Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has criticized the Nigeria Bar Association’s (NBA) stance that President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers is unconstitutional and illegal.
Wike claims that the NBA undermines Tinubu’s decision because the Rivers Government had pledged to host their annual general conference.
The minister made these remarks during a visit from the Body of Benchers officials, led by its Chairman, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), in Abuja on Friday.
He noted that the association’s opposition to the state of emergency declaration is linked to the absence of financial contributions to the NBA for the conference.
“What kind of hypocrisy is this?” he asked.
Wike urged the Body of Benchers to rein in the NBA regarding its unwarranted criticism of the judiciary.
He emphasized that the body should not passively observe while the NBA and its members tarnish the legal profession.
He pointed out that some NBA members often publicly condemn court judgments without having read them, criticizing judges with no repercussions.
He stressed that such behavior has persisted without any disciplinary actions.
“If you don’t discipline somebody, nobody will learn any lesson.
“We shall no longer allow our profession to be pulled down. I cannot believe, as a lawyer, that you make a contribution to help the legal profession, and your fellow lawyers will criticize you.
“Sir, the time has come to say, ‘Look, enough is enough. We cannot continue to discourage our judges and justices. It is not done anywhere.
“I have never seen where members of a profession are the ones that are bent on bringing the profession down,” he stated.
The minister also accused the NBA of branding any support from the executive to the judiciary as a bribe.
Wike recalled that when the NBA was constructing its National Secretariat, the leadership solicited executive support, and at the time, no one deemed it a bribe.
“I was the only one who contributed to the NBA to build the National Secretariat. The NBA didn’t see it as a bribe.
“When you contribute to the Body of Benchers, it is a bribe, but they will accept it; when you contribute to the NBA, it is not a bribe.
“The same NBA will depend on state governments for sponsorship, yet when the state government supports the judiciary, it is labeled bribery,” he added.
Wike noted that the ongoing harassment of judges has led them to avoid public events, including church or mosque gatherings, due to fears of being targeted.
He mentioned that judges are increasingly hesitant to engage in handshakes due to allegations of bribery.
“It has reached a point where our judges are fearful of attending a mosque or church or even greeting acquaintances because of bribery accusations.
“They avoid shaking hands with people, fearing they will be accused of accepting bribes. This must stop,” he asserted.
