Adaobi Egboka, a Nigerian-US based human rights lawyer is the Director of Africa Initiative at the Vance Center for International Justice. In this interview with NGOZI OKPALAKUNNE, she discussed the state of human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria, and why strengthening institutions is critical to the country’s progress. She also spoke on other issues of national interest. Excerpts:
How would you describe the state of human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria today?
I would describe the state of human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria as deeply concerning, despite the substantial legal and constitutional framework we have for protecting human rights. A significant gap remains between the rights guaranteed by law and the reality many Nigerians experience. We continue to see abuses by security agencies, prolonged pre-trial detention, delays in the justice system, gender-based violence, restrictions on civic space, insecurity and limited access to justice, particularly for people who cannot afford legal representation. The rule of law is weakened when institutions fail to enforce the law consistently or hold powerful people accountable. When violations occur without effective investigation or remedy, or when court processes are so slow or inaccessible that people lose confidence in the system, the credibility of those institutions suffers.
