Cross River: Lawyers urged to fight unconstitutional acts, resist injustice

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has charged lawyers to be steadfast in fighting unconstitutional acts in the country and resisting attempts to undermine justice.

Governor Otu, represented by his Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Odey, stated this while addressing members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch, during the 2026 Bar Week held in Calabar.

Speaking on the theme, “Rule of Law: Safeguarding Democracy, Ensuring Accountability”, Odey emphasised the critical role of lawyers in upholding justice and defending democratic values.

“Legal practitioners are ‘custodians of civilisation’ and should remain steadfast in challenging unconstitutional actions and resisting any attempts to undermine justice,” he said.

He highlighted accountability as the “oxygen” of democracy and called on the Bar to serve as the conscience of the nation by speaking truth to power and upholding high ethical standards.

Governor Otu added that his administration respects the independence of the judiciary as a coequal arm of government.

NBA President, Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, represented by Ntufam Mba Ukweni, SAN, commended the branch for adopting a timely theme.

He urged lawyers to uphold constitutionalism, promote accountability, and maintain high ethical standards, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.

Chairman of the NBA Calabar Branch, Enome Amatey, Esq., decried the growing disregard for the rule of law in Nigeria, citing disobedience of court orders and threats to institutional independence.

He urged lawyers to be courageous, vigilant, and proactive in defending justice and safeguarding democracy.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr Paul Ebiala, Esq., described the Bar Week as a platform for reflection and renewed commitment to the ideals of the legal profession, urging participants to engage meaningfully in discussions.