NBA calls for sanction of officers tainting image of judiciary

The Nigerian Bar Association has called for sanction of those it described as “responsible for obviously avoidable blemishes” on the judiciary and the entire legal industry.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting of its National Executive Committee, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.
The communique, signed by the President of the Association, Augustine Alegeh, stated that the sanction became necessary to prevent such individuals from causing grave harm to the fabric of the legal profession.
It said: “NEC noted with concern the several instances of conflicting judgments and failure to abide with laid down judicial precedents by some Tribunals and Appellate Panels.
“NEC also noted the role of NBA members in the Election Petitions/Appeals and the need for a remarkable improvement in the professional conduct of lawyers handling election petitions/appeals.”
On the issue of appointment of justices of the Supreme Court, the communiqué said it was commendable that the guidelines were amended to include appointment of deserving Senior Advocates of Nigeria.
It, however, expressed concern that the appointments were based on the number of judgments delivered.
It added: “NEC noted that despite the impeccable records and deep knowledge of the law of NBA nominees, the final decision was based on the number of judgments delivered when it is a known fact that lawyers do not write judgments.
“NEC urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to initiate a holistic review of the appointment guidelines to accommodate lawyers; as doing so will inject new blood and improve efficiency of the Supreme Court.”
The communiqué warned lawyers to desist from making disparaging comments against the court simply because judgments were not in their favour.
It urged lawyers to imbibe with the practice of decorum and civility while commenting on judicial pronouncements.
It expressed support for Federal Government’s zero tolerance for corruption and restated the undertaking of NBA to work with government and all willing agencies in the fight against corruption.
“NEC also stressed the need for the war against corruption to be fought within the ambit of the law,” it said, adding that the rule of law must at all times be given primacy.
According to the communiqué, the war against corruption can only be won within the ambit of the law.
NAN.