NBA Condemns Military Blockade and Unconstitutional Panel in Okuoma Community

The Warri branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the military blockade and the unconstitutional panel set up by the Nigerian Army in the Okuama Community of Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State.

The NBA criticized the Army’s actions following the killing of seventeen officers and men of the Nigerian Army on March 17, 2024, stating that the military’s response is illegal and violates the rights of the community.

In a statement by its Chairman, Chief Oghenero Okoro, the NBA condemned the killing of the Nigerian Army officers but also emphasized that the military cannot fight one illegality with another.

The association called for a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice but stressed that the blockade and the military panel of enquiry are unconstitutional and illegal.

Chief Okoro highlighted that the Chief of Defence Staff had confirmed that the Army knows the perpetrators, and there is no justification for displacing the Okuoma Community and keeping them in the forest.

He further stated that the NBA does not support the military panel, as Nigeria is not a military state and the constitution provides clear ways and means for investigating the commission of crimes.

The NBA also condemned the declaration of some community leaders as wanted by the Army and the subsequent handover of the traditional ruler to the military by the Delta State Commissioner of Police.

The association called for the immediate release of the traditional ruler and other community leaders to the Police, who have the constitutional responsibility to investigate the commission of crimes.

In addition to addressing the Okuoma Community issue, the Warri branch of the NBA emphasized the importance of its ongoing Annual Law Week.

The event aims to update and refresh lawyers in their profession, educate stakeholders and communities in the Niger Delta on their relationship with oil operators as per the new Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and promote the importance of lawyers’ health.

The NBA has taken a firm stance against the military blockade and the unconstitutional panel set up by the Nigerian Army in the Okuama Community.

The association calls for a legal and constitutional approach to addressing the issue while ensuring the rights and well-being of the community are protected.