Adamawa CJ Urges Uprightness, Professionalism from Bar, Bench
From Umar Dankano, Yola
The legal practitioners and judiciary have been charged to be upright in the discharge of their professional responsibilities with a view to safeguarding the image of the noble profession from disrepute.
Chief judge of Adamawa state, Justice Hapsat Abdulrahman threw up the challenge on the operators of the legal profession both the bar and the bench to imbibe the culture of respect for one another and to avoid temptations that can subject their integrity, honesty and fairness in to questioning.
Justice Abdulrahman in her maiden address during the opening ceremony of the 2023 law week and Hon. Justice Buba Ardo memorial lecture in Yola on Monday urged the bar and the bench to remain above board in the conduct of their duties noting that corruption and all forms of malpractices are sure drawbacks on the profession.
She observed that the legal profession which has the remit to punish offenders as stipulated by the constitution should not be seen as the bastion of corruption and malfeasance.
She noted that it was sad that NJC has to punish some judges over corruption and impropriety telling the operators of the temple of justice that for them to earn the respect and confidence of the populace, they should live above board.
Justice thanked the NBA for all the support and cooperation they have been rendering to her since her emergence as the chief judge in the state.
Earlier, the chairman of Yola branch of NBA Hassan Garba Maidawa said currently, the legal profession is on trail over accusations of impropriety even from within.
Maidawa explained that the theme of this year’s law week “Building bridges, building nations: a joint commitment,” was carefully and deliberately crafted so as to brainstorm on ways out of the criticism which the judiciary is subjected on election petitions cases.
Maidawa expressed reservations and dismay with the way and manner lawyers criticize court judgements without decorum especially on public domain through the media being it social or conventional.
He protested that nobody is against criticism but such criticism must be made in formal, constructive and dignified manner.
He noted that most times, those criticising judgements are either mischievous or ignorant of how such judgements came about urging commentators to scrutinize judgements and get material facts before making their comments.
Delivering his keynote address at the occasion,Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri lauded the contributions of the judiciary in ensuring rule of law is maintained no matter level of individuals in the society.
Represented by his commissioner for Refugees and Resettlement,Bello Hammandiram, Fintiri expressed gratitude to members of NBA for promoting the course of justice through pro Bono services to indigent residents in the state.
Fintiri assured them of the readiness of his led administration to support to judicial reforms that will ensure speedy administration of justice in the state.
