5 days Ago By Onozure Dania
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has called on the Nigerian Bar Association to immediately refund the N300m, reportedly received from the Rivers State Government in support of the NBA’s Annual General Conference. In a statement issued on Tuesday , Adegboruwa expressed “shock and disbelief” over the financial contribution, arguing that the NBA, as the conscience of the society and a guardian of the rule of law, should not be seen courting government patronage particularly at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship and alleged human rights violations. “All lawyers in Nigeria pay their practicing fees annually.
Money is also charged for lawyers who wish to attend the conference. There is no basis for the NBA going cap in hand to beg for money to host a conference,” he said. Adegboruwa insisted that the association must immediately return the funds, stating that accepting such a “gift” undermines the independence of the Bar.
He proposed that the money be paid into an escrow account with the Central Bank of Nigeria, pending what he described as the “restoration of democracy” in Rivers State. Related News Police under fire for alleged harassment of pro-Fubara protesters Emergency rule: Reps panel awaits briefing on Rivers assignment Rivers PENGASSAN begins strike over workers suspension Adegboruwa also warned that continued association with the government could erode public confidence in the NBA’s objectivity and moral authority. “Lawyers are the conscience of the society, who are expected to champion the rule of law.
Such an organisation should not be seen to be romancing with any government, socially in the face of suffering by the masses of our people due to wicked economic policies and human rights abuses by the government. After all, he who pays the piper dictates the tune,” Adegboruwa said. Calling the donation a “collective shame,” the senior advocate urged elders of the Bar to intervene swiftly.
“If the money has already been spent, I urge all SANs and senior lawyers to contribute N1m each in order to raise the money,” he said. “Going forward, NBA should tread cautiously in raising funds from all manner of persons and institutions,” he added, emphasising that Nigerian lawyers are well capable of funding the Bar’s programmes independently..
