Emmanuel wants lawyers’ commitment to rule of Law

Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has urged lawyers to increase their commitment toward ensuring that the rule of law is respected and followed in Nigeria.

Emmanuel made the call at the opening ceremony of the National Executive Council meeting of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Uyo on Thursday.

He said that their commitment and sincerity toward of rule of law would help to sustain democracy in the country.

He called on NBA to increase supervision of the activities of members, stressing that the actions of undisciplined ones among its rank undermined the reputation of the association.

He charged them to continually advocate for peace in the Niger Delta as states in the region had spent heavily on logistics to ensure steady production of oil in the region.

The governor solicited the support of the NBA for International Oil Companies to relocate their operations headquarters to the Niger Delta.

He also called on the Federal Government to help the state develop Ibaka deep seaport which has a natural depth.

Earlier in an address, the NBA National President, Mr Abubakar Mahmood, commended the state government for promoting smooth operation of criminal justice administration and making dispensation of justice easy.

Mahmood said his administration had succeeded in promoting the NBA as a credible partner for national development.

He said NBA had demonstrated keen interest in national affairs and supported the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

The NBA president said the association had, in the last few months, pursued the reform of the law profession and tried to enhance the governance framework of the association.

In his remark, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Akwa Ibom, Mr Uwemedimo Nwoko, called for increased sensitivity to the plight of young lawyers.

He expressed the hope that the Legal Profession Regulation Bill would propose a remuneration and welfare committee to stipulate a minimum wage for young lawyers in private law firms.

“Every year nearly 5,000 lawyers enrol at the Supreme Court as barristers and solicitors.

“Straight they plunge into a most challenging professional practice experience.

“More often than not they are forced to confront realities that threaten their public and personal sense of nobility.

“This must be seen for the danger it represents to the profession and collectively addressed as such,” Nwoko said.