Wali’s kidnap: Igbo lawyers urge improved security
Igbo lawyers under the aegis of Otu Oka-Iwu Lagos have lauded the release of the immediate past Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Okey Wali (SAN) by kidnappers, saying Wali did not deserve the fate that befell him.
In a statement by its President and Publicity Secretary, Messrs. Zik Obi II and Emeka Nwadioke respectively, the association said Wali’s harrowing experience in the hands of kidnappers is yet another wake-up call for the federal and state governments and security agencies to tighten the nation’s security dragnet.
Otu Oka-iwu decried the incessant kidnapping of lawyers and other citizens across the country, adding that lawyers have become endangered species, “moreso as lawyers especially those in the North East have come under severe threats due to insurgency and sundry acts of violence.”
The umbrella union of Igbo lawyers warned that these grave acts of violence against lawyers constitute serious threats to the justice sector and must be curtailed “before it becomes uncontrollable.” It also urged those involved in kidnapping of innocent citizens to “desist from such egregious acts and channel their energies to more noble and productive ventures that will benefit the country.”
Otu Oka-iwu also commended the NBA President, Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN) for his display of exemplary leadership in ensuring that Wali was reunited with his family. “It is especially note-worthy that Mr. Alegeh (SAN) appreciated the enormity of the crisis, thus his cancellation of his planned trip to the International Bar Association (IBA) flagship yearly conference in Tokyo, Japan,” the Otu Oka-iwu observed. “The Association also wishes to place on record its appreciation of the efforts of the security agencies who worked tirelessly in securing the safe release of Mr. Okey Wali (SAN) and their efforts in tackling the various security challenges facing the country.
It is recalled that Wali was kidnapped by gunmen on the night of October 11 and was released after 13 days in captivity. “I have personally spoken to him and can confirm that he is hale, hearty and in good spirit,” Alegeh had said. He thanked lawyers, security agencies and Nigerians in general who supported his family or played key roles in securing his release. His words: “He (Wali) expresses his thanks and appreciation to members of the Bar and Bench, the Security Agencies, friends and family for their concern, support and prayers during the period of his ordeal. He gives glory to God for his safe release.
“The Nigerian Bar Association is greatly delighted by the safe release of Okey Wali, SAN and wishes to express appreciation to all NBA members and well-meaning Nigerians who supported the Bar and the Okey Wali Family during this trying period. We must also commend NBA members for keeping calm throughout this period and not taking any steps that may have directly or indirectly jeopardised the efforts for his safe release which have now yielded positive results.
“The Nigerian Bar also wishes to place on record its appreciation of the efforts of the security agencies in securing the safe release of Okey Wali, SAN. The Director General of the State Security Services [SSS], the Inspector General of Police and the SSS State Directors and Police Commissioners in Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo States who worked tirelessly to secure his safe release deserve special mention.
“While we celebrate the safe release of Okey Wali SAN, we must hasten to reiterate the fact that the spate of kidnappings and general state of insecurity in our country is cause for great concern. A safe and secure country is one of the primary roles of our government and we call on the government to promptly address the present state of insecurity in the country. We cannot continue to live in fear of kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminals.”