Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has called on President Bola Tinubu to compel the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to apologize for using derogatory remarks against a serving naval officer, A. M. Yerima, during a dispute over a plot of land in Abuja.
Falana made the call on Thursday at the opening of the Legal Year of the Faculty of Law, University of Abuja, an event organized by the Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), UNIABUJA Chapter. He described the altercation as a clear instance of both parties taking the law into their own hands.
“On no ground should a Minister insult or abuse a citizen. No Minister has the power to call any Nigerian a fool. Mr. President should compel the Minister to apologize. He was lucky he was not shot,” Falana said, noting that Wike was fortunate to have escaped serious harm during the encounter.
Falana also faulted the naval officer for preventing the Minister from performing his lawful duties, describing the officer’s actions as illegal.
“The officer violated the law by guarding private property while claiming to act on superior orders. Those orders were unlawful. But the Minister also went off track. Even the President cannot call any Nigerian a fool,” he said, commending the officer for maintaining restraint despite provocation.
During the event, Falana also criticized the Federal Government’s reported plan to have former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu serve the remainder of his prison term in Nigeria following his conviction in the United Kingdom for organ trafficking. He questioned why the government showed concern for Ekweremadu but not for the 232 other Nigerians currently serving sentences in Britain.
“I will take up this matter. The so-called prisoner exchange programme is questionable because there is no British citizen serving a prison term in Nigeria,” Falana added.
On the theme of the event, “Litigation as the Bloodline of Justice: Building the Next Generation of Advocates,” Falana urged law students to embrace technology as courts across West Africa increasingly adopt virtual hearings and electronic filing systems. He also encouraged them to engage in national issues and promote justice and good governance.
The event featured the conferment of the title “Senior Advocate of the Masses” on Falana, which he dedicated to indigent Nigerians.
Prof. Uwakwe Abugu, Dean of the Faculty of Law, commended LAWSAN for bridging legal theory and practice, enabling students to engage with experienced practitioners and understand real-world legal dynamics. He stressed the importance of discipline, integrity, and ethical standards, highlighting the crucial role of students in shaping the future of the legal profession.
Earlier, Abiola Akingbolu, President of LAWSAN, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to fostering intellectual growth and professional excellence among law students through mentorship and practical exposure.
“Mentorship remains key to grooming the next generation of advocates,” Akingbolu said, calling on senior lawyers and institutions to support student-led capacity-building initiatives.
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, A man of wide horizons and deep intentions". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
Download E-MagazineDo you want to be heard, your events covered, your articles published, or need to advertise your products and services on our Blog and Magazine, reach out to us at Newswire Law and Events, you will be glad you did. For more details about our services, please call: 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk
