By SUNTV Global Channel
Global human rights organisation Amnesty International has urged the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stay out of the forthcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national elections, warning that any interference could undermine the independence of the legal profession and weaken the rule of law.
In a statement released on Friday, the organisation expressed concern over reports alleging that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), issued directives that could influence the NBA’s electoral process.
The reported measures include the proposed dissolution of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), postponement of the elections, replacement of the association’s election service provider, creation of a caretaker committee, introduction of National Identification Number (NIN) verification for voters, and changes to the NBA Constitution that could alter its voting system.
Amnesty International insisted that the Nigerian Bar Association is an independent professional body and not an agency of government. It stressed that the Federal Government has no legal authority to dictate how the association conducts its elections or manages its internal affairs.
The organisation warned that any attempt to control or influence the NBA’s leadership election would amount to an attack on the independence of the legal profession, democratic principles, and civic space in Nigeria.
Amnesty International called on the Federal Government to respect the autonomy of the NBA, immediately withdraw any directives capable of affecting the electoral process, and ensure that the association’s elections are conducted freely, fairly, and without intimidation or political interference.
According to the organisation, preserving the independence of the legal profession is essential to protecting the rule of law, safeguarding constitutional democracy, and preventing the abuse of state power.
The statement comes ahead of the NBA’s national elections, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments surrounding the association’s leadership transition.
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