Warri (Delta) – The Chief Judge of Delta, Mr Marshal Umukoro, has urged legal practitioners to uphold the ethics of the profession.
Umokoro made the call on Thursday during the inauguration of the Effurun branch of the Nigerian Bar Association in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta.
He also said that delay in disposal of cases in courts was caused by lawyers and urged them to have a change of attitude.
”Even before the court sits, lawyers are already taking dates.
”Unnecessary delay of cases in court is tantamount to professional misconduct.
”The legal profession is guided by rules which require legal practitioners to conduct themselves with utmost sense of responsibility,” he said.
He said the judiciary was one of the most vibrant in the world inspite of paucity of fund and poor welfare package.
”Nigeria’s judiciary is comprised largely of judicial officers who are hard working, dedicated and ethically minded.
”Judiciary must sanitise itself where allegations are made, as the saying goes ”who alleges must prove,” he said.
Also speaking, the President of NBA, Mr Austin Alegeh, urged lawyers to support those on the bench to enable them to get what was due to them.
”For judges to be demanding things from the legislators can amount to compromise and lack of trust,” he said.
Alegeh urged the Effurun branch of the NBA to partner with its Warri counterpart to promote peace in the area.
He also urged the Warri branch to monitor the Effurun branch to ensure total compliance with the financial management of the association.
”The Effurun branch has increased our branches to 114 and I urge you to conduct yourself in a peaceful manner,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Efe Akpofure (SAN), said the creation of Effurun branch would engender more representation and participation of members of the bar in the NBA.
Highlights of the event was the inauguration of the interim executive committee.
The interim executive chairman, Mr Oghenero Okoro, said the motto of the Effurun branch is “Promoting the Rule of Law.’’
”With the creation of this branch, we are bringing the activities of the NBA closer to the grassroots,” he said.
In attendance were judges, magistrates, traditional rulers, lawyers and representatives of the police. (NAN)