*Accuses Leaders Of Branches and Senior Lawyers of Bias, Intimidation And Interference
*Enjoins All Aspirants To Display Stellar Behaviour During Electoral Process.
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In a write-up made available to TheNigeriaLawyer, Adaeze Anah deplored what she described as “toxic and intensely vile behaviors deplored during elections”.
She further wondered how and why lawyers trash professional ethics and result to disgraceful behavior during elections.
Below reads her full statement
The time has come for some of us to stop assuming that at some point the toxic and intensely vile behaviours deplored during elections will one day magically stop . That one day, lawyers will remember to embrace decorum and professional courtesy in their relationships with each other. I will not join the orchestra of silence that aids such behaviour. How is it that we trash our professional ethics and result to such disgraceful behaviour? What’s even more bewildering is to witness people who are supposed to be members of the leadership of the Branch, the Council of Elders of the Branch ( a body that should be the Shepherd of the Branch) descend into the arena of the Branch Elections and openly take sides with some parties whilst harassing and intimidating the others!!! As for candidates in this election who have abandoned their own agenda and are now resorting to clashing swords for other candidates, where is your sense of propriety? Is this the kind of leadership you are offering us? This is not only beneath us, it shreds the fabric of the Branch further. Aren’t all contestants supposed to be contesting in an environment that has equal playing ground and guarantees fairness? Even if you consider the ideals of equal opportunity and fairness in our elections unattainable ideals, can we at least play pretend?
Please, as a Branch , there is an urgent need for us to start auditing our behaviour during election. I don’t understand how it is acceptable for a member of the leadership of the Bar to be brazenly campaigning for candidates in the election whilst harassing, other candidates, thus maligning them and openly questioning their aspirations. This is beyond wrong, it is terrible!!! I was at the receiving end of this disgraceful behaviour in the last elections and I bore it with grit but my goodness, I cannot stay silent and watch this carry on. The biggest downside to this distasteful exhibition of poor electoral composure is that young lawyers are emulating this and assume it is the smart and progressive way to go, thus enthroning mediocrity as our corporate culture in the Branch. It is robbing our beloved Branch of our vibrance, good tradition and good reputation in the larger community of Branches of this Association. This is the Nigerian Bar Association and not some bar at the back gate of a public university where anything goes. We should put a halt to this now. How you ask?
If are a young lawyer reading this message, it answer lies with you!!! First, when you cast your vote, dare to appraise the character and antecedents of the candidates for yourself and by yourself. Listen to others, share ideas but make sure the decision you run with is entirely yours. Only then will you earn the right to respectfully critique your leaders and through this process, bring your considerations to the fore.
Secondly, when choosing a leader in any capacity please, choose a leader who has the maturity to take criticism and disagree with you as long as you disagree in respect. Disagreement is not disrespect. It is necessary for intellectual stimulation and growth of the Association. This is how you know your concerns are going to be respected and considered. This is also how you know that your aspirations are not taken for granted. As you do this, understand that you will either be the leaders or the renegades and rebels of tomorrow, so choose wisely.
Finally I wish all aspirants the best and enjoin them to exhibit and demand stellar behaviour during this electoral process. You all have come forth and are on a scale. What you must always remember, is that the true measure of your character will outlive politics and elections. The truth is eternal and Lady Posterity is a harsh judge. We must indeed protect our commonwealth, our shared prosperity.
I leave us with the word of one of our country’s finest politicians in the person of Sen Chuba Okadigbo who said and I quote,
“If you are emotionally attached to your tribe, religion or political leaning to the point that truth and justice become secondary considerations, your education and exposure is useless. If you cannot reason beyond petty sentiments, you are a liability.”
The Unity Bar has suffered enough. We cannot afford more liabilities. We reject them!!!
Long Live Our Noble Profession!!!
Warm regards,
Adaeze Anah.
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