Attacks on Judiciary: Group wants LPDC to sanction lawyers

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

The Centre for Reform and Advocacy on Friday, asked the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to sanction some lawyers over their incessant attacks on the judiciary.

Also, the group warned a member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, to desist from their uncomplimentary remarks against judicial officers.

According to the group, it has looked into the reasons being advanced by some of these lawyers and individuals as basis to launch the attacks and have 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, 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.”

Agu streesed the need for the 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.

In view of the forgoing, 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, Barr. 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 they should desist from it, as they are not only unprofessional but also criminal.

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.

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 against any judge on accounts of allegations of bias, corruption, etc.