The Benin Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) is at daggers drawn with the Edo State House of Assembly over the latter’s decision to amend the Financial Autonomy Laws, 2023, which would subjugate both the Judiciary and the Legislative arms of government to the Executive.
Vowing to resist the move, which it said would bring both arms under the control and influence of the Executive, the NBA noted that the Financial Autonomy Laws guaranteed the independence of both the Legislature and the Judiciary.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Benin branch of the NBA, Omorodion Omoigui, who expressed the body’s objection to the proposed amendment after his inauguration, said an amendment of the laws should not be allowed to stand as it offended clear provisions of Sections 4, 5, 6 and 121 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Omoigui announced exemption of payment for dinner fees and Law Week for young lawyers under five years, as well as lawyers above the age of 70, emphasising that close attention would be paid to young lawyers as well as old and ailing lawyers.
According to him, “We shall pay very close attention to their needs and well being. This shall be in addition to a comprehensive health package in conjunction with health bodies.
“Beyond litigation and the routine modes of legal practice in Nigeria, we shall open up new vistas of legal practice in the areas of business, investments and corporate practice. The Lion Bar shall sponsor our members for specialised trainings and conferences in the different NBA sections on legal practice and business Law.
“As a body, we shall ensure that the rule of law is not only promoted by the Bar but also enforced by the relevant government bodies and agencies including the Executive and the Legislature. We shall hold government accountable and speak truth to power without any fear or favour. We shall also not fail to commend the government when it is doing well in these areas.
“Our relevant committees, including the Bar and Bench Committees, shall engage the Judiciary in the event of any issue or development that requires dialogue. And in the event that dialogue fails, the Bar shall roar and take the necessary decisive steps.”
