#ENDPOLICEBRUTALITY PROTESTS: NBA AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TO COLLABORATE ON POLICE REFORMS

In line with the recently disclosed immediate, mid and long term plans of the Nigerian Bar Association ( *NBA* ) by the President, Mr. Olumide Akpata which form part of the NBA's contribution to the conversations sparked by the ongoing national protests on #EndPoliceBrutality, the NBA President on Wednesday 14th October 2020, met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to explore possible areas of collaboration between the NBA and the House of Representatives ( *HoR*) towards actualising a holistic reform of the Nigerian Police Force through effective legislation.

At the meeting, it was resolved that the NBA will collaborate with the HoR in the following areas:

1. The NBA and HoR to work on a holistic legislation that will make the Police Force more accountable. This Legislation is to be ready on or before 10th November 2020 for presentation at the floor of the HoR.

2. The NBA and HoR to jointly set up an Adhoc Panel consisting of members of NBA & HoR that will work on the various issues of Police Brutality and other related matters including adopting strategies for the immediate release of all unlawfully detained protesters and other victims of police brutality, and the payment of compensation to victims of police brutality.

The NBA President, in commending some of the initiatives taken by the HoR in light of the protests emphasised the need for the partnership to be a very functional and effective one with clear timelines for execution and immediate results in sight.

The President thanked the Speaker for receiving him in audience and reaffirmed the total commitment of the NBA to the actualisation of the long-needed holistic reform of the Nigerian Police Force.

Dr. Rapulu Nduka
Publicity Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association