From ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, WARRI
Lawyers under the Mid-West Bar Forum, MWBF, have raised alarm over the crumbling federal road infrastructure in Delta and Edo States, urging the federal government to declare a state of emergency on critical highways that have become death traps for motorists and commuters.
The forum, which comprises legal practitioners from the 14 branches of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in Delta and Edo States, made this demand during its quarterly meeting held on July 5 at the Bar House of the NBA, Benin branch.
Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Life Benchers, past and present NBA chairpersons and other prominent legal minds in the region gathered to deliberate on pressing issues affecting not just the legal profession, but the wellbeing of millions living and traveling through the two states.
According to the Chairman of the forum, Kunle Edun (SAN),“The condition of Benin-Warri, Benin-Auchi and Benin-Asaba highways is not only appalling, it is inhuman. “
The lawyers appealed to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi to provide immediate palliative measures during the rainy season to cushion the suffering of road users, pending full-scale rehabilitation.
Beyond infrastructure, the forum also decried the rising abuse of legal process(es) and fundamental rights in Edo State.
While denouncing all acts of criminality, including cultism and kidnapping, it expressed concern over the indiscriminate demolition of buildings allegedly linked to criminal activities without due process.
“Government must follow the law it enacted. Section 5 of the Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition (Amendment) Law, 2025, clearly states that a court conviction must precede any demolition or confiscation. Anything short of that is unconstitutional,” Edun said.
To ensure adherence to the law, MWBF resolved to set up a Litigation Committee to legally challenge the violation of citizens rights under the guise of fighting crime.
It also lauded the NBA, Warri branch for securing a High Court judgment that halted the operation of illegal revenue agents on public roads in Delta State. However, it expressed dismay that criminal impostors are still extorting motorists under the pretense of revenue collection.
The forum condemned what it described as growing and unlawful practice by police area commands in Edo and Delta States, where monetary payment is now allegedly being demanded before petitions from lawyers are received or investigated.
The meeting also heralded preparations for the NBA Annual General Conference scheduled to hold later this year in Enugu, with the forum constituting a social committee to coordinate networking activities for its members.
