The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Plateau State chapter, has warned lawyers against engaging in unethical conduct that could aid or delay the administration of justice, particularly in cases involving terrorism and other violent crimes.
The association expressed concern over the persistent attacks and killings of innocent citizens in Plateau State and other parts of the country, stressing that lawyers found violating professional rules should face appropriate sanctions.
The Chairman of the NBA, Jos Branch, Barr. Morgan I. Dung, stated this on Monday during a press conference jointly organised by the Jos, Pankshin and Shendam branches of the association.
Dung expressed disappointment over what he described as the inability of the government to adequately protect the lives and property of citizens.
“Lawyers who aid delay in the dispensation of justice through unethical conduct must adhere to the rules of professional conduct and be sanctioned accordingly for violations,” he said.
He added, “The NBA frowns at the inability of government to prevent the continuous loss of lives and property in Nigeria, and Plateau State in particular. The Nigerian Bar Association condemns this development.”
According to him, the protection of lives and property remains the most fundamental responsibility of government.
“It therefore suffices to say that the protection of lives and property is the most fundamental responsibility of government,” he said.
The NBA chairman called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sponsor an executive bill seeking to give state governors greater operational control over security agencies within their respective jurisdictions.
He said such legislation would ensure that governors, who are constitutionally recognised as chief security officers of their states, have corresponding authority over security operations.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, should take his good intentions further by implementing the following: sponsorship of an Executive Bill in the National Assembly to fully domicile security under the Concurrent Legislative List, giving state governors adequate command of the security apparatus rather than the mere assumption of titles as chief security officers of their respective states without corresponding control of operational or theatre commanders and other personnel,” Dung said.
The Plateau State NBA further disclosed that it had resolved to strengthen its efforts towards protecting vulnerable members of society.
“The association will also advocate for effective protection of witnesses and victims, legal support for vulnerable and displaced persons, and institutional reforms necessary to prevent impunity and recurrence,” the association stated.
It added, “In doing so, the NBA reaffirms that peace without justice is fragile, and justice without accountability is incomplete.”
Dung also urged security agencies to intensify efforts to restore public confidence and tackle insecurity across the state.
“Security agencies must regain public confidence by rising to the occasion and defeating the antagonists of a peaceful, tranquil, egalitarian and convivial society,” he said.
He expressed concern over the reported absence of security vehicles procured by the state government at some flashpoints, alleging that some of the vehicles had been moved to the state capital.
“Special interventions by the state government in procuring security vehicles appear to have been watered down with the near absence of the vehicles at flashpoints in the hinterlands and their relocation to the state headquarters. We demand their immediate relocation to combat insecurity in real time,” he said.
The NBA also called on uniformed security agencies to strengthen the control and monitoring of the production and distribution of military uniforms, ammunition and other accoutrements to prevent their misuse by criminal elements.
“Uniformed security agencies should control and monitor the production and distribution of military wear, ammunition and accoutrements to their personnel and formations, as well as arrest and publicly prosecute impersonators of their personnel who abuse and unleash violence on unsuspecting and vulnerable citizens,” Dung said.
He further called for the identification and sanctioning of erring security personnel as part of measures to restore discipline and public confidence in the security system.
