Lagos Lawyers’ forum positions for free legal services to residents
We want to see a lot of people coming to access justice free of charge, without paying anything;
The Amuwo Odofin Lawyers Forum (AOLF) in Lagos, on Saturday, embarked on a free legal aid programme, to promote legal awareness and access to justice.
The programme, held at the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area (AOLGA) Council, had the theme: “Free Legal Clinic on Tenancy Matters, Properties, Matrimonial Matters and Legal Advice”
It is aimed at providing support for indigent residents, who cannot pay for legal services.
Speaking with newsmen, on the heels of the event, Chairman of the forum, Mr Chris Aghaonu, said that many people in the community who required the services of lawyers, could not afford them.
“We want to see a lot of people coming to access justice free of charge, without paying anything,” he said.
Aghaonu, added that the programme was also aimed at honouring the council Chairman, Mr Valentine Buraimoh, for building to completion, a magistrate court and a high court in the community.
According to him, the courts will help to ensure that residents have easy access to justice, without having to spend so much on transportation.
He added that the presence of both the magistrate and high courts in the community, also qualified the lawyers to apply as a branch of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Also speaking, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the forum, Dr. Peter Adekoya, said that the initiative will help offer free legal advice as well as mediation, on common issues affecting members of the community.
According to him, before a matter gets to the courts, the forum can meet with residents to enlighten them on the law, and then, through alternative dispute resolution, problems can be solved.
On his part, Chairman of the Council, Mr Valentine Buraimoh, said that there were numerous cases of injustice in the community.
Acknowledging the need for easy access to justice, he said that his aim of building the courts within the community, is to help address issues of injustice.
Buraimoh, urged lawyers to afford assistance to the helpless and be advocates of justice for the defenceless.