A civil group, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy, has urged the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to take immediate action against lawyers who continuously launch baseless attacks on the judiciary and its judges.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the group’s Director of Legal Services, Barrister Kalu Agu, expressed concern over the growing trend of lawyers undermining the integrity of the judiciary, particularly after unfavorable court rulings.
Agu described such behavior as detrimental to the rule of law and warned that it could erode public confidence in the justice system.
The group specifically called out Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and Prof. Chidi Odinkalu for their recent criticisms of judicial officers, urging them to cease such actions.
According to the group, while freedom of speech is a fundamental right, unjustified attacks on the judiciary are unethical and should not be tolerated.
Agu called on the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to stand in defense of the judiciary, stressing the need for unity in safeguarding judicial integrity and promoting public trust.
He emphasized that judges, who are unable to publicly defend themselves, rely on the legal community to protect their reputation and uphold the sanctity of the courts.
“Regrettably, these incessant attacks on the Nigeria’s Judiciary are being championed by so many lawyers.
“These lawyers descend heavily on judges and attack their character after losing cases in courts. This unprofessional conduct must stop” the Centre warned.
Barrister Agu contended that, “This harmful practice undermines the very foundation of our justice system. It is imperative that we recognize the judiciary’s role as the guardian of justice and the protector of our constitutional rights.”
“We, therefore, call on the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to take actions against lawyers who indulge in this harmful practice of attacking judges in Nigeria” the Centre demanded.