A civil society group, The Centre for Reform and Advocacy, on Friday called on the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to sanction some lawyers for their persistent attacks on the nation’s judiciary.
The group specifically warned a member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, and other individuals to refrain from making uncomplimentary remarks about judicial officers in the country.
As an organisation focused on reform and advocacy, the group said it had examined the reasons presented by some of these lawyers and individuals to justify their attacks and concluded that “the attacks are unnecessary, baseless, and unjustified.”
Addressing the press in Abuja, the Director of Legal Services at the Centre for Reform and Advocacy, Kalu Agu, expressed concern that “these attacks not only undermine the rule of law but also erode public trust in our institutions.”
“Regrettably, these persistent attacks on Nigeria’s judiciary are being led by many lawyers,” Agu said.
“These lawyers heavily criticise judges and question their character after losing cases in court. This unprofessional behaviour must stop,” the Centre warned.
Agu argued that “this harmful practice undermines the very foundation of our justice system. It is crucial that we recognize the judiciary’s role as the guardian of justice and protector of our constitutional rights.”
He stressed the need for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to stand united in supporting judges in their pursuit of justice and to promote a culture of respect for the judiciary.
“We, therefore, call on the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to take action against lawyers who engage in the harmful practice of attacking judges in Nigeria,” the Centre demanded.
The Centre stressed the need for collective action to safeguard the independence and integrity of the judiciary, warning that “if we fail to address these attacks, we risk plunging our nation into chaos, anarchy, and lawlessness.”
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According to the group, judges deliver verdicts based on the evidence and legal precedents before them.
While acknowledging that disagreement with judgments is natural, Barr. Agu argued that “violence, blackmail, and intimidation of judges are unacceptable.”
The group condemned the attacks on the judiciary by some individuals, describing them as “uncalled for,” and warned that such actions are not only unprofessional but also criminal.
Barr. Agu stressed that decency and decorum should not be discarded under the guise of advocating for clients.
“While we acknowledge that individuals have the fundamental right to freedom of speech, it is unethical for any lawyer to drag the judiciary into disrepute.”
“We, therefore, with the greatest respect, call on the Nigerian Bar Association to rise to the occasion and sanction erring lawyers who attack judges to satisfy their egos after losing cases in court.”
“It is the duty of the Nigerian Bar Association to protect the judiciary from baseless criticisms, as judges cannot respond or defend themselves. They must remain impartial and silent, even in the face of unfair attacks. However, this silence is not a sign of weakness but of strength.”
Additionally, the group urged the NBA to ensure that its members uphold judicial integrity, promote public trust in the justice system, and educate clients and the public about the judicial process.
“If the Nigerian Bar Association fails to protect the judiciary, these ongoing attacks on judges by lawyers will damage the reputation of the legal profession, cause the profession to lose credibility, undermine public confidence in the justice system, and ultimately, compromise justice,” Agu stated.
Meanwhile, the Centre encouraged lawyers and litigants to use established channels to express their grievances, stressing that, apart from exercising their constitutional right of appeal, they can also petition the National Judicial Council over allegations of bias or corruption, if substantiated.
