The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-NEC) has directed NBA President to drag the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for possible sanctions over the controversial one-month imprisonment of Mr. Inibehe Effiong.
Recalls that the NBA leadership had waded in to secure the release of the human rights lawyer, even as it warned that it would resist attempts to intimidate and harass lawyers.
In a statement by NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata, the association noted that it has mobilized its Uyo Branch members to secure Effiong’s freedom, adding: “While not going into the merits of this particular matter yet, suffice it to say that the NBA is strongly opposed to, and will continue to resist all attempts to intimidate, threaten or harass our members while properly carrying out their professional responsibilities.”
In a statement titled “RE: DETENTION OF MR. INIBEHE EFFIONG IN AKWA IBOM STATE,”Akpata said: “I have received with great concern the news of the detention of one of our members, Inibehe Effiong, at a correctional facility in Akwa Ibom State, on account of what transpired on Wednesday 27 July 2022 during proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State.
“Since receiving this news, I have been in touch with the Chairman of the Uyo Branch of NBA who has mobilised his team to look into and address this. This morning, I have also mandated the NBA 1st Vice President to visit Uyo immediately to join the ongoing efforts and ensure the release of Mr. Effiong.
“The NBA is therefore on top of this, and I am confident that Mr. Effiong will regain his freedom shortly.
“While not going into the merits of this particular matter yet, suffice it to say that the NBA is strongly opposed to, and will continue to resist all attempts to intimidate, threaten or harass our members while properly carrying out their professional responsibilities.
“The NBA will also not condone acts of indiscipline and insubordination against judicial officers from our members no matter the provocation. Ours is a rule-based profession and there is a procedure for airing grievances. The NBA 1st Vice President will also conduct fact finding investigation to determine what transpired and recommend next steps.”