A civil society group, Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy, on Friday in Abuja asked the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to immediately sanction some lawyers in the country allegedly engaging in unjust incessant attacks on the country’s judiciary and its Judges.
But whether the centre’s position will resonate with Nigerians is another matter as the groundswell of opinion shows a growing general disdain at the judiciary, following unpopular judgmens and rulings in recent years.
The group also warned a member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere; and university teacher, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, to desist from their uncomplimentary remarks against judicial officers in the country.
As a body for reform and advocacy, the group said it has looked into the reasons being advanced by some of the lawyers and individuals as basis to launch the attacks against Judges and had come to the conclusions that “the attacks are needless, baseless and unwarranted”.
Addressing the press in Abuja, Director, Legal Services, Centre for Reform and Advocacy, Barrister Kalu Agu, expressed dismay that “these attacks not only undermine the rule of law but also erode public trust in our institutions”.
“Regrettably, these incessant attacks on the Nigeria’s Judiciary are being championed by so many lawyers.
“These lawyers descend heavily on judges and attack their character after losing cases in courts. This unprofessional conduct must stop” the Centre warned.
Barrister Agu contended that, “This harmful practice undermines the very foundation of our justice system. It is imperative that we recognize the judiciary’s role as the guardian of justice and the protector of our constitutional rights.”
Agu streesed the need for the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to stand united to support judges in their quest for justice and promote a culture of respect for the judiciary.
“We, therefore, call on the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to take actions against lawyers who indulge in this harmful practice of attacking judges in Nigeria” the Centre demanded.
The Centre emphasised the need for a collective action to safeguard the independence and integrity of the Judiciary, warning that “If we fail to address these attacks, we risk plunging our nation into chaos, anarchy and lawlessness”.
According to the group, Judges render verdicts based on evidence and legal precedents before them.
While admitting that disagreement with judgments delivered by judges is natural, Barrister Agu posited that “violence, blackmail and intimidation of judges are unacceptable”.
The group bemoaned the attacks on the Judiciary by Prof. Chidi Odinkalu and Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, describing it as “uncalled for” and warned that they should desist from further rubbishing judiciary for no just cause.
Barrister Agu noted that decency and decorum must not be thrown to the wind under the guise of fighting for clients.
“While we conceded that they have fundamental right to freedom of speech, it is unethical for any lawyer to engage in dragging the judiciary into the murky water.
“We, therefore, with the greatest respect, call on the Nigeria Bar Association to rise to the occasion and sanction erring lawyers who attack judges to massage their ego after losing cases in court.
“It is the duty of the Nigeria Bar Association to shield the bench from unfounded criticisms as Judges cannot respond to criticisms or defend themselves.
“They must remain impartial and silent, even in the face of unfair attacks. Though this silence is not weakness, but strength.
More so, the group urged the NBA to ensure its members uphold judicial integrity, promote public trust in the justice system and educate clients and the public on the judicial process.
“If the Nigeria Bar Association fails to protect the bench, these incessant attacks on judges by lawyers will damage the reputation of legal profession, cause the legal profession to lose credibility, undermine public confidence in the justice system and justice will be compromised, Agu stated.
Meanwhile, the Centre encouraged lawyers and litigants to follow established channels to ventilate their grievances, stressing that apart from exercising their constitutional right of appeal, they can also petition the National Judicial Council NJC against any judge on accounts of allegations of bias, corruption.
