A legal practitioner has petitioned Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urging the suspension of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike from the Body of Benchers following a public confrontation with a naval officer in Abuja.
Petition Highlights “Dishonourable Conduct”
Bob James, the lawyer behind the petition, described Wike’s actions as falling below the standards expected of a bencher. The petition was prompted by a video that went viral on November 11, showing Wike clashing with a naval officer over a disputed land plot in the Federal Capital Territory.
“The troubling aspect is that Mr. Wike is not only a senior lawyer but also a member of the Body of Benchers,” James said.
He argued that no bencher in Nigeria’s legal history has publicly engaged in such aggressive behavior or used vulgar language in a manner likened to that of street confrontations.
Professional Standards at Stake
James stressed that the Body of Benchers, responsible for overseeing call-to-bar ceremonies and maintaining professional discipline, cannot ignore conduct that undermines the moral authority it expects from legal practitioners.
“Benchers are meant to exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and decorum. They cannot themselves fall short of these expectations,” the petition noted.
Drawing from international precedent, James referenced the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) of England, which holds that personal comments deemed offensive or inappropriate may still constitute professional misconduct. He also cited the Court of Appeal ruling in Ayorinde v. Kuforiji (2007) 4 NWLR (Pt 1024) 341, where former Justice Amina Augie emphasized that lawyers must exercise caution with their words and writings, both inside and outside court.
Concerns Over Influence on New Lawyers
James warned that allowing Wike to attend upcoming call-to-bar ceremonies could set a negative example for newly qualified lawyers.
“Young lawyers might dismiss the panel’s authority if one of its members behaves in such a manner. They may think discipline only applies to those who are not influential,” he said.
The petition calls on the CJN to launch a full investigation, arguing that the integrity of Nigeria’s legal profession is at stake.
“If it is confirmed that Mr. Wike used offensive language publicly, he is not fit to remain a member of the Body of Benchers,” James concluded