Anthony Bamidele ojo the chairman NBA Garki branch Emphasizes intergrity and value in pro bono practice
News ;sports;politics
Abuja, Nigeria —November 3rd 202
The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has organized the Law for Humanity Summit at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) headquarters in Abuja, with the theme “The Quintessential Pro Bono Lawyer: Providing Value Without Compromising Professional Standards.”
Speaking with journalists at the event, Anthony Bamidele Ojo, Chairman of the NBA Garki Branch, Abuja, described the summit as a significant step toward promoting justice, integrity, and professionalism among legal practitioners.
“This summit aims to bring together lawyers engaged in pro bono practice, guild solicitors, and others who may not be directly involved, to the reality that ensuring justice and protecting the rights of citizens is a shared responsibility,” Ojo said.
“We must ensure that persons who are arrested are not detained beyond the constitutionally required period before trial. Integrity must guide our practice at all times.
Ojo commended the PPDC for its continuous efforts in supporting lawyers and strengthening the justice system. He also highlighted the role of legal practitioners within law enforcement agencies, urging them to handle prosecutions with fairness and humanity.
“Many legal practitioners serve within the police force. They must ensure that prosecutions are carried out with a human face, guided by fairness and merit,” he added. “In cases where bail is appropriate, it should be granted promptly. And where bail is not possible, matters should be charged to court immediately to allow the court make a Integrity and Value in Pro Bono Practice
The NBA Garki chairman emphasized that lawyers play a life-changing role in defending citizens’ rights, particularly through the enforcement of fundamental human rights.
“When a person is unlawfully detained and a lawyer intervenes to secure their release, that lawyer has restored hope and given that individual a new lease on life,” Ojo said. “This is why pro bono work is not just service—it is humanity in action.”
He, however, cautioned legal practitioners to uphold ethical standards and avoid compromising their professional integrity.
“We must all be very careful in our practice. The NBA Disciplinary Committee is active, and there are real consequences for misconduct,” Ojo warned. “In recent times, several lawyers have lost their licenses, some permanently. We must live above board and ensure that our integrity remains intact in every case we handle.”
Ojo further urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to embrace a culture of accountability and respect for human rights.
“We have moved past the era of impunity,” he stressed. “The days of arresting people and keeping them for long periods without trial are over. The law now protects citizens’ rights, and something will definitely happen when those rights are violated.”
He concluded by commending members of the NBA Garki Branch for their active involvement in human rights work and encouraged them to continue making positive impacts in society.
“Many members of my branch are already doing a lot of work in defending human rights, but we can still do more,” he said. “As legal practitioners, we must continue to rise to the occasion and ensure that justice is accessible to all.”
