The Fernist on the NBA Lagos and the Brutalization of Mr. Ogunnu
I have, in the past, had cause to disagree with the Chairman of the Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, as I did with his predecessor, Mr. Chukwuka Ikwuazom, whom I have a lot of respect for (it is only natural in the quest for the development of the Bar that these disagreements occur).
But when I read about the response of the Branch to the brutalization of a young lawyer, Mr. Temitayo Ogunnu, I was thoroughly pleased. I am particularly pleased because I had once had cause to call the Chairman of a Branch to report an arrest of a lawyer and was asked what I expected him to do.
I am very happy with Mr. Akangbe in this respect and I commend him, the members of the Executive Committee of the Branch (particularly the Vice Chairman and Secretary), the Branch Human Rights Committee and the members of the Branch that joined in taking action. What has been done is not to be taken lightly.
However, more still needs to be done. There is a reason that police officers, soldiers and others continue to harass lawyers. This reason is not far fetched.
The profession has lost its dignity.
The justice delivery system, the Bar, and the legal education system have, over time, failed in retaining the dignity of what used to be a noble profession.
While I applaud the Branch, I urge us to do more. I urge us to pay attention to playing our part in delivering a fast and effective justice system, discipline of erring lawyers, ensuring that the ethics of the profession are respected and promoting the welfare of all lawyers, old and young (in terms of remuneration and otherwise).
If we fail to do this, we should expect to continue to pick up colleagues from stations and barracks. Very soon, perhaps, the Branch leadership may even be brutalized when they attempt to intervene in circumstances of brutality.
If you have read this, well done. We have taken the first step.
Finally, I may be wrong. I often am. If you think I am please correct me and show me the right way.
Regards
Fernandez Marcus-Obiene
@theFernist
#LifeUnderConstruction
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