Unity Bar Applauds FCT Chief Judge Baba-Yusuf’s Reforms, Calls For Better Bar, Bench Relations

The Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja (Unity Bar), Mr Moses A. Ebute, SAN on Wednesday led an entourage of branch members, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria and the branch Executive to pay a courtesy visit to Hon. Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf, the Honourable Chief Judge of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Some of the those on the entourage of the Chairman included members of the branch EXCO: Chioma Onyenucheya- Uko (Vice Chair); Prince Adebiyi Adetosoye (Secretary); Emmanuel Adedeji (Treasurer); Audrey Chinelo Ofoegbunam (Assistant Secretary); Ikemefuna Onyeka (Publicity Secretary); Terlumun Casmir Adaga (Social Secretary) Lady Ngozi Agubalu (Welfare Secretary); and Jude Okey Ugwuanyi (Legal Adviser)

There were also senior members of the Bar in attendance like Patrick Okolo, SAN; Chief Ogwu James Onoja, SAN; Hon Sola Ephraim Oluwanuga; Princess F. Frank Chukwuani (NEC Representative); Afam Okeke; Israel Usman and Teyojesam Eko.

In his speech, Ebute SAN expressed the branch’s immense gratitude to the Chief Judge for always being there for the Unity Bar as evidenced by his attendance at the NBA Abuja law week (by proxy); leading the Bench to hold a valedictory court session for the late former chairman of the branch, Dr Hauwa Shekarau; engaging the Bar in the draft and presentation of the FCT District Court Rules, etc; granting the Unity Bar the continued enjoyment of the court facility as the NBA lounge; recommendation of members of the Unity Bar for conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria; giving audience to the Unity Bar despite the CJ’s tight schedule; and many other occasions of good will.

The chairman also used the opportunity to highlight some challenges in justice delivery and administration within the FCT, as they affect the Bar, the judiciary and the public; and also proffer suggestions in having them fixed for the benefit of all.

These included the absence of a predictable judicial calendar which would highlight judicial vacations, prison visitations, legal year ceremonies and other events, which if captured and publicised would prevent cases of mistaken adjournments.

He urged the Chief Judge to direct courts that would not sit, due to unforeseen circumstances, to communicate to counsel in advance; or in the alternative, communicate to the Bar leadership who would in turn broadcast such information on its social media platforms, for the benefit of the Bar.

He called for a functional Bar and bench forum in the FCT in order to curb open confrontations in court and limit the number of petitions against judges.

“As much as the Bar would want to continue to be the mouthpiece of the bench, we equally want the Bench to help us do our job better. Hence the need for cordial relationship between the Bar and the Bench, so that internal, brotherly and professional friction can be discussed and settled amicably.” he said.

The chairman also prayed the Chief Judge to intervene in the lingering cases involving the Unity Bar, especially where the branch’s bank accounts have been frozen for some time now.

Finally, he pledged the Unity Bar’s unwavering support to the FCT Chief Judge and the judiciary as a whole.

The Chief Judge welcomed and appreciated the gesture of the Executive. He reassured the Unity Bar of his commitment to resolve all the issues raised in the Chairman’s speech and also congratulated all the members of the executive committee on their emergence to office.

“I promise that we would work with you to ensure that we deliver on our mandate to the people. We will give you the support you need to enable you succeed because what you do is not just of interest to the Bar alone but also for the interest of the entire public, and if you must succeed, we need to give the support required for you to manage the members properly and play your effective role in the society”, he said.

In her goodwill message Justice Nasiru, one of the judges of the FCT High Court in attendance, said she was not surprised about the number of FCT lawyers that were recently elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as most members are very equal to the task in advocacy. She also assured that the members of the FCT Bench will not hesitate to recommend any one that is fit and proper to be so elevated.

Senior lawyer Patrick Okolo, SAN congratulated the Hon. Chief Judge Baba-Yusuf on his elevation and confirmation and commended him on the early sittings of his courts, considering the situation before now.

He said the Bar is very happy as there are now so many 9 a.m. judges in the FCT Courts.

In her vote of thanks, the Vice Chairman of the branch, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko expressed her profound gratitude to the Chief Judge his gracious disposition to receiving the Chairman and members of the Unity Bar on the courtesy visit.

She reiterated the Chairman’s gratitude to the Chief Judgee for the warm fellowship that he has extended to the Unity Bar from when he resumed office, particularly during the funeral rites of the late past Chairman, Hauwa Shekarau.

“We are certain that it would be a continuous and harmonious relationship,” she stated.

She said the Chief Judge had rightly noted that the compliment of the persons on the Chairman’s entourage bears testimony of his universal acceptance in the branch and assured of the executive’s commitment to give the Chairman all the necessary support he needs not just for the success of the Bar but also for the upliftment of the judiciary as a whole.

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