The necessity for comprehensive changes to the country's laws to protect the rights of Nigerians has caused a disagreement between a federal legislator, Oluwole Oke, and Abuja-based lawyer Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
Oke, who represents Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State as a member of the House of Representatives, is the head of the Judiciary committee.
During a phone interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, Oke stated that human rights are well protected by the laws, and what remains is the enforcement of these laws and punishment for proven violations.
He explained, “We have sufficient laws to protect human rights. What we need is compliance with these laws and the imposition of penalties for those who break them.”
However, in contrast, Ozekhome remarked, “Reforms are urgently needed in all aspects. The entire justice system in Nigeria requires fundamental reforms, restructuring, and revitalization, from arrest, detention, investigation, filing of charges, prosecution, filing of civil cases, hearing/trial, postponements, delays, up to verdict and conclusion of cases.
“This is the only way to prevent corruption and abuse of the judicial process. The entire investigative and prosecutorial machinery that openly violate citizens’ fundamental rights must be revamped. Only then can we prevent human rights abuses across Nigeria,” he said.
Echoing a similar sentiment, human rights advocate and legal expert Abdul Mahmud mentioned, “Addressing human rights abuses in Nigeria requires comprehensive legal reforms aimed at bolstering protections for individuals and the nation-state against individuals intent on destroying it, and holding perpetrators accountable.
