Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Benin Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has vowed to challenge the recent amendment of the Financial Autonomy Laws 2023 by the Edo State House of Assembly, describing the move as a threat to the independence of the Judiciary and Legislature.
The newly elected Chairman of the Benin Branch, Omorodion Omogui, disclosed this shortly after his swearing-in ceremony, where he outlined his administration’s priorities and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Omogui maintained that the Financial Autonomy Laws were enacted to protect the independence of the Judiciary and Legislature, arguing that the amendment should not be allowed to stand.
According to him, the amendment effectively places both arms of government under the influence and control of the Executive, a situation he said contravenes Sections 4, 5, 6 and 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
He stressed that the NBA would take the necessary legal steps to challenge the amendment and safeguard the constitutional independence of the Judiciary and Legislature.
He said the NBA would explore all necessary legal avenues to challenge the amendment and protect the constitutional independence of the two arms of government.
Beyond the issue of financial autonomy, Omogui announced a number of initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and professional development of lawyers in the Benin Branch.
He disclosed that young lawyers with five years or less at the Bar, as well as lawyers aged 70 and above, would be exempted from payment of dinner fees and Law Week levies.
He also promised that his administration would pay particular attention to the welfare of young lawyers, elderly lawyers and those battling health challenges.
“We shall pay very close attention to their needs and well-being. This shall be in addition to a comprehensive health package in conjunction with health bodies,” he said.
Omogui further pledged to broaden opportunities for lawyers beyond conventional litigation and legal practice by creating avenues for members to explore business, investment and corporate law.
He said the Lion Bar would sponsor members for specialised training programmes and conferences organised by various NBA Sections focusing on legal practice and business law.
On the rule of law, the NBA chairman vowed that the Benin Branch would remain firm in holding government accountable while promoting constitutional governance.
“As a body, we shall ensure that the rule of law is not only promoted by the Bar but also enforced by the relevant government bodies and agencies, including the Executive and the Legislature.
“We shall hold government accountable and speak truth to power without any fear or favour. We shall also not fail to commend the government when it is doing well in these areas.”
He added that the branch’s relevant committees, particularly the Bar and Bench Committee, would engage the Judiciary whenever issues requiring dialogue arise.
However, Omogui warned that where dialogue fails, the Bar would not hesitate to take decisive action.
“Our relevant committees, including the Bar and Bench Committee, shall engage the Judiciary in the event of any issue or development that requires dialogue and, in the event that dialogue fails, the Bar shall roar and take the necessary decisive steps.”
