The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Thursday asked the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to suspend the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Seun Osamaye for allegedly assaulting a chief magistrate in the state.
The Akure Magistrate Court had on Wednesday ordered the commissioner’s arrest for allegedly assaulting a Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Temitope Alphonso.
The chief magistrate had alleged that she was assaulted at the premises of the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs, Igbatoro road, Alagbaka, during an official engagement.
The commissioner is facing a charge of assault in court.
The Chairman of NBA, Akure branch, Mr. Umar Onimisi, in a statement on Thursday in Akure, said such suspension would enable the commissioner to face prosecution.
Onimisi added that the NBA was disturbed about the alleged verbal assault, intimidation, and threat to the personal safety of a serving magistrate.
“It is deeply troubling that Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Temitope Alphonso reportedly became a victim of these grave attacks in the course of carrying out her official duties as Chief Magistrate.
“We, therefore, call upon all parties involved, including state officials and legal representatives, to accord the court the utmost respect and allow due process to run its full and uninterrupted course.
“However, we unequivocally condemn any act of harassment, verbal abuse, or intimidation directed at judicial officers in the course of their lawful duties.
“Such conduct, if proven, represents a direct assault on the independence of the judiciary and a dangerous erosion of public confidence in the administration of justice.
“We, therefore, call on Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently suspend the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Seun Osamaye, to enable her face the criminal charge against her in court in the general interest of our dear state, Ondo,” he stated.
The NBA Chairman also called for a thorough audit of the ministry’s activities.
“In addition, the activities of some Children’s/Orphanage Homes in the State should be investigated with a view to unravelling the underhanded dealings going on among them,” he added.
