CJN suspension: Yobe NBA shuns call for courts’ boycott

The Yobe State branch of Nigeria Bar Association NBA has called on her members to disregard any directives from the Association’s National Headquarters to stay away from courts as a part of solidarity against the suspension of Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Justice Walter Onnoghen.

The Nation reports that lawyers nationwide were directed by the NBA president Paul Osoro to embark on a two-day warning boycott of the courts.

According to him, the decision was arrived at from a NEC meeting of the Association which was held in Abuja on Tuesday.

“The decision of NEC is that, to show the displeasure of the body of lawyers with regards to what has happened so far, it has been decided by the NBA NEC that lawyers should go on a two-day boycott of courts nationwide.

“That is from tomorrow, Tuesday January 29 and also Wednesday, January 30, all lawyers should stay away from courts.

”This is to register the discontent of the NBA with the incident that has happened, and the fact that due process was not followed with regards to the matter of the Chief Justice of Nigeria,” Usoro said.

But in a statement signed by the branch Chairman, Dr. Abubakar Kagu  and email to journalists in Damaturu rather asked members of the association in the state to disregard the orders.

Dr Kagus  said the branch regretted the situation that led to the suspension of the number one law officer, but however expressed reservation that matter, insisting that only a competent court of law can resolve the matter.

The Statement which was titled, ‘STATEMENT ON THE CALL TO BOYCOTT THE SITTINGS OF COURTS’ reads; “The Nigerian Bar Association, Damaturu Branch regrets the situation that led to the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria. As ministers in the temple of justice, we must insist that this is a matter that is already before the courts and should be left for the courts to decide.

“One of the cardinal roles of the bar is to protect the character and essence of courts and their process. Therefore, boycotts or resorting to street actions on a matter that is before the courts is by far, a deviation from the fundamental principles that define the tenets of the legal profession and of democracy.

“To advance the cause of justice for everyone, courts must be allowed to operate and make decisions on this and all other matters before them.

“Hence, this branch of the NBA calls on all its members to shun any boycott of the courts and continue with their roles as prosecutors, judges and attorneys.

“We respectfully give allegiance to the authority of the courts to deal with the matter in line with the rule of law and constitutionalism”.