Judiciary
THE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, is not happy with the President Muhammadu Buhari government over the continued detention of Sambo Dasuki, a retired colonel and former National Security Adviser, NSA, and Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the leader of Shi’ite movement, despite court orders which admitted them to bail.
Abubakar Mahmoud, national president of the NBA, who lambasted the government during a press briefing in Abuja to mark this year’s Democracy Day, on Monday, May 29, viewed such disobedience to court orders as uncalled for and depicted lack of respect for the rule of law.
Mahmoud statement said in part: “While we recognise the seriousness of the charges in which individuals were held, we nevertheless viewed their continued detention as unjustified and contrary to the express court orders. We call on the government to without further delays respect theses orders.”
Besides, the NBA called for the termination of investigations against judges who were accused of corruption but have not been charged before the court for the past eight months.
“In the wake of the arrest and detention of certain judicial officers by the DSS, the NBA had taken the view that the judges affected should recluse themselves from judicial functions until the investigation and outcomes of those investigations were determined, we note that nearly eight months after those investigations were launched, some of the judges have not been prosecuted or charged before any court of law.
“This situation is completely unsatisfactory and unacceptable. The NBA calls on the government to terminate the investigation against those judges to enable them resume their work as judicial officers.”
On the issue of agitation succession by some groups in the country, the NBA called for a better way of showing grievances aside the threat to break up.
“NBA affirms commitment to unity and building a strong federal system. We urged all groups to continue to agitate peaceful existence among citizens of the country.”
On the issue of security, the NBA commended the federal government especially in the fight against Boko Haram in the north-east and the recent release of 82 Chibok girls.
Speaking on the anti-corruption crusade of the government, the NBA president commended efforts of the anti-corruption agency. But also noted: “New anti-corruption strategy has been developed. Stakeholders should help the FG towards the success of the policy. We commend whistle blower policy. The government should fund the anti-corruption agencies.
“The lingering issue of EFCC leadership should be tackled once and for all. The investigative agency should be more careful and thorough in carrying out its investigation. Media investigation should not be encouraged.”
— May 30, 2017 @ 13:30 GMT
Tags: Abubakar Mahmoud DSS EFCC Ibrahim El-Zakzaky Muhammadu Buhari NBA Nigerian Bar Association Sambo Dasuki
