Prominent human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana SAN, has called on legal practitioners in Nigeria to hold the government accountable for the welfare and security of Nigerians, as provided in the Constitution.
Falana made the call during Asifo Egbe Centenary Lecture in Warri organized by the Nigerian Bar Association Warri Branch.
Nigerian Bar Association, Warri Branch as part of activities marking it’s 100 years of legal practice in Warri held a lecture to honour Hon. Asifo Egbe the man who pioneered the legal profession in Warri city.
Hon. Asifo Egbe made history as the first lawyer to practice in Warri after being called to the English Bar and subsequently enrolled in Nigeria.
The Guest Lecturer at the Centenary event ,human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana SAN, asked legal practitioners to leverage various Acts of Parliament to hold the government accountable and ensure compliance with Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy.
Falana emphasized that while Section 6(6)(c) of the Constitution appears to limit the court’s jurisdiction over Chapter 2, Section 13 makes it mandatory for all government organs and authorities to conform to and apply its provisions.
He cited Section 15(5) of the Constitution, which mandates the state to abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power, and noted that the Supreme Court has ruled that laws enacted pursuant to this section, such as the ICPC Act, make Chapter 2 justiciable.
He thanked legal practitioners in Warri for making the Association a respected branch across Nigeria ,urging them to uphold the legacy of Hon. Asifo Egbe who he described as a man of integrity .
The chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Warri Branch, Othadua Okpakpor stated that the NBA Warri Branch is commemorating the remarkable legacy of Hon Asifo Egbe for laying the foundation of NBA Warri Branch which has become one of the most respected and influential Bars in the country.
He added that they will continue to do their best to protect the rights of Nigerians.
Others who spoke with newsmen including the chairman planning committee Michael Asugbu and the grand daughter of Hon Asifo Egbe, Theresa Kimi stated that event is important to celebrate the first lawyer that practice in Warri 100 years ago ,stressing that his legacies worth emulating as he was a great man with integrity.
The event featured award presentation and recognition of legal practitioner that have made the branch proud .
