Wike slams NBA for opposing state of emergency in Rivers
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for opposing the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
Wike accused the NBA of taking this stance because the Rivers State Government had promised to sponsor its annual general conference.
He made these remarks in Abuja on Friday while receiving officials of the Body of Benchers, led by its Chairman, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).
According to the minister, the NBA’s opposition was not based on constitutional concerns but on financial interests, as a state of emergency could cut off the funds they expected.
“What kind of hypocrisy is this?” Wike asked.
He called on the Body of Benchers to caution the NBA over what he described as its constant and unnecessary criticism of the judiciary.
He lamented that some NBA members go on television to condemn court judgments without even reading them, a practice he said weakens the legal profession.
“If you don’t discipline someone, nobody will learn any lesson. We can’t allow our profession to be pulled down from within,” he stated.
Wike also accused the NBA of double standards, alleging that the association accepts financial support from the executive but considers similar assistance to the judiciary as bribery.
“I was the only one who contributed to the NBA’s National Secretariat project, and they didn’t see that as a bribe. But when the executive supports the judiciary, they call it bribery,” he said.
He further expressed concern over the treatment of judges, stating that frequent public attacks have made them fearful of attending social events or even greeting people in public.
“Our judges now avoid mosques, churches, and even handshakes because of fear of bribery accusations. This must stop,” he added.
Prompt news
Post Comment