Nigerian Activist Vows to Fight for Human Rights Pro Bono

Nigerian activist Deji Adeyanju has pledged to take on cases of oppression and abuse on a pro bono basis, ensuring that no oppressed Nigerian goes to bed feeling unable to defend their rights due to a lack of financial resources for legal representation.

Adeyanju, a prominent human rights advocate, revealed his intention to dedicate his time, resources, and legal expertise to combating corruption in Nigeria.

He emphasized that corruption has permeated nearly all aspects of national life, and stressed that there was no better time than the present to confront this issue.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the activist stated that he would regularly encourage the relevant security agencies to investigate corruption allegations and, in cases where they failed to act, he would seek orders of mandamus to compel them to fulfill their duties.

He also mentioned seeking fiats from the Attorney-General of the Federation to prosecute corruption cases.

The statement partly reads, “A few years ago, following my desire to impact the human rights space in Nigeria and protect the rights of the oppressed, I took the difficult decision to go back to school and earn a degree in law.

Though the process was grueling, resource and time consuming, I am happy that the dream that was conceived a long time ago has now come to fruition.”

Adeyanju added, “As I join the largest bar in Africa and become a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, today, my commitment to Nigerians is that I will use the knowledge and instrument of the law to advocate for the downtrodden, the oppressed and all those who are unable to speak out or defend themselves.”

Recognizing the crucial role of the judiciary in the life of Nigeria, Adeyanju also pledged to advocate for an increment in the salaries of all judicial officers across the board.

He argued that it was shameful that governors, lawmakers, and their aides earned significantly more than members of the judiciary, who have dedicated their entire lives to doing justice to all manner of persons.

“A judiciary where a Supreme Court Justice earns barely N3,000,000 (Three Million Naira) per month is a judiciary vulnerable to corruption.

I will use the instrumentality of the law to advocate that no Supreme Court justice should earn less than N15,000,000 (Fifteen Million Naira) per month,” Adeyanju said.

The activist also emphasized that he would commit his time, resources, and knowledge of the law to the fight against corruption in almost all areas of the country’s national life.

Deji Adeyanju’s dedication to the pursuit of justice and human rights in Nigeria is a beacon of hope for the oppressed and a reminder of the power of one individual to make a difference.