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B N W: Biafra Nigeria World News |
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Chief judge lauds lawyers' stance on pensions bill
CHIEF Judge of Edo State, Justice Constance Momoh, has lauded the state chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over its role in challenging the state House of Assembly over the passage of the controversial Pension Bill 2004.
The Assembly decided to review the controversial bill after it was dragged to court by a concerned citizen and constitutional lawyer, Osagie Obayuwana.
Following the lawmakers rethink and an understanding reached by both parties, the plaintiff withdrew the case, which was already before a Benin High Court where Momoh presides.
The Chief Judge, while receiving the new executives of the NBA in Benin, said for turning out en-masse in the suit challenging the bill, the body was in its elements as it showed that the lawyers were fully prepared to champion the cause of the people at all times in line with its professional ethics.
According to her, "the Bar acted well in this regard... (and) what you did gladdened my heart".
While commending members of the new executive for sailing through a successful election, the chief law officer said she looked forward to more purposeful and rewarding relationship between the Bench and the Bar, because "there is the need for more collaborative effort between us in order to achieve greater results, both on the side of the Bar and the Bench".
On the issue of High Court Rules, she said the draft of the rules was ready but could not be finalised since there are moves by the national NBA to harmonise the rules nationwide.
She expressed hope that the rules will be published before the end of the year, adding that the much-awaited parley between the Bench and the Bar will also be organised before the end of the year.
Earlier in his address, the NBA, Benin chairman, Mr. T. Ogbeide-Ihama stressed the need for the state's High Court Rules, which have been in operation for years to be urgently reviewed to conform with present-day realities.
Ogbeide-Ihama, who advised judicial officers to deliver substantial justice at all times urged trial judges to exert adequate authorities in courts where they head.
He opined that the state judiciary had proved its worth as its judgments have stood test of time, adding that "it is hoped that the efforts of the judiciary in this direction will continue".
Ogbeide-Ihama pledged the maximum co-operation of the bar with the bench, saying such co-operation will brighten the prospects of legal practitioners especially in Benin City, who are aspiring to be conferred with the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Other members of the executive are Mrs. Alero Agboghoroma, vice-chairman; Mojeed Beb-Osagie, secretary-general; Toun Osa Ogbeide and Sam Abasilim as financial secretary and assistant financial secretary respectively.`
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