By Kelechi Ugo
As Nigerian lawyers joined their counterparts worldwide to mark the 2025 International Human Rights Day, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mbaise Branch, Barrister Judex Nwawudu, has called on governments at all levels to positively impact the lives of citizens through people-oriented governance.
Speaking with journalists in Owerri on Wednesday, Barr. Nwawudu said meaningful improvement in living conditions would significantly reduce crime, violence and insecurity across the country, noting that “when people’s lives are bearable, society becomes peaceful and productive.”
He described the theme of this year’s celebration, “Corruption and Human Rights: The Hidden Cost of Bad Governance,” as both timely and demanding, stressing that corruption has continued to undermine the enjoyment of basic human rights in Nigeria.
According to him, the provision of essential social amenities such as potable water, good road networks, stable electricity, functional healthcare facilities and improved welfare packages would encourage citizens to engage in meaningful economic activities and live healthier, happier and more dignified lives.
“Going by the theme of this year’s International Human Rights Day, we are all witnesses to the level of impunity in governance. Virtually every sector has collapsed,” Nwawudu said. “We are calling on leaders at the federal, state and local government levels to impact positively on the lives of the citizenry. There is hardship in the land. People have to breathe.”
The NBA chairman lamented that corruption, greed and selfishness among those in authority had prevented the delivery of basic infrastructure and services, forcing citizens to endure poor road conditions, lack of clean water, epileptic power supply and dysfunctional public hospitals and schools.
He urged government officials to shun corrupt practices and embrace good governance in order to meet the needs of the people, whom he described as the true producers of the nation’s wealth.
Barr. Nwawudu further emphasized the role of lawyers as “social engineers,” stating that members of the legal profession would continue to speak out against impunity, corruption and maladministration, which he blamed for Nigeria’s economic hardship, widespread hunger, rising crime and insecurity.
He also recalled that International Human Rights Day is observed annually on December 10, marking the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948.
“The essence of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is to promote respect for human rights and human dignity, protect individuals from abuse and oppression, and set a common global standard for human rights,” he said.
He concluded by urging governments to align their policies and actions with these principles to ensure a just, humane and prosperous society for all Nigerians.
