Bayelsa Chief Judge Urges Lawyers To Uphold Ethics, Respect Judiciary In 2024 Legal Year Address
Justice Matilda Ayemieye, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, has called on lawyers practicing in the state to uphold ethical standards and show respect to judicial officers in the course of their practice. Her remarks came during the Bar/Bench Forum held on Wednesday at the Bayelsa State High Court in Yenagoa, marking the commencement of the 2024 Legal Year.
Addressing legal practitioners, Justice Ayemieye emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and mutual respect between members of the bar and the bench, noting that the professional growth of both lawyers and judges is interdependent.
“The members of the bench must be respected by members of the bar. We need each other for our professional and career growth,” she said. She also criticized certain behaviors exhibited by lawyers, particularly those who openly express dissatisfaction with rulings while in court.
“Imagine a lawyer telling a judge right in the court that he would appeal a ruling. That’s not our concern as judges. You don’t need to say it to our hearing after our judgments. Go and file your appeal and stop complaining in our courts. Judges, magistrates, and customary courts’ chairmen must all be respected,” she added.
Also present at the event, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Biriyai Dambo, SAN, commended the judiciary for its dedication to delivering justice. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the judiciary, including settling outstanding judgment debts.
Dambo highlighted Governor Douye Diri’s dedication to ensuring the independence of the judiciary and prioritizing the welfare of judicial officers.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, Barr. Somina Johnbull, praised the state’s judiciary for its outstanding contributions to justice delivery.
The event was attended by dignitaries including representatives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Alonyenu Francis Idu, and officials from the Nigerian Correctional Service.
