NBA Frowns At UK, Nigeria Legal Practice

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau, says the association would not allow UK lawyers to practice in Nigeria.

This is about the alleged signing of the Enhanced Trade Investment Partnership (ETIP) Agreement, between the governments of Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The senior lawyer stated that the agreement was signed without the consent of the NBA, noting that the association will continue to oppose any agreement that will compromise the country’s legal space.

“What efforts has the government of Nigeria made to ensure that Nigerian lawyers have access to the UK legal environment? What is even more tragic is that the agreement was entered into without engaging the NBA on the text of the agreement,” he said.

“This is a clear indication of the limited recognition the Government of Nigeria attaches to its professional bodies. We are certain that the UK government will not treat its law society and bar council in such a despicable manner. For avoidance of doubt, let me say clearly, that the NBA reject the agreement in so far as it relates to legal services. We fully intend to seek judicial review of the agreement including up to the Supreme Court if necessary.”

Maikyau also urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the insecurity that has bedevilled the country in alarming proportions.

While urging the Federal Government to adopt a holistic approach towards insecurity, Maikyau advised on the need to invest in security personnel in the country.

He said, “From the ravaging activities of bandits and terrorists to the scourge of kidnapping for ransom and other forms of criminal activities, bloodshed has become a daily occurrence. The news of these dastardly incidents pervades the airwaves and psyche of Nigerians, sending shock and instilling fear in the populace.

“These criminal activities have left many Nigerians homeless, many families and businesses destroyed, and, rather than abate, these incidents are clearly on the rise. From the kidnap of pupils and their teachers in Ekiti State to the continued onslaught on the people in the Northwestern states, the killings and massacre in Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, the destruction of electricity infrastructure in Bauchi; the murders in Anambra, Imo, Enugu and other parts of the country, not excepting the Federal Capital Territory – the seat of the government of the federation.

“Some Nigerians have lost, and many more are fast losing confidence in the ability of the Federal Government to deal with the security situation in Nigeria. At this time, when public confidence in the sincerity of government in dealing with insecurity is at its lowest ebb, something radical must be done as a matter of emergency.”

The NBA President is of the view that the Security apparatus in the country must be beefed up noting that the military intervention over the years is not encouraging.

The senior lawyer also called on the need to reform the justice sector and restore confidence in the judiciary by the discipline of any member of the profession seen to be found wanting in the course of his or her duty.

“The security and existence of any nation is intricately connected to the presence or absence of justice as may be dictated by the judiciary. The work or function of the judiciary is no less a security assignment than the work of the military, security, and other law enforcement agencies in protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria and ensuring the observance of law and order in the society.

“We have severally, since the beginning of my administration, made calls for the reform of the Justice Sector. While this remains our call on government, I must state that the negative perception about the Judiciary is an issue that must be dealt with decisively by all members of the legal profession – particularly the judiciary itself. I therefore make this call on the judiciary as I have done previously and will continue to do, to constantly bear in mind that we all have been called to dispense justice to the people for the effective functioning of society. In doing this, members of the bench must not only serve justice but must ensure that justice is seen to have been served,” he added.