The assertion that the Nigerian Law Society (NLS) is not competing with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has further been elevated with the Vice Chairman, Body of Benchers, Asiwaju Adegboyega S. Awomolo, SAN pointing out that it is being sponsored by eminent and respectable members of the legal profession. The Senior Advocate bared his mind in an interview published on Tuesday 10 October by ThisDay Newspaper.
Below are excerpts.
A splinter body, the Law Society of Nigeria has re-surfaced. Is it a rival body of the NBA? What level of legitimacy do they have? Should Nigerian Lawyers consider joining such bodies?
I do not agree that a splinter body has been formed, with the Law Society of Nigeria. I know as a fact that the monopoly of the NBA has been challenged, many years even before 1996 to 1998. When we were involved in reconciling feuding members of the Association, we found while we were going round the 47 branches, then all over Nigeria, that there were “Eastern Bar Association”, “Arewa Bar Association” and “Egbe Amofin Odua”, an Association of Yoruba Lawyers. I know these groups and many others still exist, and they do not threaten the primacy of the Nigerian Bar Association.
However, we need to be careful, misappropriation of funds of NBA can lead to underdevelopment.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria supports the formation of Associations, and freedom to be a member is guaranteed. I am aware that the Law Society of Nigeria, is sponsored by eminent and respectable members of the legal profession. The Promoters , I understand, have made efforts to register the Association with the Corporate Affairs Commission, like the Nigerian Bar Association. I do not have any opinion of members of the Body of Benchers on this development, but I know that time will tell.
I do not see the Law Society of Nigeria, as a rival body to the NBA. Rather, a body that will complement the NBA. In the United Kingdom, South Africa, United States and other countries, there are more than one body of persons as Association of Lawyers. They all play their required roles, in the society.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is the grundnorm regulating rights to form and belong to Associations. So, anyone is free to belong to any Association of his/her choice. I believe the primary responsibility of any Lawyers’ Association is the promotion of the Rule of Law, and safeguarding the fundamental rights of citizens.
ThisDay
