The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Owo branch has said government at all levels must live up to its responsibility of securing lives and property of citizens.
The lawyers added that governors should be made to part with ransom being demanded by kidnappers in their respective states,saying the action may prompt them to sit tight and provide adequate security.
The NBA chairman in the branch, Mr. Tajudeen Ahmed said this on Monday while speaking with journalists at the commencement of the branch’s 2019 Law Week activities in Owo.
Ahmed further reiterated the branch’s resolution not to represent in court, any suspected kidnapper or bandit caught in the dastardly act, henceforth.
The lawyers said they took this decision as part of efforts to reduce the rate of crimes in the state.
According to the chairman, the moment lawyers refuse to represent kidnappers and bandits in court, it would be difficult for them to scale through in the court.
He said, “The Owo NBA branch will not defend anyone accused of kidnapping and the resolution stands even at the lawyers’ bar, (although) some of our colleagues have said it that it is unconstitutional.
“We are still calling the government to secure the lives and property of the people and one of the ways is to ensure that our roads are passable and motorable.
“If our roads are passable and motorable, it will be difficult for bandits or kidnappers to carry out their evil deeds.
“Our position still remains that governors should be ready to pay the ransom demanded by kidnappers. Maybe if they are doing that they will live up to their responsibility to provide adequate security in their respective states”.
Ahmed said the maiden NBA Owo Law week was tailored in line with Law Week celebrations across the globe, stressing that the annual programme was to promote public understanding of the law and its role in society.
YOMI AYELESO , Akure
