Wali makes case for NBA to be included in NJC’s disciplinary proceedings

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Okey Wali, SAN has called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), to consider the inclusion of NBA’s representatives in the National Judicial Council (NJC)’s disciplinary proceedings against judges.

 Speaking at a special session of the Supreme Court to mark the commencement of the 2013/2014 legal year, and Conferment of the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), the Bar leader expressed dismay that representatives of the NBA at the NJC are excluded from disciplinary proceedings against judges; notwithstanding the CJN’s efforts at restoring public confidence in the judiciary.

In his remarks, he said, “We call for a change to include the NBA in all facets of the judicial-reform process, including judicial discipline. We have repeatedly called for the repeal of whatever law/rules or regulation relied upon to exclude the members of the Bar at the National Judicial council, from participating in such deliberations.

“One recollects that this had once led to the withdrawal of members of the Bar from NJC, only to return after promises by the NJC that the issue would be addressed very quickly. Over one year of our return, the situation is yet to change. The point must be made, that this is not about self aggrandizement by members of the Bar or those on the NJC, rather it is about the fact that we are major stakeholders in the justice sector, which is why we are on the NJC.

Wali further questioned the idea behind this limited recognition on the NJC, stating, “If we are to be any part of the NJC, we must be a part for all purposes.”

Commending the Judiciary however, for the successes of the last legal year, the NBA President wished the CJN, the President of the Court of Appeal, heads of Courts and the entire Judiciary another successful legal year ahead. “Within the limits of facilities available, you have done very well,” he stated.

The ceremonies which took place on Monday September 23, 2013 at the Supreme Court of Nigeria in Abuja, was attended by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), honourable Justice Mariam Alooma Mukhtar, Justices of the Supreme Court, Retired Justices of the Supreme Court, Heads of Courts in the Nigerian Judiciary, the Attorney General of the Federation, Judges of various Courts all over the country, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Body of  Benchers, new Members of the Inner Bar (Senior Advocates), and other members of the bar.

The history of the legal year ceremony, dates back to the Middle Ages, when Judges prayed for guidance at the start of the legal term. The Nigerian Judiciary has also adopted the practice of the investiture of new Senior Advocates of Nigeria at the special Court session marking the commencement of the new Legal year.