NBA cautions members against inciting comments on social media
NAN-H-51
NBA
By Wandoo Sombo
Abuja, July 17, 2017 (NAN) The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has cautioned its members to restrain from making inciting comments against the association, the law profession or its members on social media platforms.
The NBA President, Mr Abubakar Mahmud (SAN), made the appeal on Monday in Abuja at the inauguration of nine committees of the association.
“We know that we are living in the times of social media, but as lawyers, we must be very careful about the kind of comments we make on social media, both against our colleagues, the profession and indeed about the country.
“Some of our colleagues make hateful comments and statements against their leaders and senior colleagues and this is totally unacceptable and must be stopped.
“We must be professional in the way we comment on issues,’’ Mahmud said.
He urged all those with grievances to go through appropriate channels.
The NBA president also spoke on the need for members to demonstrate utmost discipline for the profession and respect for senior members of the profession.
“We are facing very serious challenges of discipline in the profession and I would like members to reflect on this.
“These challenges manifest in various ways; unruly behavior, indiscipline, disrespect for elders in the profession and lack of decorum.’’
According to him, many members are deeply disappointed by the trend, adding that it has to stop, because the association will no longer sit and allow it go on unchecked.
He also decried the spate of litigation on matters which ought not to be litigated on, and said that the association was putting in place mechanisms to end it.
While inaugurating the committees, the NBA president noted that the committees were part of the association’s effort in ensuring a more active Bar.
“The committees allow lawyers who have interest and expertise in particular areas to focus on specific issues.
“The committees are very important because they have the capacity of making members play more active roles in activities of the association.’’
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the committees inaugurated include: Welfare Committee, Anti-Corruption Committee, Editorial Board, Election Monitoring Group, Human Rights Institute and the NBA Young Lawyers Forum.
Others are: Legislative Advocacy and Law Reform Committee, Criminal Justice and Law Reform Committee and Prosecution Team.
Mr Paul Erokoro (SAN), who responded on behalf of other committee members, assured the president that they would not disappoint the association. (NAN)
WS/LAB/OU
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Edited by Lydia Beshel/Obike Ukoh
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