In view of the recent threat by the Nigerian Army against the EndSars protest, the Open Bar Initiative (OBI), a voluntary advocacy and justice initiative for lawyers, has set up a team to provide legal support to the protesters should anything happen
This is contained in a statement made available to TheNigeriaLawyer (TNL) signed by the Convener, Sola Joseph Onu.
“We have considered the challenges faced by our frontline protesters as many are now facing a real danger of being physically harmed and or indiscriminately arrested. Also, we have considered the threat released by the Nigerian Army to deal with peaceful protesters at all cost.
“Therefore, we have set up a legal and Logistics team to support our frontline heroes with legal services where required and other forms of logistical support.” the statement reads
According to the Onu, the immediate past NBA National Secretary, Jonathan Taidi, shall be the National Coordinator of the intervention.
For protesters in Abuja, the legal team lead is Mojirayo Ogunlana, @Moji who will work with the following lawyers
1. Clinton Biragbara @Clinton Biragbara
2. Amedu, member, @Amedu
3. Donald @Ayibiowu Donald , Member.
4. @Barr Maxwell Opara, member.
For Lagos:
1. @Monday Ubani Team Lead
2. @John Austin Unachukwu member
3. @Chukwuma Ezeala member
4. @Tee Lawson Akpata Member.
5. @Mayowa Owolabi
Port Harcourt:
1. @Frank- Briggs PAST CHAIR PH Team Lead.
2. @Joe Zabi member
3. @Leo Okey member
4. @Barr Ifediba member
5. @Ogbom member.
The Open Bar Initiative also called on other lawyers who wish be involved in their state of residence to indicate so on its Twitter platform, so that he or she can be captured you in their database.
Open Bar Initiative announced @Chioma Unini as the press liason of the team while the following as consultants for the team:
@Prof Chidi Odinkalu
@Prof Alubo, SAN
@Prof. Dankofa
@Dr Akin Onigbinde SAN
@Mike Ozhokeme SAN
@Chris Uche SAN
@Alex Obodo Ejesieme SAN
“Kindly note that all we desire to achieve is to protect the Constitutionally guaranteed rights of all Nigerians to peaceful protest,” Onu said
