The Duty Solicitors Network (DSN) has called on the federal government to set up a Legal Aid Fund and keep same running for the benefit of poor prisoners.
Mr Bayo Akinlade, convener of DSN, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos, in response to the need to decongest the prison system.
He noted that with the level of injustice in the society today, many are suffering and often do not have access to justice through the courts.
According to him, this situation has made the poor utterly helpless and even more vulnerable leading to an increase in crime within communities.
“The courts being the last hope of the common man has almost become an illusion, since nobody believes this anymore.
“The Legal Aid Act 2011, in line with international standards, provides for the establishment of the legal aid and access to justice fund.
“From this funds, financial assistance would be made available to the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, on behalf of the indigent citizens to prosecute their claims in accordance with the constitution.
“It is also to further empower the existing Legal Aid Council to be responsible for the operation of a scheme for the grant of legal aid and access to justice in certain matters, to persons with inadequate resources,” he said.
According to Akinlade, the mandate of the council is enormous as it was established to serve more than 80 per cent of Nigerians living in poverty.
He, however, said sadly, the council could not execute this job effectively, due to lack of funds, and shortage of personnel.
“There are states in Nigeria for instance that have less than five Legal Aid staff, yet they are to serve the legal needs of millions of indigent citizens; what is the National Assembly doing about this?” he asked.
Akinlade, therefore, urged the national assembly to earmark funds to the legal aid, which would be used to provide probono legal services in every constituency.
“The Legal Aid Council is no doubt well placed to deliver justice to the people and it is our responsibility as lawyers and as a network, to initiate this campaign for establishment of the legal aid fund.\
“We, therefore, appeal to our leaders and especially to the Attorney General of the Federation, to ensure that the legal aid fund is set up and running” he said. (NAN)
