Senior Advocate tasks governments on implementation of food banks, social security

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, has urged government at all levels to partner the private sector and non-profit organisations to implement food banks in the country.

Ezeilo, a one-time UN Rapporteur who made the call in her X handle on Tuesday, stated that such partnership would alleviate the sufferings of the people.

The senior advocate was reacting to incessant looting of food warehouses and trucks by some hoodlums and vulnerable Nigerians.

“Now is the time for government at all levels to work in partnership with non-profit organisations and private sector to consider implementing food banks.

”They should also consider food stamps, and other social security and safety net options to provide food for the poor and most vulnerables.

“This is important for children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and the elderly,” she said.

The Founder of the Women Aid Collective (WACOL) said it was disheartening to read about the looting of Abuja warehouse belonging to the Federal Capital Territory Authority.

“The severe hunger and extreme poverty faced by many poor and vulnerable Nigerians can push them towards criminal activities.

“We should all be aware of this situation,” she stated.

The legal luminary recalled a case in 1994, where she defended a 17-year-old orphan girl on appeal.

She said the girl had been sentenced to three years in prison for stealing cassava from a farm.

According to her, the girl was hungry and desperate, yet the magistrate still applied the law.

“However, I pleaded as a pro bono defence lawyer, then representing the Society for Welfare of Women Prisoners for her to be acquitted based on her age, being a first-time offender and the circumstances that led her to commit the crime.

“The lesson for Nigerians in these challenging and desperate times is that stealing is a crime, and if caught, you will be held accountable according to our Penal Laws,” she said.

Ezeilo said unfortunately, the poor had limited choices and often choose between a rock and a hard place.

She however, advised that notwithstanding, stealing and converting goods and food should not be an option. (NAN)