Nyesom Wike Blasts NBA Over Opposition To State Of Emergency In Rivers

Minister Wike Fires Back at NBA on State of Emergency Opposition

Let me tell you something, folks. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is not holding back his thoughts on why the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is opposing President Bola Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. According to Wike, it's not about justice or governance—it's all about the money. Yes, you heard me right. The NBA, he claims, is upset because the Rivers State Government had pledged to sponsor their annual general conference. And now, with the state of emergency in place, that financial support might be in jeopardy.

Wike didn't mince words when addressing this issue. He expressed his frustration, saying, "The NBA is against the state of emergency because there would be no money to give them for their conference. What kind of hypocrisy is this?" It’s clear that Wike is not just questioning their motives but is also challenging their integrity in this matter.

Wike’s Stance on the NBA’s Role

Wike made these bold remarks during a visit from officials of the Body of Benchers, led by its Chairman, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), in Abuja on Friday. The minister didn’t shy away from criticizing the NBA, accusing it of undermining the judiciary with reckless public statements. He warned that the Body of Benchers must step up and take action to rein in the association before it further erodes public trust in the legal profession. Wike's message was loud and clear: accountability and discipline are essential for maintaining the integrity of the legal system.

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He continued, "Some NBA members go on national television to condemn judgments without even reading them! If you don’t discipline somebody, nobody will learn any lesson." Wike emphasized that the legal profession cannot afford to lose its credibility, and it’s time for everyone to take responsibility for their actions. He added, "We shall no longer allow our profession to be pulled down. I cannot believe, as a lawyer, that you make a contribution to help the legal profession, and you will be criticized by your fellow lawyers."

Accusations of Hypocrisy

Wike further accused the NBA of hypocrisy, pointing out that the association has no qualms about accepting financial support from the executive in the past. Yet, now they frame such assistance as bribery when it involves the judiciary. "I was the only one who contributed to the NBA to build the National Secretariat. The NBA didn’t see it as a bribe." He questioned why the same rules don’t apply when the Body of Benchers receives contributions. "When you contribute to the Body of Benchers, it is a bribe, but when you contribute to the NBA, it is not a bribe—they will take it!"

Wike also highlighted the inconsistency in the NBA’s behavior, saying, "The same NBA will rely on state governments to sponsor their activities, but when the state government supports the judiciary, it is bribery." This double standard, he argued, is not only unfair but also detrimental to the legal profession as a whole.

The Impact on Judges and the Judiciary

Wike also expressed concern about the constant attacks from lawyers, which have turned judges into targets of suspicion. He lamented that judges now avoid public interactions out of fear of bribery accusations. "It has gotten to the stage that our judges are so scared of going to a mosque or church, or even greeting somebody they know, because of fear of bribery." This fear, according to Wike, is stifling the judiciary's ability to function effectively and transparently. He declared, "They run away from shaking people’s hands because they will start accusing them of collecting bribes. This must stop."

Wike’s message is clear: the legal profession needs to come together, set aside these petty disputes, and focus on upholding the integrity and dignity of the judiciary. It’s a call to action that resonates with many who believe in a fair and just legal system.