NBA ‘cowardly voiceless’ to Nigeria’s challenges — Wike
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has accused the Nigeria Bar Association 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 in Port Harcourt at the NBA 2021 Annual Conference, with the theme: “Taking The Lead.”
He stated confronting the government may be tough and often misinterpreted politically, but there should be no room for reticence, retreat or surrender.
He said: “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.
“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.”
According to Wike, taking the Llad, therefore, is to transform and reform the NBA to an activist association willing and ready to use the law to advance the values and aspirations of the law profession, and for the progress of society as a positive social force for change with courage and determination.
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 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.”
The Rivers State Governor 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.
He added: “I do hope and pray that from this conference the …