NBA president warns lawyers against professional misconduct

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THE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Augustine Alegeh (SAN) has reiterated the decision of the Association not to tolerate any act of professional misconduct from its members, saying erring lawyers may lose their practicing licence.

According to him, the decision to harp on professionalism has become imperative to rid the association of quacks‎ and ensure that only qualified lawyers are in practice.

The NBA President, who spoke after inaugurating the Barnawa branch of the NBA in Kaduna Wednesday, also disclosed that no fewer than 1,000 fake lawyers have been discovered, adding that the number was increasing.
“Any fake lawyer apprehended will be handed over to the law enforcement agency for necessary prosecution. Also, NBA will deal decisively with any lawyer who misbehaves. All erring members of NBA will be severely sanctioned, with punishment ranging from 2-5 years ban from practicing and in the case of a more grievous offence, such lawyer might lose his or her practicing licence.”
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In his address shortly after the inauguration, the interim Chairman of the NBA, Barnawa branch, Mr. Murtala Oladimeji Abdul-Rasheed, said the interim branch officers plan to make Barnawa a model branch where the rules on professional conduct will be strictly adhered to.

Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Mr. Chris Umar, expressed hope that Barnawa branch of NBA will reinforce the vibrancy of the Bar in Kaduna.
“On our part, the Kaduna State Government is committed to fostering an atmosphere that respects the rule of law and the right of all citizens. We take seriously the need to foster harmony and uphold peace and security in our state. We are committed to supporting the judiciary to better discharge its mandate.

We have also sent a bill on the treatment of persons involved in substance abuse to the House of Assembly. The nexus between drug abuse and crime is clear, and our new bill has provisions for both voluntary and involuntary treatment of persons abusing drugs, subject to judicial review.
“The government looks forward to continued cooperation with the Bar and the Bench in the interest of our people.”

Source: TheGuardian