NBA condemns lockout of members

By Taiwo Olarewaju - 06.04.2008

THE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ibadan branch, Oyo State, yesterday condemned the lock-out of its members from its official meeting venue.

The Association’s publicity Secretary, Mr. Olalekan Thanni, said permission was sought and had been granted for the use of the courtroom of the chief magistrate court, Iyaganku, as the venue of the body’s meetings .

According to Thanni, “that is due to the on-going renovation of the body’s centre, opposite former NTC building, Ibadan.” Asked the reason for the lock-out, Mr. Thanni said, neither he, nor any member of the branch knew, adding that the body had held about four meetings in the courtroom.

He also said, “the appropriate quarters was informed ahead of today’s meeting, hence, the body’s protest against the lock-out.
“The general bar frowns at this show of naked power, which has been taken too far”, noted the legal practitioner.

Meanwhile, the body also condemned the lock-in of some of its members and some journalists at the State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, on the instruction of the Chief Judge on Thursday and the stationing of mobile policemen on the court premises on Friday.

Thanni described the act of using the state machinery and resources to harass and intimidate the NBA as bad. “That is using the police to perpetrate illegality and promote crime, using the state resources to promote crime and criminality”, he added.

He, however explained that since the National Judicial Council has not recognised Justice I.O. Lakanmi as a judicial officer, the body, as from 1st of April, 2008,had boycotted his court and that of Justice I.S. Yerima indefinitely.