LAGOS – The Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Thursday called for prosecution of those responsible for the recent attacks on two Ekiti State High Court judges.
Mr Yinka Farounbi, the branch chairman, made the call while briefing newsmen in Lagos after a fact-finding visit to Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
Justice John Adeyeye was recently attacked by hoodlums and his suit torn at the Ado Ekiti High Court premises.
Also, the Ekiti State Chief judge, Justice Ayo Daramola, had his courtroom invaded and records shredded by suspected political thugs.
Condemning the attacks, Farounbi said that they were a threat to democracy in Nigeria.
“This is because the attacks were clearly carried out with the aim to stop the court from discharging its lawful and constitutional responsibility of adjudicating over disputes brought before it.
“Those that may be found to have participated in the desecration of the Ekiti judiciary should be made to face the wrath of the law.
The law is no respecter of any person.
“Democracy cannot survive where there is no rule of law and respect for the judiciary,” he said. [eap_ad_1] The NBA chairman also called for immediate reopening of the state high court, following the return of substantial peace and normalcy.
He urged the Ekiti State Police Command to intensify efforts in protecting lives and property.
Farounbi advised the state judiciary and election petition tribunal to be resolute in the discharge of their duties in spite of the attacks.
“Members of the public should eschew violence and ready recourse to self-help in the resolution of disputes.
“The court should be allowed to perform its lawful duties to avoid breakdown of law and order,” he urged. (NAN)
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