#EndSARS: All The 8 NBA Branches In Anambra State Endorse Protest Against Police Brutality, Set Up Complaint Desks

The eight (8) branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Anambra State have endorsed the ongoing protest against police brutality and disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)

This is contained in a statement made available to TheNigeriaLawyer (TNL) signed by the Chairman Ihiala Branch, Vitalis Ihedigbo, who happens to also be the Chairman of Chairmen of all the 8 branches.

Other signatories to the statement are B.E Ewulum PhD (Chairman Idemili Branch); Ekene Okonkwo (Chairman Awka Branch); Kaine Ananwune (Chairman Anaocha Branch); Jim-Abel Oforma (Chairman Aguata Branch); Kingsley Awuka (Chairman Nnewi Branch); Anthony Okafor (Chairman Otuocha Branch); and Steve Ononye (Chairman Onitsha Branch).

In the meeting which was held on Saturday, October 17 at the Amanke Okafor Bar Centre Awka, the leaders commended the Nigerian youths for gathering in large numbers across the country to stage protest against police brutality and to demand for immediate reforms.

“We note with particular admiration the resoluteness, dexterity, excellent coordination and peaceful manner in which our protesting youths have so far conducted themselves despite several pockets of orchestrated provocations from agents of State. Be rest assured that we the Anambra Bar have your back in this struggle to restore the dignity of our citizens and respect for sanctity of human life.” the statement reads

They also commended and thanked the NBA National President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, for mobilizing the entire Bar to support the protesters and protect their (protesters’) rights.

They also appreciated the leadership of NBA Branches across the country for “the great solidarity and synergy of efforts at this perilous time of our nation’s history.”

The leaders expressed concern over constitution of panel of inquiry in Anambra State without compliance with the provisions of the Commission of Inquiry Law of the state and the governments failure to include its members in the Panel. They however urged the government not to make membership of the panel beyond 9 persons to enhance speedy discharge of duties

They said, “We note with grave concern the recent announcement of the Anambra State Government (‘ANSG’) setting up a ‘Broad Based Panel of Enquiry’ (‘Panel’) to look into the activities of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (‘SARS’) in the State without recourse to the relevant provisions of the Commissions of Inquiry Law Cap 31 Vol. 2 Revised Laws of Anambra State 1991. Besides, we find it very curious that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Anambra State did not see the need to take the benefit of including representatives of the Bar in the Panel. Be that as it may, we advise that the membership of the Panel should not exceed 9 (nine) persons. This manageable number will guarantee quick and thorough discharge of the duties of the Panel.”

Furthermore, they described military’s planned “Operation Crocodile Smile” as “insensitive” and ill-advised”

“We seriously frown at the announcement of the Military authorities that the army will commence ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ exercise across the country by Tuesday 20th October, 2020. To conduct military exercises in the midst of ongoing nationwide civil protest is ill-advised and most insensitive decision at this critical moment. We call on the authorities to immediately halt and shelve this planned exercise to a later date. It has become more very imperative for governments at all level to always feel the pulse of the people in its decision-making process.” they said

Consequently, the leaders set up complaint desks across the 8 NBA branches in the state to receive complaints of police brutality.

The statement reads in part, “In line with the directives of our National President Olumide Akpata Esq., we have set up Complaint Desks across our 8 (eight) branches in the State to receive complaints of unlawful detentions (by the disbanded SARS or the regular Police units) and past extra-judicial killings. Members of the public are advised to avail themselves of this window without delay. The leadership of the Bar can be reached on any of the following numbers; 08033366227 (Ihiala), 08063878269 (Awka), 07038137153 (Idemmili), 08063539292 (Anaocha), 08034704089 (Nnewi), 08033443399 (Aguata), 08033912407 (Otuocha) and 08033427947 (Onitsha).

“Finally, to the great Nigeria youths, we say the time has come to take back our country, no retreat no surrender. We must maintain our cool and conduct ourselves in the most peaceful manner to achieve this lifetime goal for ourselves and generations to come. Aluta Continua, Victoria Aceta!!!”