Why NBA Is Baring Its Members From Court Sittings

Court sittings may not be totally hitch-free in Anambra State, following a recent resolve of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the state.

The Anambra Chapter has directed all lawyers to boycott all court sittings in the state from May 20 to May 21.

The directive is in protest against the murder of their colleague, Mr Ifeanyi-Rolex Iloakasia

Iloakasia, a member of Otuocha Bar was killed alongside his client in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area as they were returning from court sitting in Ekwulobia High Court on May 15.

The NBA, in a statement signed by K.G. Abonyi, Chairman, Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA Anambra, described attack as a “blatant assault” on the legal profession and the rule of law.

Stating that the Anambra Chapter of association was grieved over the ‘senseless” killing, it added that this was especially as it followed the tragic loss of Awa P. Awa, former Vice Chairman of Ihiala Branch of the NBA.

In protest, Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA Anambra, is thus directing all lawyers to boycott all court sittings in the state from May 20 to May 21.

“We appreciate the swift response of the Commissioner of Police, Anambra who promptly visited the crime scene for an on-the-spot assessment and directed the commencement of preliminary investigations into the murder”, they state, adding:

“We urge the Commissioner of Police, DSS, and other law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to ensure that the perpetrators do not evade justice.

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“Speedy action is crucial in identifying and apprehending those responsible for this horrific crime.

Stating that its members should shun court sittings, the chapter said: “Too many lawyers have been sacrificed to insecurity in this state and the legal profession cannot thrive under an atmosphere of fear and insecurity,” it said.

The lawyers’ body also  called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to strengthen security operations across the state to forestall similar occurrences.