The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), accusing the body of hypocrisy and undermining the legal profession.
Wike expressed his discontent on Friday while receiving the Body of Benchers, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), at his residence in Life Camp, Abuja. He condemned the NBA’s tendency to label Supreme Court judgments as unconstitutional and illegal without first reviewing the rulings, calling the practice unfortunate.
Emphasizing the need for discipline within the legal profession, Wike urged the Body of Benchers to take decisive action against members who engage in misconduct. According to him, failure to enforce discipline would allow individuals with vested interests to weaken the integrity of the judiciary.
“We shall no longer allow our profession to be pulled down. I cannot believe that as lawyers, you contribute to the legal system and are criticized for it,” Wike stated. “Some people hear a judgment and, without reading it, rush to national television to criticize the ruling. That is unacceptable.”
The minister also lamented how judges are often scrutinized to the point of avoiding public interactions for fear of bribery allegations. “A judge cannot greet someone at a mosque or church without being accused of taking a bribe. Someone writes a petition, and suddenly, there’s an investigation into allegations of bribery taking place in places of worship. This is absurd,” he remarked.
Wike further accused the NBA of double standards, alleging that the association does not see contributions to its own projects as bribes but criticizes similar donations to the Benchers. He cited his financial support for the NBA’s national secretariat, where he requested a floor be named after Rivers State instead of himself.
He also alleged that the NBA’s opposition to an emergency rule in Rivers State was linked to the state government’s refusal to fund its Annual General Conference. “Now that no government is willing to bankroll their conference, they are making a fuss about an emergency rule,” he said.
The minister called on the legal community to put an end to what he described as self-destructive tendencies. “Why must it always be the judiciary that faces relentless criticism? No arm of government is perfect, yet the judiciary is constantly targeted,” Wike noted. “Judges should be able to attend public events and worship freely without fear.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the legal profession, Wike defended the construction of the Court of Appeal Annex Building, asserting that it was approved by the President and passed in the National Assembly’s budget. He also mentioned that the government had made provisions in the 2025 budget for building hostels at the Nigerian Law School in Bwari to alleviate accommodation challenges.
He assured the Body of Benchers that the promised fire station at the Annex was included in the budget and would be delivered. “Whatever you need for support, we will provide it,” Wike concluded.
