The Centre for Reform and Advocacy has denounced the incessant attacks on Nigeria’s judiciary by some lawyers, urging the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to take action.
The Centre expressed dismay that these attacks, often launched by lawyers who lose cases, undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in institutions, according to Independent.
They specifically criticized Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and Prof. Chidi Odinkalu for their uncomplimentary remarks against judicial officers.
According to the Centre, these attacks are baseless and unwarranted, harming the foundation of the justice system. They emphasized the need for the Nigerian Bar Association to support judges and promote respect for the judiciary.
The Centre’s Director of Legal Services, Barr. Kalu Agu, noted that disagreement with judgments is natural, but violence, blackmail, and intimidation of judges are unacceptable.
He urged lawyers and litigants to use established channels, such as appeals or petitions to the National Judicial Council, to air grievances.
The Centre stressed that the NBA must protect the bench from unfounded criticisms, ensuring judicial integrity and public trust in the justice system.
Failure to do so may damage the reputation of the legal profession, undermine public confidence, and compromise justice.
The Centre’s call to action aims to safeguard the independence and integrity of the judiciary, warning that unchecked attacks risk plunging the nation into chaos and lawlessness.
Addressing the press in Abuja, Director, Legal Services, Centre for Reform and Advocacy, Barr. 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 stop” the Centre warned.
Barr. 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.
“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.
Barr. 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.
