The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has threatened to boycott proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge of Enugu State over what it described as persistent delays in the hearing of an appeal involving a legal practitioner, Mr. Bright Ngene.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NBA, which expressed concern that the delay raises serious issues about the protection of lawyers’ rights and public confidence in the administration of justice.

To address the situation, NEC resolved to constitute a five-member intervention committee to interface directly with the Chief Judge of Enugu State and ensure that a hearing date for the appeal is fixed within two weeks.

The committee is to be chaired by Mr. Sammie Somiari, SAN. Other members include Mr. Musa Attah, SAN; the Chairman of the NBA Enugu Branch, Mr. V. C. Odo, Esq.; Hon. Chidi Aroh; and Ms. Osato Uwagboe. Two senior advocates, Mr. Emeka Obegolu, SAN, and Mr. Abdul Muhammed, SAN, also volunteered to serve on the committee.

According to the resolution, the committee’s mandate is to engage with the Chief Judge to secure an expedited hearing of the appeal “in the interest of justice and fairness.”

NEC further warned that if a hearing date is not fixed within the stipulated period, NBA branches in Enugu State would commence a boycott of proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge.

The Association also indicated that it would explore additional measures, including the institution of legal action, to challenge what it views as a violation of Mr. Ngene’s fundamental rights.

The NBA said the move reflects its commitment to defending due process, protecting its members, and ensuring that delays or administrative lapses do not undermine the justice system. (The Nation)