The Justice Sector Operates Under Siege – NBA President

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr. Paul Usoro SAN has again reiterated the need for stakeholders in the justice sector to introspect and ruminate on national issues particularly those that affect the justice sector.

Mr. Usoro said this in his address delivered today at the opening ceremony of the 2019/2020 Legal Year celebration of the Federal High Court held in Abuja. He noted that top on the list of the issues affecting the justice sector is the need to promote and protect the rule of law in all its ramifications. He noted that the need is more pronounced today given the siege under which the justice sector operates.

“The Opening of the Legal Year traditionally affords the Bar and the Bench the opportunity for introspection and to ruminate on national issues particularly those that affect the justice sector.”

“Topping the list of such issues at all times is the need to promote and protect the rule of law in all its ramifications. That need is perhaps more pronounced today given the siege under which the justice sector is currently operating, evident in the open and sometimes veiled incursions by the executive arm and its agencies.”

“In particular, the independence of the judiciary is under severe threat. To be exact, the independence of mind and thoughts by Your Lordships in the determination of matters before the Courts is under severe attack.”

The speech is attached herewith