In a strategic move to deepen institutional collaboration and reaffirm its unwavering commitment to justice, national security, and public safety, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yenagoa Branch, Clement Kekemeke, has called for mutual respect towards legal practitioners in the course of their professional duties.

He urged security personnel to view them as partners in progress rather than adversaries.

During a courtesy visit to the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Bayelsa State Command, Mr Adedapo Amao, and the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Prince I. Abosi, at their respective Command Headquarters in Yenagoa, Kekemeke, advocated swift and diligent prosecution of suspects to serve as deterrents to others and to uphold the rule of law.

He emphasised the critical need for sustained synergy between the legal community and all security agencies, particularly the DSS in combating crime.

In his conversation with the FRSC, Kekemeke underscored the importance of effective enforcement of their mandate regarding the lawful prosecution of traffic offenders, and raised concerns about the unlawful seizure of vehicle documents and imposition of fines without due process, urging strict adherence to legal authority and judicial recourse.

He also proposed deeper collaboration, including the incorporation of FRSC officers into relevant NBA committees and the Branch’s willingness to provide pro bono legal services where necessary, alongside ensuring justice and compensation for victims of road traffic crashes.

In his response, Mr Amao commended Kekemeke’s leadership.

He acknowledged the Bar’s strong show of support during the unfortunate kidnapping incident in the state and reiterated the DSS’s commitment to fostering a harmonious relationship with the legal community.

Amao encouraged continued cooperation in the prosecution of criminal cases and reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to ridding society of criminal elements.

Similarly, FRSC Sector Commander, Abosi, thanked Kekemeke for the thoughtful visit and acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the Corps and the legal community.

He reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to collaborate with the NBA on all fronts, expressing appreciation for the Bar’s willingness to provide legal guidance and public advocacy in road safety enforcement.

In a progressive gesture, he proposed the creation of a dedicated unit within the Corps to be manned by members of the NBA Yenagoa Branch as Special Corps Marshals, aimed at further integrating the Bar into road safety education and enforcement efforts.