The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the issuance of conflicting orders by lawyers and judges in the ongoing Kano Emirate legal dispute, describing it as a “disgrace” and “shame” to the legal profession.
In a statement issued by NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, the association expressed its disappointment and dismay at the actions of lawyers and judges involved in the matter, which has brought the legal profession into disrepute.
Maikyau called for punitive actions against those found culpable, stating that the NBA will investigate the conducts of counsel involved and take necessary disciplinary action, including dragging them before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for sanctions.
He also urged the Chief Judges of the Federal High Court and Kano State High Court to identify the judges involved and take disciplinary action against them, including reporting them to the National Judicial Council for necessary action.
The NBA President emphasized the need for the legal profession to maintain its integrity, independence, and respect, and urged lawyers and judges to resist attempts to compromise these values.
He stated, “The respect in which the legal profession is held is the best indicator of the freedom enjoyed by a country. We must therefore bring erring members of the profession to book to regain the respect we must have to lead Nigeria to its pride of place in the comity of nations.”