The Board Chairman of the Legal Aid Council, Mr Bolaji Ayorinde, on Wednesday in Abuja called for a review of the 2011 Legal Aid Council Act to ensure better service delivery.
Ayorinde, who made the call at a pre-event news conference said? that under the 2011 Act, the council had faced challenges, including poor funding, inadequate infrastructure and insufficient number of lawyers.
He said that the? board had, however, concluded plans to present a blueprint to the Federal Government for the repositioning of the council, adding that part of the recommendations “is? the creation of an Access to Justice Fund’’.
He said the fund would enable the council to receive donations from corporate organisations and individuals.
“The governing board has realised that what we should be doing is far different from what is on ground.
“We are putting together a blueprint on how the Legal Aid Council should work.
“Right now the council employs corps members, junior lawyers and the number is very insufficient. We need to move away from that.
“We are also faced with the problem of poor funding and there is need for an Access to Justice Fund to enable the council carry out its mandate properly.’’
The Chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, Mr Adebayo Adelodun, said there was need to sensitise Nigerians on their right to access free legal aid, irrespective of their status in the society.
Speaking on the theme of the conference: “Access to Justice in a Democracy,’’? Adedolun said that the conference was meant to highlight the functions of the legal aid council in the country.
“The provision of free legal aid is a fundamental right of all Nigerians, irrespective of their status and the conference is aimed at discussing various challenges faced by people in accessing justice.
“Legal Aid Council is central to the enthronement of the rule of law and as such it is apt that stakeholders are brought together to brainstorm on the way forward in the provision of free legal aid, particularly to the indigent.’’
The conference is slated for Nov. 8 in Abuja.
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