*Pix above: The Bar
The Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy has asked the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to punish lawyers who attack the integrity and character of Judges and the judiciary of the country in order to massage their ago.
This is as the Center warned a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and a professor of Law, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, to desist from their uncomplimentary remarks against judicial officers in the country.
As a body for reform and advocacy, the Center said on Friday, through its Head, Legal Services, Barrister Kalu Kalu Agu, that, it has looked into the reasons being advanced by some of these lawyers and individuals as a basis to launch the attacks and have come to the conclusions that, “the attacks are needless, baseless and unwarranted.”
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Barr. 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 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.
Agu contended: “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.”
He stressed the need for the Nigerian 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 (LPDC) to take actions against lawyers who indulge in this harmful practice of attacking Judges in Nigeria” the Centre demanded.
The Center emphasised the need for 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 Center, Judges render judgments based on evidence and legal precedents before them.
While admitting that disagreement with judgments delivered by Judges is natural, Barr. Agu said, “violence, blackmail and intimidation of Judges are unacceptable” and added that litigants can speak after a judgement is delivered but not to attack the integrity and the character of the Judge that delivered the judgment.
The Center 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 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.///
