The National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Abuja, has appealed to stakeholders in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to embrace dialogue and resolve all disputes surrounding the forthcoming election of the association’s national officers.
In a statement jointly signed on Thursday by its Chairman, Comrade Olakunle Olasanmi, and Secretary, Mr. Alex Enumah, NAJUC urged all parties to put the interest of the legal profession above personal differences and allow the rule of law to prevail.
The association noted that while some stakeholders were calling for the suspension of the election, others insisted that the exercise should proceed as scheduled, warning that the disagreement should not be allowed to deepen.
“As stakeholders in the judiciary and media practitioners who have covered the activities of the judiciary for many years, NAJUC is using this opportunity to call for caution and urge all warring parties to harmonise their positions and allow the rule of law to prevail,” the statement said.
NAJUC called on all aggrieved parties to return to the negotiation table and resolve the issues amicably to prevent further division within the NBA.
The association described the Nigerian Bar Association as a respected institution that has remained a symbol of hope and justice for Nigerians, stressing that its reputation should not be damaged by internal disputes.
According to the statement, the legal profession has always championed the rule of law and should therefore apply the same principles in handling its internal affairs.
NAJUC further appealed to eminent legal practitioner, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), and other senior members of the Bar to intervene and facilitate a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
The association also urged the NBA to ensure that the forthcoming election is free, fair, credible and acceptable to all members.
