NBA chides FG over continued detention of Dasuki, El- Zakyzaky
…urges NJC to lift suspension on judges not arraigned
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), on Monday, chided the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government over the continued detention of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and the leader of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shi’ttes, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakyzaky, despite court orders which admitted them to bail.
The National President of NBA, Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN), who stated this during a press briefing in Abuja to mark this year’s democracy day, added that such disobedience to court orders is not helpful and does not show compliance with the rule of law.
“The NBA is appalled at the continued detention of certain individuals in blatant disobedience to court orders. Among these individuals are Sheikh Ibraheem El Zakyzaky and his wife, and also Col. Sambo Dasuki. While we recognise the seriousness of the charges in which these individuals were held, we nevertheless viewed their continued detention as unjustified and contrary to the express court orders. We call on the government to without further delays respect theses orders”.
In the same light, the NBA further called for the termination of investigations against judges who were accused of corruption but have not been charged before the court since the past eight months.
“In the wake of the arrest and detention of certain judicial officers by the DSS, the NBA had taken the view that the judges affected should recluse themselves from judicial functions until the investigation and outcomes of those investigations were determined. We note that nearly eight months after those investigations were launched, some of the judges have not been prosecuted or charged before any court of law.
“This situation is completely unsatisfactory and unacceptable. The NBA calls on the government to terminate the investigation against those judges to enable them resume their work as judicial officers”.
In addition, the NBA condemned in strong terms the move for coup, and however commend the military to its timely intervention.
“In recent days, there have been suggestion in the media of possible instigation from segment of political class for military intervention in the governance of the country. This follows statement credited to the Chief of Army Staff of unorthodox approaches by politicians to the Nigerian military. The NBA wishes to express its concerns and condemned in very strong terms any such move from whatever quarters. Nigeria democracy and Democratic institutions must not be imperiled by any undemocratic change of government.
On the issue of agitation for succession by some groups in the country, the NBA called for a better way of showing grievances aside the threat to break up.
“NBA affirms commitment to unity and building a strong Federal system. We urge all groups to continue to agitate peaceful existence among citizens of the country”.
On the issue of security, the NBA commended the Federal Government especially in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East and the recent release of 82 Chibok girls.
The Bar however called on the Federal Government to do more so as to secure the release of others, adding that the security agencies should be strengthened the more.
In addition, the NBA called for an overhauling of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
“The government will need to look at the scheme again and how best it can be improved,” the NBA said.
Speaking on the anti-corruption crusade of the government, the NBA said: “Efforts of anti-corruption agency is commendable. New anti-corruption strategy has been developed. Stakeholders should help the Federal Government towards the success of the policy. We commend whistle blower policy. The government should fund the anti-corruption agencies.
“The lingering issue of EFCC leadership should be tackled once and for all. The investigative agency should be more careful and thorough in carrying out its investigation. Media investigation should not be encouraged”.
The NBA however congratulated the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on his confirmation as the substantive CJN and further pledged its support towards the policies of the NJC.
Mahmoud noted that the NBA and body of Benchers are harmonising reports on the development of the judiciary.
