CSOs urge NBA to institutionalise trial observations

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to establish a formal court observation system to promote public confidence in the judicial process.

This call follows Afam Osigwe, NBA president’s support for the rule of law by attending the arraignment of Omoyele Sowore, a human rights and pro-democracy campaigner, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a statement jointly signed by the CSOs stated.

The CSOs, including Media Rights Agenda, Yiaga Africa, and Global Rights, praised Osigwe’s courageous act, which demonstrated the legal profession’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring justice. They recognised this action as a significant step towards promoting public confidence in the judiciary.

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The CSOs urged the NBA to institutionalise court observation and establish dedicated legal monitoring teams to undertake trial observations. They also urged the body to advocate for Jjdicial reforms and ensure the protection of human rights defenders, while challenging the weaponisation of the Cybercrime Act against activists and journalists.

The CSOs emphasised the collective responsibility of legal practitioners, civil society, and citizens in preserving democracy and the rule of law. They expressed their readiness to support the NBA in ensuring the success of this initiative.

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.