***Challenges SAN to list legal achievements, questions public remarks on Rivers crisis
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has criticized prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) over recent public comments, challenging him to list his contributions to the legal profession and his major courtroom victories.
In a statement released on Monday, Olayinka questioned Falana’s remarks regarding appointments to the Body of Benchers, accusing the Senior Advocate of trivializing the professional achievements of lawyers who have contributed to legal education and national development.
“It is both funny and unfortunate that in Falana’s view, only those who have tried cases in court qualify as accomplished lawyers or are fit to be appointed as Life Benchers,” Olayinka said. “What has Falana done for the legal profession aside from frequent television appearances?”
He defended Wike’s recent appointment to the Body of Benchers, citing his significant contributions to legal education during his time as Governor of Rivers State. According to him, Wike facilitated the establishment of the Port Harcourt campus of the Nigerian Law School, constructed major facilities at the Yenagoa campus, and continues to support legal institutions as FCT Minister.
“Wike built a 1,500-capacity hall and 200-bed hostels in Yenagoa and is currently constructing a 10-unit housing block for staff at the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja,” he added. “He has also provided operational vehicles to enhance the school’s functionality.”
In contrast, Olayinka claimed Falana had made no notable infrastructural or philanthropic contributions to the legal community, even in his home state of Ekiti.
“Bar centres in Ado-Ekiti and Ikere-Ekiti were built by Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) and Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), not Falana,” he said.
Olayinka also accused Falana of misrepresenting facts on national television regarding the political and legal crisis in Rivers State, particularly on the Supreme Court’s ruling on the defection of 27 members of the state House of Assembly.
“Falana claimed the Supreme Court didn’t rule on the defection matter, yet that judgment formed the basis for the Federal High Court’s dismissal of a related suit,” Olayinka said.
He further faulted Falana’s interpretation of legislative quorum requirements, noting that the Constitution clearly states that one-third of members constitutes a quorum. “In a House of 32 members, how can three form a quorum?” he asked.
The statement concluded by urging senior lawyers to avoid misleading the public and to focus on upholding the integrity of the legal profession.
