November 18, (THEWILL) – Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has expressed grave concerns over the declining integrity and relevance of the legal profession in Nigeria, blaming unprofessional conduct by members of both the bar and bench for the setback.
The Deputy Governor raised these issues on Monday while hosting members of the Law Students Association of Nigeria, Niger Delta University Chapter, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Yenagoa.
Lamenting the state of the judiciary, Senator Ewhrudjakpo decried what he described as a pervasive culture of “forum shopping,” where lawyers strategically file cases in courts known for issuing favourable judgments.
“The legal profession has lost its value because of the conduct and attitude of both the Bar and the Bench. Today, most lawyers engage in forum shopping to secure favourable judgments. Unfortunately, the judiciary itself has become so corrupt, and I am afraid it is no longer the hope of the common man,” Ewhrudjakpo stated.
Citing recent controversial court judgments, the Deputy Governor observed that the erosion of integrity in Nigeria’s legal system has damaged public trust in the judiciary.
Addressing the visiting law students, he charged them to uphold the highest professional ethics and distinguish themselves from those tarnishing the legal profession.
“The bar is losing its value, but I charge you to be different. Strive to carve a niche for yourselves by following professional ethics. Don’t confine yourself to the style of ‘charge and bail’ lawyers. Explore new areas in your legal practice to make a meaningful impact on the profession and society at large,” he advised.
Responding to the students’ concerns, the Deputy Governor assured them that the government would address the faulty generator at the Law Faculty in Yenagoa and proposed the installation of a solar farm to tackle the power supply challenges.
He also pledged support for the association’s upcoming LAWSAN Week activities, scheduled for January 2024.
Earlier, the President of the association, Reverend Father Anthony Suowari, introduced the association’s new executive members to the Deputy Governor.
Suowari commended Ewhrudjakpo for his contributions to the development of the Law Faculty and appealed for government backing for their proposed programs during LAWSAN Week.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
