Brand Matters
NBA Becoming Too Political -By John Kokome
The formation of a splitter group known as the New Nigeria Bar Association (NNBA) has further worsen the situation, a move predicated on the fact that a speaking opportunity initially offered to Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State was withdrawn at the last minute.
The interest of the common man is usually better protected in any society by the judiciary, who are saddled with the responsibility of interpreting the law without fear or favour. Hence, this arm of government is referred to as “the last hope of the common man” both the rich and the poor, small and big, Christian and Muslim etc. enjoy the same protection from the law as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
Aristotle, the great philosopher and political scientist was noted to have alluded that: “man by nature is a political animal, because nature which does nothing in vain has equipped them with speech to communicate moral concepts such as justice which are formative of the household and city-state.” Based on that assumption, one can understand why some judicial officers also dabble into politics.
However, the recent development within the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), the umbrella body of all legal practitioners in the country is most unfortunate and it calls for deeper reflection by every well-meaning citizen. This goes to show how fragile we are as a country right now.
The just concluded election of the association, which many observers allegedly claimed was characterized by high level of irregularities and manipulations, is still a cause of disagreement within the NBA. The formation of a splitter group known as the New Nigeria Bar Association (NNBA) has further worsen the situation, a move predicated on the fact that a speaking opportunity initially offered to Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State was withdrawn at the last minute. The decision to withdraw the speaking opportunity earlier extended to him was due to a petition written against him by some members of the body, who perceived him not to have handled the killings going on in Southern Kaduna properly. The promoters of this group are predominately from the northern part of the country and they felt the governor was not fairly treated and as such cannot stand by and watch the NBA humiliate the governor.
Therefore, one could conclude that the Nigeria Bar Association is unnecessarily becoming too political, an action which is capable of further widening the already fractured unity in the country, clearly polarizing the northern and southern part of the country along ethnic and religious divide, this development is most unfortunate and a very dangerous trend in our democratic experience.
The NBA should be a leading light to other associations and bodies in the country, because in their ranks and files are very learned individuals who have distinguished themselves in the profession and are pride to the nation.
It is not too late for the NBA to have a round table discussion and amicably resolve the various lingering issues threatening to tear the body apart, well-meaning Nigerians should wade into the matter and help them find a lasting solution to the problem. A house divided against itself cannot stand!
John Kokome
A Public Relations Professional & Public Affairs Analyst
Lagos State
kokomejohn@yahoo.com
