Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has appealed to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to lend its voice in solving Nigeria’s challenges.
He accused NBA of being ‘comfortably indifferent and cowardly voiceless’ to issues and challenges affecting good governance, democracy, legal system, and the rule of law.
Wike stated this on Monday at the NBA 2021 Annual Conference in Port Harcourt.
According to him, confronting the government may be tough and often misinterpreted politically, but there should be no room for reticence, retreat or surrender.
‘We must aspire to have excellence in our judicial system and prevent innocent persons from suffering adversity because of the failures of our legal system.
‘Also, we must speak about judges’ lack of courage to enforce our laws with equal measure, or worse still because they have sold out to some form of political intimidation or pressure,’ he said.
‘Taking the Lead’ is to reclaim and uphold the values of the profession we once held; to have the courage to challenge what is wrong and unjust; to break free from tired traditions and the status quo of the system.
‘To question the motives of unfair and inequitable governmental actions and decisions; as well as to take appropriate and bold steps to eliminate the increasing costs, delays and drudgery of our criminal justice system.
‘Taking the lead is to embrace the truth and having no patience for injustice; no tolerance for bad governance,‘ he added.
Wike said for the NBA to take the lead, it must have no sympathy for political leaders who fail their citizens.
He said there should be no sympathy for timid and incompetent judicial officers who betray their judicial oath with wrong and conscienceless judgements.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
