Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Charles Mekwunye, has accused the Nigerian Bar Association of failing to discipline erring lawyers effectively.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Mekwunye said the association has not fulfilled its duty of enforcing ethical conduct among lawyers.
He made the remarks while discussing preparations for the launch of a book in honour of retired Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Mekwunye stated that many lawyers now attack judges when cases are not ruled in their favour, violating professional rules.
He said the NBA should investigate such conduct and refer deserving cases to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
According to Mekwunye, this process is often neglected, allowing misconduct among lawyers to go unpunished.
He stressed that strong action by the NBA is necessary to restore public confidence in the legal profession.
“That role, I would say, the NBA is not performing very well,” Mekwunye said. “NBA is not holding lawyers to account.”
He urged the NBA President to focus more on discipline, saying stronger leadership is needed to tackle the problem.
Mekwunye noted that while there are efforts to address the issue, more commitment is required for meaningful progress.
The book titled Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, CJN, GCON, Through the Cases will be launched on May 8 in Abuja.
Co-authored by Mekwunye and Ayo Olanrewaju, the book highlights Justice Ariwoola’s 22-year service on Nigeria’s appellate bench.
It reviews major judgments from the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court during his tenure.
Mekwunye described Justice Ariwoola as a fearless and conservative jurist who always pursued justice without bias.
The event will be attended by notable figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The book aims to serve as a resource for lawyers, judges, and law students seeking judicial guidance and historical insight.
