NBA-AGC 2021: CJN Charges NBA To Discipline Members Who Abuse Court Processes
Following the rampant incidences of abuse of court processes by lawyers in the country, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Mohammed, has charged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to discipline its members who indulge in unprofessional conduct.
He said the act is inimical to the smooth administration of justice in the country and brings the judiciary to ridicule even as he called for tough disciplinary measures against such offending lawyers.
The CJN, who was ably represented by Hon. Justice Mary Odili, speaking while declaring open the 2021 Annual General Conference AGC of the NBA in Port Harcourt, Monday, Justice Mohammed, said the association should also take the lead in demanding discipline and dedication of its members to the efficient administration of justice in all ramifications of the court.
Making reference to the theme of the conference, “Take the Lead”, the CJN urged the Bar to always rise to the defence of the bench at all times, noting that a situation where members of the bar join litigants in assaulting the bench and ridiculing the institution of the courts was condemnable.
Justice Mohammed highlighted some of the problems of the administration of justice in the country as procedural inefficiency and poor infrastructure while quoting a former CJN, Justice Mustapha.
He added others like the poor condition of service of judicial and non-judicial officers, poor intellectual quality and corruption, among many others, saying they “have all served to disrupt the efficiency of the judiciary and damaged its perception.”
He declared that some of the challenges demanded the cooperation of the bar to address even as he charged members of the bar in government offices to “see the urgency and take the lead in the crusade to address the issues.”
