By Dayo Benson

Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has again advocated the appointment of Supreme Court Justices from the bar in order to bring practical experience to the apex court.

Similarly, the NBA has expressed its desire to be involved in appointment of judges and ensure that bad ones were flushed out from the bench. The NBA’s position is coming as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, assumes office today.

At its just concluded 8th Annual General Conference, AGC, Section on Legal Practice, SLP, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the NBA articulated this and other issues bordering on effective administration of justice.

Participants who presented papers at the two-day events spoke on different topics relating to effective legal practice. Among them were Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN, whose presentation titled “Judicial Federalism Under the Nigerian Constitution’,’ was read by Mr Olaniwalo Akinsola who represented him on the occasion.

Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, SAN spoke on the topic ‘’Expanding the Frontiers of Legal Practice’’ while Mr Babajide Koku, SAN, examined the topic “Legal Practice in Nigeria: Let’s Expand the Frontiers’’.

Another participant, Mr Uyi Akpata, focused on: ‘’Emerging Partnership Models; Lessons for the Legal Profession in Nigeria’’ and Justice Peter Chudi Obiorah’s paper was titled: Introducing Fast Track Procedure in Nigerian Courts.”

In it’s communiqué, the section recommended that “NBA should partake fully in the appointment of judges and refuse the appointment of corrupt judges and those who are already appointed who do not sit or who are corrupt should be reported to the NJC.

‘’Judges can now be appointed directly from the bar to the supreme court and judges who are corrupt or found lacking in their duties should be shown the way out instead of being posted to another place. Judges must be proactive in the discharge of their duties and shun indolence, late sitting and unnecessary adjournments.

‘’Plea bargain is a good concept but the problem we are facing in our justice system is the application and on that ground it is recommended that we start plea bargain with minor offences like Affray, Traffic offences, Stealing etc.

‘’That the inclusion of ethics and character report for aspiring lawyers should be part of the requirement at the university and the dining etiquette should be taught there too. That lawyer should formulate strategies to protect individual rights where there is no clear cut or well defined remedy.”