Usman Okai, the candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) representing the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency, urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to eliminate fraudulent lawyers who compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system with their deceptive actions.
Okai pointed out that these fraudulent lawyers are ubiquitous, conducting pointless press conferences to defend the beleaguered ex-Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
On a recent Friday in Abuja, a group of lawyers, led by Emmanuel Agada, criticized Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for ignoring legitimate court orders and violating Nigerians’ constitutional rights. Agada stated, “As budding lawyers, we aspire for a judiciary where justice is not only served but is clearly seen to be served. We formed this civil society of lawyers in our patriotic pursuit of initiatives that ensure an independent judiciary that dispenses justice without bias or prejudice.”
In response to this situation, Okai insisted that the NBA must initiate a comprehensive investigation into the deceptive practices of the implicated lawyers, whose behavior, he said, damages the reputation of the legal profession.
Okai stated, “The National Judicial Council (NJC) also has the duty to purge our legal system of individuals who treat it as nothing more than a marketplace. In the field of law, the term ‘lawyer’ has been diminished to a mere front, devoid of any significant practice or ethical integrity. These so-called legal practitioners are merely mercenaries for hire, selling their services to the highest bidder without considering justice or morality.”
He further added, “Instead of advocating for justice, individuals like Olukayode deserve praise for having the courage to challenge the status quo. The alleged court order was procured through fraudulent means, a clear mockery of justice. No law can protect criminals like Yahaya Bello, who have brazenly looted our state treasury, from facing the repercussions of their actions.”
Okai expressed his concern that Kogi State has become a hotbed for corruption, with unethical individuals shamelessly exploiting its resources for personal profit. He highlighted that the widespread bribery and corruption, demonstrated by extravagant spending on anonymous civil society organizations, unknown lawyers, and self-proclaimed experts, are indicative of the decay within the society.
“Yahaya Bello, a former governor infamous for his disregard for the rule of law, has turned Kogi State into his private domain, appointing allies as judges and manipulating the judiciary to serve his own interests. It is the responsibility of the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Security to eliminate these fraudulent lawyers, who compromise the integrity of our judicial system with their deceptive practices,” he added.
Finally, he emphasized that the prevalent culture of legal malpractice and political corruption in Kogi State requires immediate intervention from both domestic and international institutions. “We must not let the sanctity of justice be violated by mercenaries posing as lawyers, nor allow unethical politicians to violate the rule of law for their personal benefit,” he concluded.
