Wike - Nigerian Bar Association has failed in its responsibility to protect the rule of law and defend the judiciary

Wike - Nigerian Bar Association has failed in its responsibility to protect the rule of law and defend the judiciary

Nyesom Wike, the governor of Rivers State, has chastised the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association for failing to protect the rule of law.

He encouraged the NBA to take action against attacks on the country's courts rather than just make remarks.

Wike delivered the keynote address at a book presentation in honor of Justice Mary Odili, which took place in Port Harcourt on Monday as part of celebrations commemorating her retirement from the Supreme Court and her 70th birthday.

The governor expressed disappointment with the NBA's lackluster effort to social change, which he believes is a disservice to the country and exposes it to ridicule.

"What is even more concerning on the part of the NBA President is his refusal to admit that the NBA, including the inner and outer bars that he leads, has failed in its responsibility to protect the rule of law and defend the judiciary against punitive intimidation and erosion of its independence by the APC-led Federal Government," Wike said.

"It's regrettable that the NBA is only good at releasing condemning remarks and little more, while the judiciary continues to face relentless persecution from a Federal Government that has grown known for its disregard for the rule of law and Nigerians' right to a functional judicial system."

He also expressed his dissatisfaction with several speakers at the valedictory court session held in honor of Justice Odili on Thursday, who blamed politics for the judiciary's issues.

Wike added that at the valedictory court session, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), speaking on behalf of the body of senior attorneys, characterized corruption as the bane of the Nigerian judiciary and pointed the finger of blame at politicians, lawyers, and the Federal Government.

"Permit me to ask: are lawyers not behind clients' contemptuous criticisms of judges?" How many lawyers have walked away from political cases in protest of unjustified client criticism of the court?"

Source: PUNCH News