In a fervent plea for decisive action, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has implored President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in response to the escalating insecurity plaguing several parts of the country. The call to action was made by NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, during a news briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, where he emphasized the pressing need for immediate intervention to address the pervasive security challenges gripping the nation. Maikyau underscored the gravity of the situation, expressing deep concern over the loss of confidence among Nigerians in the Federal Government’s ability to effectively tackle the security crisis.
Highlighting the widespread impact of criminal activities orchestrated by terrorist groups, bandits, and criminal gangs, Maikyau lamented the alarming state of insecurity permeating the nation. He emphasized the urgent necessity for comprehensive intervention measures, stressing the imperative of transparent and informed strategies to combat the prevailing security threats. Moreover, he called for enhanced investments in security infrastructure and personnel, emphasizing the paramount importance of safeguarding the lives and property of citizens across the country.
Maikyau further criticized the economic ramifications of the insecurity crisis, citing its detrimental effects on livelihoods, businesses, and food security. He decried the dwindling economy, the depreciation of the national currency, and the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, which have exacerbated the plight of ordinary Nigerians. Additionally, he lamented the adverse impact of insecurity on agricultural activities, noting the dire consequences for farmers unable to cultivate their lands due to the pervasive threat of violence and abduction.
Addressing broader economic concerns, Maikyau called for decisive government action to revitalize the nation’s economy and implement concrete measures to stimulate growth and recovery. He urged the administration to engage in transparent dialogue with citizens, articulating clear plans and timelines for economic revitalization initiatives. Furthermore, he expressed the NBA’s commitment to defending the interests of Nigerians, including challenging controversial trade agreements and legal decisions that could adversely affect the welfare of the populace.
On the issue of an enhanced trade investment agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, Maikyau expressed readiness to challenge the matter if not reviewed. He criticized the decision’s adverse impact on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians and underscored the NBA’s responsibility to protect the legal space. Additionally, he affirmed the NBA’s preparedness to challenge a court judgment allowing the registration of another legal body like the NBA, signaling a commitment to upholding the integrity of the legal profession. Ultimately, Maikyau conveyed his hopes for a favorable outcome, having articulated the NBA’s concerns and recommendations in a letter addressed to President Tinubu.
