The Director of the Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), Otuekong Franklyn Isong, has called on law undergraduates to embrace good governance advocacy stressing that, Nigeria’s democracy and development depend on their active involvement in accountability and human rights campaigns.
Isong, made the call on Friday August 22, 2025, while receiving a delegation of Law Students’ Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), University of Uyo Chapter, and members of its 2025 Dinner Central Planning Committee at CHRAN’s headquarters in Uyo.
He noted that civil society organisations in Nigeria face enormous challenges and require the passion, skills, and commitment of new law graduates to sustain the fight for justice and accountability.
“Young law graduates have learnt so much about good governance and human rights advocacy during their training. If they are not brought into advocacy at this early stage of their careers, all the classroom lectures they have received might end up as wasted efforts,” Isong said.
He lamented that, many law graduates often abandon the legal profession for careers in politics, banking, oil and gas, or hospitality, leaving a vacuum in the civic space.
“I urge law students and graduates to join the advocacy for good governance, accountability and transparency.
“If we have more human rights and civil society groups in Nigeria, politicians and public officeholders will act more cautiously, knowing they will be held accountable to the people,” he added.
Isong cited the case of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who was banned by Ibom Air operators and remanded in Kirikiri Prison following an incident aboard Ibom Air plane, stressing that it took collective advocacy by CHRAN, the Nigerian Bar Association, and other activists to secure her freedom.
“The more groups and individuals we have in the trenches holding leaders accountable, the better our democracy and governance will become,” he emphasised.
The CHRAN Director also frowned at the culture of politicians personalizing public projects with their names and images, describing it as “abnormal democratic practice.”
“In the United States, where we borrowed our democratic system, presidents or governors do not embark on flamboyant commissioning ceremonies or brand public projects as personal achievements.
He said, public funds are meant for the public good, not political self-promotion,” Isong declared.
Responding, LAWSAN President, Justice Obot, commended Isong for his exemplary leadership and impactful advocacy, while the Chairman of the 2025 LAWSAN Dinner Planning Committee, Hon. Ime Idimudo, outlined preparations for the event scheduled for Friday, August 29, and extended an invitation to the CHRAN Director.
Other LAWSAN delegates included Vice President, Elizabeth Okon; Chairman of LAWSAN Elders Council, Hon. Peaceman Inyang; Director of Social and Welfare, Emmanuel Luke; and Dean of Class Representatives, Kingsley Okon.
The CHRAN boss was joined by members of his team, including Comrade (Dr.) Victor David, Comrade Julius Nsikak, Comrade Michael Bassey, and Comrade Uko Okon Etim.
