response to planned nationwide protests over the country’s economic hardships and insecurity.
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In a scathing post on social media, Odinkalu wrote, “Anyone who can issue a 7-page release in 11-point typescript to tell competent, adult citizens they should not protest is either illiterate, a comedian, or #BoughtAndPaidFor & that is being very generous. I could be more damning. Please ignore this man.”
Odinkalu’s comments come amid growing accusations from lawyers who claim that Maikyau is “pro-government” and does not represent the views of all lawyers regarding the planned peaceful protests. The controversy has exposed rifts within the legal community over the appropriate response to the nation’s pressing issues.
….Anyone who can issue a 7-page release in 11-point typescript to tell competent, adult citizens they shd not protest is either illiterate, a comedian, or #BoughtAndPaidFor & that is being very generous. I cld be more damning. Pls ignore this man. https://t.co/oqVZw5wqk4
— Chidi Odinkalu, CGoF (@ChidiOdinkalu) July 29, 2024
Odinkalu’s comments were echoed by other lawyers who accused the NBA President of being “pro-government” and claimed that Maikyau does not speak for all lawyers regarding the planned peaceful protests.
The planned protests, organized by various civil society groups, aim to address concerns such as the rising cost of living, insecurity, electoral reform, and constitutional reform.
While some lawyers support the right to peaceful protest, others have expressed reservations and called for dialogue as an alternative approach to tackling the country’s challenges.
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