The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) wishes to condemn in the strongest terms, the illegal raid conducted recently at the residence of Hon. Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili, JSC, by yet to be identified members of our security forces.
Apart from the obvious threat this abominable act portends for our democracy, we utterly condemn this type of invasion of the privacy of not just a lady, but one who serves on the Supreme Court. We have repeatedly said that under no circumstances should women be subjected to such inhuman treatment.
We have noted the denials of any knowledge of what happened on the part of the security agencies being suspected of perpetrating this act. But mere denial is not enough. The authorities must move with dispatch to bring the culprits to book.
AWLA will work with other professional bodies including the Nigerian Bar Association to ensure that this matter is dealt with expeditiously so that it never repeats itself.
We use this opportunity to send our message of solidarity to the Hon. Justice Mary Peter-Odili, and assure her that her legacy as a worthy role model for hardworking women is secure and etched in gold.
Efosa Etomi
President, AWLA Nigeria