Renowned legal scholars and jurists have called for a fundamental overhaul of Nigeria’s judicial system, urging legal practitioners to embrace higher ethical standards and allow themselves to be “Spirit-led” in defending justice as the last hope of the common man.
The call was made at the annual conference of the BCS International Lawyers’ Fellowship (BILF), a body of about 100 legal professionals across the Bench and Bar, with headquarters in Calabar. This year’s event had as its theme, “Revolutionizing the Justice System.”
Those who delivered lectures included the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Yola Division, Hon. Justice Dr. Frederick Oho; former Dean of Law at the University of Calabar, Prof. Jacob A. Dada; and Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch, Barr. Enome Amatey. Rivers State Customary Court Judge, Justice Ngei Tetenwi, and Archbishop Chris Amadike, a lawyer, also gave remarks.
Justice Oho, who was the lead speaker and also chairman of BILF, spoke on “The Role of Spirit-Led Lawyers in Promoting Integrity and Accountability in the Nigerian Justice System.”
He explained that a Spirit-led lawyer, by virtue of legal training and privileged societal position, is morally and legally obligated to deploy the law for the progress and well-being of the ignorant, the underprivileged, and the exploited segments of society.
According to him, such a lawyer must serve as a watchdog of society, using independence and unwavering commitment to the law to sustain a fearless and courageous judiciary.
He described the judiciary as “the proverbial common man’s last bastion of hope and a bulwark of the rule of law,” adding that both elements are indispensable to good governance and true democracy.
Justice Oho outlined key responsibilities of a Spirit-led lawyer, including promoting accountability by helping citizens scrutinize the excesses of their leaders.
He said lawyers must play central roles in establishing and sustaining effective institutions, processes, and frameworks that strengthen constitutional democracy because “the rule of law is the essence of democracy.”
He stressed that Spirit-led lawyers are expected to demonstrate extraordinary courage in the face of pressure, intimidation, or adversity, drawing strength from the Divine Spirit to remain steadfast.
In fulfilling their duties, he said such lawyers must show fearlessness, dogged determination, and sincerity of purpose, particularly when their actions are aimed at advancing the common good.
Justice Oho maintained that when lawyers help promote the rule of law, democracy becomes more stable, and society progresses toward egalitarianism. Conversely, he observed that Nigeria’s current socioeconomic and political crises pose serious challenges to Spirit-led lawyers seeking to uphold justice and maintain the integrity of the legal system.
He described a Spirit-led lawyer as one who allows his or her thoughts, actions, and professional decisions to be guided by the Holy Spirit. However, he lamented that public perception of Nigerian lawyers remains unsatisfactory due to recurring allegations of sharp practices, declining advocacy standards, archaic court registries, dilapidated facilities, and a slow justice delivery process.
According to him, embracing the principles of the Spirit-led lawyer offers an “efficacious tonic” to transform the administration of justice in Nigeria, making it more efficient, fair, and accessible.
On his part, Professor of Law Jacob A. Dada spoke on the need to uphold ethical standards in legal education and practice.
He argued that lawyers cannot function effectively without an honest judiciary, viable democratic institutions, and a civil society willing to submit disputes to the legal process.
He lamented the falling standards in legal education, noting that the prestige once enjoyed by the profession has waned. He expressed concern that the legal field has been infiltrated by unqualified individuals as professional standards and ethics continue to deteriorate.
Dada alleged that there are credible reports of lawyers participating in acts ranging from facilitating advance-fee fraud to corrupting judicial processes, adding that incompetence and lack of dedication have led to cases being dismissed due to lawyers’ negligence, with severe consequences for victims and the justice system.
He said such unethical conduct has brought shame and disrepute to the profession, calling for immediate rededication to professional ethics.
“We must repudiate and denounce the inglorious badge of dishonour that some members of the profession seem to wear without shame,” he declared.
Justice Ngei Tetenwi, Chair of the conference planning committee, expressed hope that the insights and discussions shared would inspire meaningful reforms and strengthen commitment to ethical rejuvenation in the justice sector.
“As Spirit-led lawyers and judges, we are expected to be beacons of hope, integrity, and accountability,” she said. “We must promote the rule of law and ensure that justice is not only done but manifestly seen to be done.”
Tetenwi advocated that to revolutionize the justice system is to eliminate social class barriers and enthrone a justice system that represents fairness and fosters peace.
