A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. J.S Okutepa, SAN has expressed his thoughts on the ongoing virtual Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), noting that a gathering with no “utilitarian value” afterwards on Nigerians, is a mere jamboree.
This is contained in a statement issued by him which was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer (TNL).
Meanwhile, he noted that some of the speakers in the on going virtual conference have done much harm to the profession.
“Talk is cheap. In the ongoing virtual AGC NBA, NBA is again engaging in cheap talks. Even some of those whose conducts are responsible for grave injustice we suffered in the profession and in this country are at the virtual conference pontificating as angels.
“Some of these personalities reel out beautifully couched statements and principles of law that they hardly give effect to when the opportunities present itself to them in their respective capabilities.” He said.
In addition, he stated that the members of the legal profession are one of the greatest obstacles to getting justice in our courts.
“I think the greatest enemies of Nigerians in getting justice in our courts or even getting political and economic justice are members of the legal profession.
“I say this because when you look at the three arms of Government, it is the legal profession that has one arm of government exclusively devoted to its members.” He said.
Furthermore, he noted that the profession is one of “considerable antiquity” and that anachronistic principles have been entrenched by its members, a roadblock to substantial justice.
“In addition the legal profession is an ancient profession of considerable antiquity with code of ethics which bind its members either on the bench or at the Bar.
“Evidence around of open desecration of the ethics of the legal profession which has been condoned without sanctions.
“Most archaic and legal jargon that has constituted complete roadblocks to attainments of justice are propounded and pronounced upon by members of the legal profession.” He said.
“Principles of law that have denied Nigerians electorate justice in Nigeria are set by members of the legal profession.” He added.
Meanwhile, he stated that the duty to do justice in the society is conferred on the profession.
“The duties to pronounce sanctions and apply them have been donated to the legal profession. This is because execution is part of the compendium of judicial powers under section 6(6) of the 1999 constitution as amended.”
“The legal profession is by my understanding, a profession of light and profession that can be used and should be used as an instrument of social engineering.” He added.
Also, he noted that technicality have been placed above substantial justice by the profession.
“What we see in Nigeria appears that the legal profession has conspired with itself to deny Nigerian society justice. We seem to enjoy and elevate technical justice far and above substantial justice. We seem to enjoy more of jurisdictional jurisprudence compared to attaining substantial justice.
“In most judgment, you can see injustice permeating the reasoning for judgement.” He said.
However, he stated that there is a need for a paradigm shift in the profession in order to be valued by the society. Or else, gatherings like the ongoing virtual conference are of no value.
“Until the legal profession retrace it’s steps and give justice to Nigerians, whatever talk show in the gathering of members of the legal profession will be nothing but legal jamboree devoid of any utilitarian value to Nigerian people. Nigerians are tired of annual gathering of talks of the legal profession without practical achievements.” He said.
Finally, he stated that the conduct of the members of the profession must be seen to be above board in order to occupy a pride of place.
“The conduct of members of the legal profession must be above board before the legal profession can rightly take the leading role reserved for it in the Nigerian society.” He concluded.
