Lawyers urged to imbibe culture of free legal services to citizens
Legal practitioners have been urged to imbibe the culture of offering free legal services to indigent citizens in the country to encourage and assist poor citizens to seek and get justice. This was the thrust of a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at building the culture of pro-bono in Nigeria. It was held in Osogbo, capital of […]
Legal practitioners have been urged to imbibe the culture of offering free legal services to indigent citizens in the country to encourage and assist poor citizens to seek and get justice.
This was the thrust of a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at building the culture of pro-bono in Nigeria. It was held in Osogbo, capital of Osun State.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Akingbolahan Adeniran, the Rule of Law Advisor to the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, explained that the move was intended to bridge the justice gap between the poor and the rich.
He said the meeting was also part of the efforts to curtail sexual and gender based violence. He urged all stakeholders in he justice system in Osun state to support the initiative and partake in the process.
He noted that the initiative which was designed as a multi-sectoral mechanism would be anchored by the Osun State Ministry of Justice. He called on lawyers and the media to play their role the helping the indigent citizens seeking justice.
The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General in Osun State, Dr. Ajibola Basiru in his remarks expressed the readiness of Osun State Government to work with all stakeholders in achieving the goal.
At the meeting, a response team on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence was inaugurated and participants gave assurance of their willingness to be part of the advocacy.
The meeting was attended by members of State Executive Council including the Commissioner for for Empowerment and Youth Engagement Mrs. Mofolake Adetoun Adegboyega, the Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Alhaja Latifat Abiodun Giwa and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu.
Others at the meeting include the Osun State Head of Service, Dr Olowogboyega Oyebade and the Chairman of the Osogbo branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr Dele Ajibade as well as top police and prison officials.