NBA, LPPC, CAC, SANs deploying strong-arm tactics against opponents – Nigerian Law Society

The Nigerian Law Society (NLS) has raised alarm over the authoritarian and self-help tactics employed by leading figures in Nigeria's judicial system against their opponents. These officials are accused of violating the rule of law, as reported by the Human Rights Foundation in its 'tyranny tracker report'. According to Dr Tonye Clinton Jaja, the Executive Secretary of NLS, top officials from the Nigerian Bar Association, Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, Corporate Affairs Commission, and Senior Advocates of Nigeria are among those engaging in such practices.

The NLS specifically cited the refusal to comply with a Supreme Court order requiring the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to register the Nigerian Law Society. Instead of adhering to this judgment, the CAC's Registrar-General and former NBA President resorted to self-help measures, including publishing prejudicial statements against the NLS on their website. Similarly, NBA officials and the NBA President issued press statements against lawyers supporting the NLS by revoking their privileges.

Jaja also highlighted the LPPC's directive warning Senior Advocates of Nigeria against affiliating with the NLS and the Body of Senior Counsel of Nigeria, which he deemed a violation of Nigeria's Constitution. He emphasized that the legal profession in Nigeria is increasingly resorting to intimidation and self-help tactics instead of following court orders, thereby undermining the rule of law.