What Human Rights Activism Would Do For You As A Lawyer By: Hameed Ajibola Jimoh Esq.

Being a human rights activist is a great status to maintain. In
the cause of the activism, there are lots of challenges as well as
benefits. This paper attempts to explain some of the challenges and
benefits of being a human rights activist using the Nigerian
situation as a case study.

As a human rights activist, sincerity and honesty matter in the
activism. More so, there are lots of challenges in the path. A lot
of criticism and name calling by some critiques. Some would speak
to intimidate, threaten, and tarnish your image, among others. In
fact, some would call you a busy-body, intermeddler, etc. Some
might even speculate and term you what you are not. But all these
are not enough to deter a human rights activist from the sacrilege
path. The human rights activism is not synonymous with political
games. While in a political game, satisfaction of personal interest
might be down-played, whereas, in human rights activism, no
personal satisfaction is the goal, rather, the goal is satisfaction
of the interest of the public, justice, national development, among
others. So, those who do not know some of these attributes of human
rights activism, pick unnecessary annoyance at any person who is
out to sacrifice his own personal interest for the interest of all
humanity.

In fact, a human rights activist balances the living of man on
earth. Assuming that no one takes up the functions of a human
rights activist, evils might likely be unavoidable on the earth.
Tyranny, abuse of powers, oppression, corruption, etc., would
prevail and so many citizens would become vulnerable and become
victims of violation of human rights. Then, there would be
justification for the oppressed to wage war to resist the
oppressors in such situation. Then, everlasting war would prevail
on the earth. One can tell about the historical wars in Nigeria
where some persons feel that they have either been marginalized or
oppressed then, form solidarity to resist the oppression. Blood
flows like a stream; fire and burning everywhere like hell-fire;
human remains everywhere like ants; then, the whole streets, areas,
localities become emptied and dry like desert. Then, some for the
fear of the un-known, commit suicide.

Slavery, Rape, torture and inhuman treatment, tyranny, etc. do
not become offences and or unlawful in these kinds of situations.
But what does a human rights activist do, he sacrifices his own
life, time, energy, enjoyment, money, etc., to avoid things getting
out of hands. Unfortunately, despite his sacrifices, he is
sometimes mistaken, misrepresented and not even appreciated. I must
advise that all these challenges are not enough to discourage a
human rights activist. Fortunately, it has always been that among
those who criticize are those who also approach a human rights
activist for help and defence at the time of need. So, soon or
later, where a human rights activist remains undeterred, he would
be recognised for his sacrifices. Also, after a long period of
struggles, some human rights activists are even offered an award or
awards. It is true that some of these awards can be rejected or
dedicated to a good cause. More so, that the goal of the activism
is not for winning an award, rather to impact in the life of
humanity. So, the path of a human rights activist is, many times, a
rough, tough, and sacrifitic path. I must say that this paper is
not intended to create fears in the mind of the reader, rather, to
build confidence against all antagonism and criticism from all
corners.

Furthermore, as a lawyer, being a human rights activist is
necessary and important. More so, being legally equipped as a legal
professional and practitioner, gives more value to the task. Young
lawyers who engage in human rights activism would do well and have
more achievements to themselves in the nearest future.

Also important to say is that a human rights activist needs to
take God Almighty as his weapon always against all forces and evil
eyes. Enemies abound from all corners, but with God Almighty, he
would conquer and arrive itch-free and peacefully. God Almighty is
the Most-Powerful; Most-Beneficent; the Most-Merciful; the
Omni-present; the Omni-science; the Alpha and the Omega.

Furthermore, as a lawyer and a human rights activist, the
activism would make you a leader anywhere you are. You would always
be needed anywhere or wherever you are and your presence will
always be noticed and your absence will always be regretted by all.
For instance, I had travelled to Oshogbo sometimes a go. Then, I
decided to withdraw at an ATM around 9am so that I would have some
money to transport myself back to Abuja. Then, there were long
queues of almost a hundred of persons who wanted to use the ATM.
There were just two (2) ATMs for more than a hundred customers to
use. I also joined the queue. Surprisingly, I was on the queue for
about 30 minutes or more and everyone was complaining for being
abandoned by the Bank, as despite the sunny day and the long queue,
none of the bank’s staff came out to inform why the ATM and the
only ATM in that area were not paying. So, when I observed all
these challenges, I became uncomfortable. I saw myself as a person
who must save and rescue humanity from troubles as a missionary
from God Almighty.

So, I encouraged about two other men standing in the queue that
we should enter the bank and lodge complaints. Some of them were
scared but I got some brave men of about four in numbers who
volunteered. So, we entered the bank and raised our voices lead by
me to compel them to put the system in order. Believe me, about
three bank officials came out to address us in the bank and
promised to come out to address others in the queue and they
equally apologised to us for the pains and inconveniences. So, we
came out and other persons in the queue were praising us for the
confidence and bravery that we displayed. Believe me, within 2
minutes that we came us, about two staff of the bank came out and
loaded money into the ATM and we all started to withdraw in turns
and people regained smiles. I was very happy too! When I finished
withdrawing on my turn and I was to take my leave, a number of
persons in the queue were commending me for the efforts and were
waiving their hands to say goodbye with prayers and satisfaction!
This is just part of what being a human rights activist would do
for you as a lawyer. Also, you would be able to rescue yourself and
your family as well as your community from oppression and injustice
at any time.

Also, though, you spend your money to achieve some goals but not
all goals require money. Some goals require only efforts, time or
your voice to speak out. Also, using the instrument of the media as
an tool for activism within the bounds of the law. And very soon or
later, the money would come your way without any limit. Even if you
are facing challenges, just pray and concentrate on your goal. So,
as a lawyer, and being a human rights activist, you will not be in
lack of God as well as man. In fact, your experiences gathered in
the path would be an advantage to be at the peak of others or your
contemporary. Even after your death, you are remembered till
eternity. So, considering several other advantages and benefits of
being a human rights activist, it is suitable for me to say that I
am very proud to be a human rights activist! It is an unquenchable
passion! I am a God’s missionary and His Vicegerent on earth!

Finally, I encourage senior lawyers who specialize in human
rights activism to train more lawyers to take up the human rights
activism after them and to equip them with adequate trainings. And
I encourage young lawyers to find a path or career in human rights
activism in the interest of justice and that of the public, without
fear or favour as it is a way and righteous path that God Almighty
as well as mankind is happy with.

e-mail:     hameed_ajibola@yahoo.com^[1]