Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu has taken a swipe at a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Niyi Akintola over his recent comments disparaging the immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata.
It was reported yesterday that Akintola who is a prominent member of the Egbe Amofin Group on a radio program in Ibadan over the weekend did refer to Akpata as a transactional lawyer and a businessman.
He said “That boy (Olu Akpata) is a transactional lawyer, he has never practiced law, he’s a businessman so the scenario at the bar conference is not surprising… Did you see any Supreme Court judge at the conference? He called former CJN ostrich! No notable senior member of the bar was at the conference because we all resolved not to have anything to do with the boy”.
The comments has however not gone down well with some members of the Bar including Prof. Odinkalu, who took to his Twitter handle this morning to condemn the comments by the Learned Silk.
In a tweet, Odinkalu said “Some people are beyond shame: This is Niyi Akintola who told @MBuhari to suspend the constitution & rule #Nigeria by martial law, yeah….?!”
Going further, he accused Akintola of once urging President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend the 1999 Constitution in order to fight corruption, as well as conspiring with the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami SAN to unlawfully amend the Rules of Professional Conduct.
He also recalled that Niyi Akintola had two failed attempts at the NBA Presidency and therefore lacked the standing to call Akpata a “Boy”.
Niyi Akintola SAN is no stranger to controversies, it can be recalled that in 2016 he advocated for the suspension of rule of law in the country to tackle corruption.
In an interview, he said “Let me say that the reality staring us in the face is that to fight corruption, we need to employ some extra-constitutional tactics. But when you look at the scenario playing out now, you begin to wonder whether those advising the president or those around him are doing any serious thinking.
In fact, I suggested that Nigeria should withdraw its signatures to all treaties that are hampering the fight against corruption – ICC treaties and what have you – and I gave the example of the United States of America.”
Also, during the controversy which belied the unilateral amendment of the RPC by the Attorney General of the Federation, Niyi Akintola SAN against popular dissent in opposition to the amendment, stood in support of the AGF.
He was quoted as saying, “There were consultations. I know that there were consultations. But whether the consultations were wide enough is what I don’t know.”
“He (the AGF) is the Chairman of the General Council of the Bar and I am a member. If you are a member and you don’t attend meetings, can you blame the other members who take decisions? You can consult members of the General Council of the Bar.
“It (removal of stamp and seal) was a good intention but it was making too much money available to the national and branch officers. Because of the money, some lawyers have stopped going to court. If there is anything that will stem this tide, at least it should be welcomed.”
Odinkalu concluded by saying “This clip from Niyi Akintola says so much about everything that is wrong with so much of what presently passes for legal practice in Nigeria and as “success” in it. By the way, I am sure I am not the only person who didn’t notice that Niyi did not attend #NBAAGC2022. He wasn’t missed.”
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Kelechi Amadi-Obi - Transcending the worlds of Law, Visual Art and Photography". 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
