A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Femi Falana, on Monday urged lawyers to expose anyone, including judges, who may want to destroy the image of the country’s judiciary.
Falana made the remark in Ibadan during the opening of the Law Week of the Ibadan Branch of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
He said such exposure would help to redeem the image of the judiciary in the country.
“Lawyers have to always ensure that justice was always done for members of the society in spite of their classes,” the SAN added.
Falana also urged lawyers to always put people who would always stand firm for the bar in high places and support the judges in their fight for financial autonomy and independence.
“We should learn to respect our judges because it’s only when we do so that the public will follow suit,” he said.
The Law Week Planning Committee Chairman, Mr Oladipo Olasope, in his remarks said lawyers owe a high standard of professional conduct in the discharge of their duties.
“We are to serve the court, clients and society without compromising.
“We are the ones who will save this profession, no other person will do it for us. Since we have no other profession, let’s guard this one jealously,” Olasope who is also a SAN said.
The NBA Ibadan Branch Chairman, Mrs Folasade Aladeniyi, said the bar association seeks a country and legal system where no one would be denied Justice.
Aladeniyi remarked that lawyers were key players in advancing the progress and betterment of the country and legal profession in Nigeria.
“As legal practitioners, we are in a unique position to support groups and people by using our advocacy skills to solve legal issues,” she said.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of awards to some deserving judicial officers, including Falana.(NAN)