Wike expressed his dissatisfaction during a meeting with officials of the Body of Benchers, led by Chairman Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), at his office in Abuja on Friday.
The minister alleged that the NBA opposed the state of emergency declaration because the Rivers State government had pledged to host the NBA’s annual general conference. He claimed the association was more concerned about losing financial support than assessing the legality of the declaration.
“What kind of hypocrisy is this?” Wike questioned, accusing the NBA of prioritizing financial interests over professional integrity.
He further urged the Body of Benchers to rein in the NBA and curb what he described as unnecessary criticism of the judiciary, warning that unchecked condemnation of judicial decisions could erode public confidence in the legal profession.
“It has reached a point where judges are afraid to attend social functions, visit places of worship, or even shake hands for fear of being accused of bribery,” Wike lamented.
According to Wike, some NBA members publicly criticize court judgments without thoroughly reviewing them, thereby undermining the judiciary. He called on the Body of Benchers to enforce disciplinary measures against erring lawyers to maintain professional ethics and standards.
The minister also accused the NBA of exhibiting double standards, pointing out that while the association accepts financial contributions from the executive arm to build its national secretariat, it labels similar support to the judiciary as bribery.
Recalling his personal contribution to the NBA’s national secretariat project, Wike remarked, “When you contribute to the Body of Benchers, it’s termed a bribe, but when the NBA receives contributions, it’s seen as support.”
He warned that continued attacks on judges could ultimately weaken the judiciary and urged the legal community to protect the integrity of the profession rather than contribute to its downfall.
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