FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has accused the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) of hypocrisy and weakening the legal profession through reckless criticism.
On Friday, he voiced his concerns while hosting the Body of Benchers, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), in Abuja.
Criticism of NBA’s Attacks on Supreme Court
Wike condemned the NBA for declaring Supreme Court judgments unconstitutional without fully reading the rulings. He called this practice harmful to the legal system.
“You hear a judgment, but without reading it, you rush to national TV to criticize. This must stop,” he warned.
He urged the Body of Benchers to discipline erring lawyers, emphasizing that a lack of consequences encourages misconduct.
“If no one is disciplined, no lessons will be learned,” he added.
NBA’s Double Standards in Accepting Funds
Wike accused the NBA of hypocrisy for accepting financial support from governments while labeling other contributions as bribery.
“When the NBA built its National Secretariat, I contributed. That wasn’t a bribe, but donations to the Body of Benchers are?” he questioned.
He pointed out that NBA frequently seeks government sponsorship for its activities but refuses to acknowledge these funds as bribes.
NBA’s Stance on Rivers Crisis
Wike criticized the NBA’s reaction to the crisis in Rivers State, alleging bias based on financial interests.
“They talked about a state of emergency because the government agreed to host their conference. Now that funds are withheld, they complain,” he alleged.
He condemned the NBA’s inconsistency and urged the legal profession to uphold integrity.
Defense of Judicial Projects
Wike addressed concerns about the Annex Building, stating that the President and National Assembly approved the project.
“I did not decide on the Annex project as FCT Minister,” he said, noting that the budget also covered other judicial buildings.
He announced that the 2025 budget provides hostels for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari to ease accommodation challenges.
He also confirmed that the Annex Building will feature a fire station for safety.
Calls for Respect for the Judiciary
Wike criticized the growing public distrust in judges and condemned corruption allegations that make judicial officers afraid of public interactions.
“Why can’t judges worship their God anymore? Why do we always assume the worst about them?” he asked.
He urged lawyers to protect the judiciary’s integrity rather than attack it.
“I have never seen professionals tear down their own field like this. No sector is perfect, so why target the judiciary?” he questioned.
Wike promised to keep supporting the legal profession, saying, “I will always help strengthen the legal system.”
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