The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for declaring President Bola Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers State unconstitutional and illegal.
Wike accused the NBA of opposing Tinubu’s decision because the Rivers State government had promised to sponsor its annual general conference.
He made this remark on Friday during a visit by officials of the Body of Benchers, led by Chairman Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), in Abuja.
The minister argued that the NBA’s stance was influenced by financial interests, suggesting that the association’s opposition stemmed from concerns that funding for its conference would be affected.
“What kind of hypocrisy is this?” he asked.
Wike urged the Body of Benchers to rein in the NBA, cautioning against what he described as the association’s unnecessary attacks on the judiciary.
Read Also: Wike Replies PDP Comments Concerning Land Title Of Party Headquarters That Was Revoked
He warned that the legal profession was being undermined by some NBA members who, without reading judgments, appeared on national television to criticize rulings and condemn judges.
He lamented that such behavior had continued unchecked, without any disciplinary action.
“If you don’t discipline somebody, nobody will learn any lesson.
“We shall no longer allow our profession to be pulled down. I cannot believe, as a lawyer, that you make a contribution to help the legal profession and you will be criticised by your fellow lawyers.
“Sir, time has come that we need to say look, enough is enough. We cannot continue to discourage our judges and justices. It is not done anywhere.
“I have never seen where members of a profession are the ones that are bent on bringing the profession down,” he said.
Read Also: Court Summons Tinubu, Others Over Declaration Of State Of Emergency In Rivers
The minister also criticized the NBA for labeling any assistance provided by the executive to the judiciary as a bribe.
Wike recalled that when the NBA was constructing its national secretariat, its leadership sought financial support from the executive, yet no one considered that a bribe at the time.
“I was the only one who contributed to the NBA to build the National Secretariat. The NBA didn’t see it as a bribe.
“When you contribute to the Body of Benchers, it is a bribe, but when you contribute to NBA it is not a bribe, they will take it.
“The same NBA will rely on state governments to sponsor their activities, but when the state government supports the judiciary, it is bribery,” he added.
Wike stated that the continuous harassment of judges and justices had forced them to avoid social events and religious gatherings out of fear of being targeted.
He further noted that judges were now hesitant to shake hands freely, as lawyers might accuse them of accepting bribes.
“It has gotten to the stage that our judges are so scared of going to a mosque or church or even greeting somebody they know because of fear of bribery.
“They run away from shaking people’s hands because they will start accusing them of collecting bride. This must stop,” he said
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
