Just like other Lawyers, I was saddened with the reports in various social media platforms of the reported assault of our Colleague, Bernard Oniga Esq., the Secretary, NBA National Human Rights Committee by the men of the Nigeria Police Force, Maroko Division.
Some reports had it that our colleague was humiliated while others stated that he was beaten and detained at the aforementioned Police Station.
However the reports are, it is my considered view that the Officers and Men of the various Security Agencies should learn to be civil and treat Nigerians with some modicum of respect.
There are rules of engagement with the civil populace which Security Agencies must strive at all cost to observe.
I recall the efforts of the NBA President alongside his team led by the 1st Vice President in reaching out to the Police hierarchy for purposes of fostering a better working relationship between the Bar and the Security Agencies.
As the Chairman of my Branch Bar/Police and Other Security Agencies Committee, I have always pushed for a symbiotic working relationship between the Bar and the various Security Agencies.
It is therefore saddening to hear of this alleged assault against our colleague which is not what we expected from the Police end, bearing in mind the not too long ago interface with the Police hierarchy.
Our colleague, Bernard Oniga is the Secretary of the NBA National Human Rights Committee and he should have been given some respect as he regularly interface with the Police in the course of his Committee works.
While I commend the NBA Leadership for promptly swinging into action to rescue our colleague, it must be pointed out that Police Officers must see Lawyers as their partners in progress and not arch enemies that must be crushed.
I encourage other decent Police Officers to continue in their great job of policing the Country.
EWENODE O. WILLIAM ESQ.,
Immediate Past NBA National Assistant Secretary.
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