The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, has expressed indignation over the incidences of the 17th day of December 2024 that appeared to stand the rule of law on its head.
The chairman, of BA, Benin Branch, Idemudia iredia-Osifo, said that the NBA-BENIN was aghast when it received the news that the Edo State Assembly purportedly suspended democratically elected local government chairmen in the guise of misconduct.
He also said that the NBA-BENIN stated categorically that the recent Supreme Court decision in AG of the Federation v. AG of Abia State & Ors (2024) LPELR-62576 (SC) has affirmed beyond peradventure the autonomy of the local governments.
He added: “We therefore urge all actors to constrain themselves to act within the ambit of the law. The law has provided for the proper channels to anyone who desires to find out the true financial state of the Local Government Councils.
“We appeal to the Attorney General and all other ministers in the temple of Justice to advise accordingly in line with the tenets of the law as the rule of law must be seen to be above all.”
In a similar vein, reports indicate that Mr. Wole Iyamu, SAN a senior lawyer and a past Attorney General of the state suffered harassment at the premises of the High Court by non-state actors purportedly on the premise that he had State property in his possession.
“The NBA-BENIN categorically states that affairs of state are conducted by law enforcement and officers of the state. It is bad enough for anyone to usurp the legally designated roles of law enforcement agencies, but it is unacceptable for such usurpation to happen in the premises of our temples of justice,” said Iredia-osifo.
The NBA Chairman therefore calls on the Commissioner of Police to look into the harassment of Mr. Iyamu and bring the perpetrators of such attacks to book.
He further stated: “As the NBA-BENIN will never sit idly by and watch rights of individuals get trampled upon, let alone one of its members. The NBA-Benin will continue to advocate for justice, fairness, and accountability in all spheres of society.”
