NBA withdraws invitation to Gov El-Rufai following protests

 -      As SERAP backs the decision

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has withdrawn its invitation to the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, following protests from some lawyers.

In a tweet via their official  handle on Thursday, the NBA said  “The National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association at its ongoing meeting resolves that the invitation to the Kaduna State Governor, H.E. Nasir El-Rufai, by the 2020 Annual General Conference Planning committee be withdrawn and decision communicated to the Governor.”

El-Rufai was billed to be one of the speakers at the NBA Conference scheduled for August 26 – 29, 2020 but his inclusion led to protests.

Nigerians and lawyers cited his comments on Southern Kaduna killings, alleged disdain for court orders, among others.

Reacting to the cancellation, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) on Thursday backed the decision of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to withdraw its invitation to the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai.

SERAP, in a tweet via its official Twitter account, urged the NBA not to invite Nigerian governors until President Muhammadu Buhari obeys all outstanding court orders.

“We welcome the decision by @NigBarAssoc to withdraw its invitation to Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai on ground of poor human rights record,” SERAP tweeted.

“We also call on NBA NOT to invite @NigeriaGov /its reps to its events until President Buhari obeys ALL outstanding court orders.”