By GEB
Recent controversies surrounding the leadership emergence of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have become a source of concern. Regardless of where the truth eventually lies, the public spectacle has once again raised uncomfortable questions about the legal profession’s ability to manage its internal affairs with transparency, credibility and integrity.
The legal profession occupies a unique and enviable position in every democratic society. Lawyers are not merely advocates for clients; they are custodians of justice, defenders of constitutionalism and guardians of the rule of law. Every functioning democracy depends on a legal profession that is independent, ethical and committed to justice above every other consideration.
For a profession that prides itself as the conscience of the nation, disputes in the bar are not only embarrassing but damaging. Lawyers should be able to organise themselves in a manner that inspires confidence, not suspicion. If those entrusted with defending justice are themselves embroiled in allegations of irregularities and internal divisions, what message does that send to ordinary Nigerians who rely on them for protection against abuse and injustice?
The controversy should serve as a wake-up call for deep introspection within the legal profession. The NBA, as the umbrella body of Nigerian lawyers, must appreciate that its credibility extends far beyond its members. Every action or inaction by the association reflects directly on the justice sector and, by extension, on the country’s democratic institutions.
It would be dishonest to pretend that the legal profession is insulated from Nigeria’s broader governance challenges. Indeed, lawyers are, in many respects, part of the country’s problems. Corruption has not spared the profession. Abuse of court processes has become commonplace. Endless interlocutory applications, deliberate delays in litigation and technical manoeuvres often frustrate the timely administration of justice. Some lawyers have perfected the art of exploiting loopholes in the legal system to protect corrupt individuals, frustrate criminal prosecutions and prolong disputes for years.
Equally troubling are the recurring incidents of conflicting court orders and judgments that have become almost routine in politically sensitive cases. While judges bear responsibility for judicial decisions, lawyers frequently contribute to this unhealthy development through forum shopping and procedural manipulation. Such practices weaken public confidence in the justice system and reinforce the perception that justice can be purchased by those with influence and financial resources.
The unfortunate consequences are that justice has become increasingly expensive and inaccessible to ordinary Nigerians. For millions of citizens, the cost of engaging legal services is prohibitive, while prolonged litigation often discourages legitimate claims. Justice delayed, as the saying goes, is justice denied. When the legal profession contributes to these delays, it inadvertently undermines the very system it was established to protect.
Lawyers occupy the very heart of Nigeria’s justice system. The courts have long been described as the last hope of the common man. That hope rests substantially on the integrity, competence and ethical conduct of members of the Bar. If lawyers fail in their professional responsibilities, the justice system itself begins to crumble. When justice loses credibility, democracy suffers, investors lose confidence, citizens become frustrated and social tensions increase. Ultimately, national development becomes difficult, if not impossible.
The rule of law cannot thrive where lawyers abandon their ethical obligations. Every constitutional democracy depends on legal practitioners who are prepared to defend justice even when doing so is inconvenient or unpopular. Their primary loyalty should be to the cause of justice, not merely to technical or personal gain.
This distinction is important. The law should never become an instrument for defeating justice. Lawyers are expected to pursue legality within the broader framework of fairness, equity and public interest.
The ultimate objective of legal practice should not simply be winning cases by advancing justice.
Whenever legality is divorced from justice, public confidence in the legal system inevitably declines.
As Nigeria gradually prepares for another electoral cycle, the role of lawyers becomes even more significant. Electoral disputes, constitutional questions and democratic transitions will once again place enormous responsibility on legal practitioners. They will advise political actors, represent parties before election tribunals and shape judicial precedents that could determine the country’s democratic future.
The legal profession therefore cannot afford to carry into that critical period the baggage of unresolved internal controversies or damaged credibility. Lawyers must rise above partisan interests and reaffirm their commitment to impartiality and professionalism. Nigeria already struggles with an international reputation damaged by corruption and weak institutions. The legal profession should not contribute to narratives that further portray the country as incapable of conducting transparent and credible processes, even within its own professional associations.
One disturbing trend that deserves attention is the increasing tendency among citizens to dismiss judicial remedies with cynicism. Whenever political disputes arise, many Nigerians respond to the familiar advice to “go to court” with ridicule rather than confidence. That reaction is deeply troubling. It reflects a growing perception that litigation no longer guarantees impartial justice but may simply transfer political battles into compromised judicial arenas.
Whether this perception is entirely accurate is beside the point. Public confidence is the foundation upon which every justice system rests. Once citizens begin to doubt the neutrality of the courts, the authority of judicial institutions gradually weakens. Lawyers have a professional and moral responsibility to help rebuild that confidence through ethical conduct, transparency and fearless advocacy.
Also, the issue of judicial independence deserves renewed attention. Genuine autonomy goes beyond constitutional provisions. It extends to the institutional arrangements that govern the welfare and administration of the judiciary. Questions continue to arise whenever executive authorities provide judges with official houses, vehicles or other substantial benefits. Even where such support is lawful, the optics often generate concerns about the true independence of the Bench. A justice system perceived to depend excessively on the executive for its welfare risks creating doubts about its impartiality.
This is why genuine judicial autonomy must remain a priority. Financial independence, transparent administration and institutional safeguards are essential to preserving the credibility of the courts. Lawyers, more than any other professional group, should continue to advocate reforms that strengthen these principles.
Professional associations also have an important role to play in national development. If Nigeria is to move forward, reform must begin within institutions that shape public life. The NBA should lead by example. Internal elections should be transparent, efficient and beyond reproach. Ironically, the association had earned considerable praise for successfully deploying electronic voting systems that enhanced participation and credibility. Any regression from those standards would be unfortunate and difficult to justify.
Equally worrisome is the growing perception that the NBA has become increasingly polarised along political lines. A professional association must remain independent of partisan influence if it is to command public respect. Lawyers should engage governments critically but constructively, always placing constitutional values above political loyalties. Once professional judgment becomes subordinated to partisan calculations, the Bar risks losing its moral authority.
Nigeria needs a legal profession that stands firmly with the people. Lawyers should once again be recognised as defenders of civil liberties, protectors of the vulnerable and fearless advocates for accountability. They should be the first to challenge unconstitutional actions, resist abuse of power and defend the rights of every citizen, regardless of status or political affiliation.
The present moment offers the legal profession an opportunity for self-renewal. The incoming president, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, should ensure that all the issues raised by his co-contestants and other aggrieved lawyers regarding the election are properly addressed before the next election. This is because internal reforms, stronger ethical enforcement, transparent elections and renewed commitment to justice will restore public confidence. The responsibility lies not only with the leadership of the NBA but also with every lawyer because the leadership needs their cooperation.
Ultimately, the strength of the rule of law depends on the integrity of those who administer it. Nigerians cannot build strong democratic institutions without a strong, independent and ethical legal profession. The time has come for lawyers to put their house in order. Only then can they truly fulfil their historic responsibility as guardians of democracy and protectors of the people’s hope.
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