Marking International Human Rights Day 2023, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau emphasized an impartial judiciary and principles-based legal profession as fundamental to safeguarding individual freedoms and the collective good.
In a statement underscoring this year’s Human Rights Day theme “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All,” Maikyau positioned the annual milestone as more than rhetoric, calling it “an opportunity to assess the impact of time-tested rights and identify areas of improvement.”
Citing Nigeria’s Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as subscribed landmarks, the NBA head committed to championing the rights enshrined within them.
Maikyau spotlighted an independent, respected judiciary as essential for justice, alongside a vibrant bar association upholding strict professional ethics. He contended the legal calling’s purpose transcends financial motivations, advocating expanded pro bono work to advance equal access and rights.
The senior lawyer urged collaboration across authority lines to embed sustainable development policies addressing inequality and instability. He pressed government to balance security, economic and justice priorities for an inclusive, fair Nigeria.
In closing, Maikyau emphasized applying human rights towards elevated living standards and cross-generational stability. He advocated overcoming violations fueling conflict, achieving fuller equality and leaving none behind – calling freedoms the catalyst for national advancement.
The statement conveys the NBA top brass’ worldview on the legal profession’s role within a rights framework – setting integrity and social contribution as responsibilities underlying the third arm’s authority and societal standing.
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