NBA Chairman reiterates call for judicial autonomy
Moses Alfred Ebute , SAN. the new Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), has reiterated the call on the Federal Government to ensure that the judiciary is fully independent.
He made the call during a swearing in ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday.
In his acceptance speech as the new chairman of the association, Mr. Ebute stated that judicial autonomy is one of the ways to promote and preserve our democracy.
He noted that Unity Bar is going through the most challenging time since her existence due to the unfortunate and irreplaceable loss of the Chairman, Dr. (Mrs) Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau.
“I humbled that I have been found worthy to steer the ship of this great body of legal minds pending the next branch general elections.
“I promise to do this to the best of my ability. I and my team will ensure that the unity Bar remains united and indissoluble by choice, borne out of love and understanding.
“I will make attempts at reuniting with our colleagues from the other divide. We should remain united. This body of executives that I will be privileged come up with programs and initiatives on traditional and emerging areas of law that will inspire and assist our members particularly young lawyers to upscale their legal career.
“I will restore the understanding that we once enjoyed as young members of the Bar which gave everyone a sense of belonging in the Bar. I will ensure that NBA Abuja branch continues to be the vanguard for justice, peace and equality in our beloved country.
“I will ensure that the next election of the Unity Bar continues in the trajectory of credible, free and fair elections and other agenda that I will not be able to fully mention in my speech, for want of time”, he said.
Ebute assured you that he will not rest on his oars and will work assiduously to set a higher bar for the branch and make our Bar the gold star branch standard for other NBA branches.
Ebute also called on all stakeholders of this prestigious body for support, commitment, encouragement, admonishment, suggestion and even constructive criticism for the greater good of our Branch.
“We need all hands on deck in order to take the Unity Bar to a greater level. The executives cannot fulfill the mandate you have given to us without your active engagement as critical stakeholders of the Bar.
“I appeal for your commitment, your love and magnanimity; the extension of cooperation and support you gave to the past chairman of the Branch to this administration.
“To the young members of the Bar, note that I am not only here to serve you but also to learn from you. I take to heart the words of the 35th President of the United States of America, Late John F. Kennedy who once said: “Leadership and Learning are indispensable to each other. My door is always open to learn from you” Ebute stated.
He commended the Judges of the High Court in dispensing justice in the difficult terrain under which they work. assuring that the Bar would always stand by them to give support and advice or suggestions where necessary.
“We shall also continue to protect the rights/interest of the members of the Bar but will not fail to mete the necessary punishment where any of us is found wanting. To this end, I advice all members of the Bar to be law abiding and shun every act of professional misconduct”, Ebute noted.
He concluded his speech with a quote from the great orator and civil right activist, Rev. Martin Luther King Jnr who said: “For when people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, there is no stopping short of victory”.
“We know what is right for our Bar and I am willing to make the necessary sacrifice”, he pledges.
Mr. Ebute was sworn-in to replace the late Chairman, Dr. (Mrs.) Hauwa Evelyn Shekarau.
