Dear Editor

What is the official price to do an affidavit in Nigeria? Because some weeks ago, the UN and NBS said that the Nigeria Police and the Judiciary, are the two most corrupt institutions in Nigeria. Both the Police and Judiciary reacted against the findings immediately. I wonder about that.

My protest today, is about the exorbitant fees that staffers of courts across the country, charge to do affidavits for hapless citizens of Nigeria. They charge as much as N2000- N4000. If this is not corruption, then I wonder what corruption is?

Lastly, all over the country, we know that bail is not free across police stations in Nigeria, but who will speak for the poor masses of Nigeria? If the laws of the country are not enforced, how do we expect Nigeria to get better? I appeal to the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Attorney-General of the Federation and National Judicial Council, to see that these acts of corruption in these two institutions are curbed. Thanks in anticipation. Yours In Nigeria, Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, President, Change Makers Forum & Coordinator, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights Aniocha South Local Govt Area, Ogwashi-Ukwu Delta State

Filing an affidavit should cost no more than N500-N750. The price increases, if there are exhibits attached to the affidavit. I believe that the cost is N100 per exhibit.

Editor

Re: Restructuring: Notes from my Father

I read your column on restructuring. It was beautifully written. Good job.

KB, Lagos Re: Needed? Mental Abuse Law In as much as you tried to balance the gender equation in this wonderful write up, you lay more emphasis and seek protection for the women, maybe because of your friend's case and other similar female folks.

But, men are not left out of this psychological/mental abuse from their wives and female relatives. In fact, most men do not even dare to go and report abuse from their wives at police stations, because they are ashamed. Many men have turned to bad habits like drunkenness, womanising, and returning home late, just to avoid their wives, while some have gone as far as attempting suicide. Others have developed mental issues, or even been violently killed or poisoned by their wives.

Yes, I agree with you. I do think that Nigeria needs this law to be enacted, as quickly as possible. Though majority of psychological/ mental abuse victims may be women, there are also many men that are suffering in silence.

In fact, almost 6 out of 10 families, now suffer this psychological/mental abuse, in one way or the other.

I have an Aunty who is now almost insane, after constantly receiving of this type of abuse from her husband, over a long period of time. Just last Sunday, my neighbour was stabbed by his wife, because of issues they are having in their marriage.

TO, Lagos

Dear Editor, Re: Needed? Mental Abuse Law Thank you for your column in today's Thisday Lawyer.

It is a subject, I am very passionate about, especially in the case of women. I really do hope that, this subject will gain the much needed traction which it deserves, and that favourable laws will be passed on same, here in Nigeria, Warm regards. Chinweoke Okpalaji