• SETS UP 5-MAN INTERVENTION COMMITTEE

NEWS RELEASE

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has resolved to take decisive steps in response to the continued delays surrounding the appeal involving our colleague, Mr. Bright Ngene.

Ngene has been languishing at the Enugu Correctional Centre for nearly two years amid prolonged delays in the hearing of his appeal. He is challenging his seven-year sentence for theft and conspiracy following a judgement of the Enugu South Magistrate Court presided over by His Worship E. D. Onwu.

Severally declared winner of the Enugu South Urban 1 State Constituency election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ngene had repeatedly alleged that Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah is behind his ordeal for his refusal to accede to Mbah’s alleged request for Ngene to join his then Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

CITY LAWYER reported that  the fourth judge had recused himself from the appeal. It was unclear whether any reason was given for the recusal.

At its deliberations, NEC resolved that a 5-member committee be immediately constituted to interface with the Chief Judge of Enugu State with a view to ensuring that a hearing date for Mr. Ngene’s appeal is fixed within two weeks.

According to a statement by NBA, “NEC emphasised that the matter raises serious concerns relating to the protection of the rights of a legal practitioner and the need to uphold confidence in the administration of justice.”

The Committee approved by NEC is to be chaired by Sammie Somiari, SAN, with Musa Attah, SAN, the Chairman of the NBA Enugu Branch, V. C. Odo, Esq., Hon. Chidi Aroh and Osato Uwagboe serving as members.

The Committee is mandated to engage with the Chief Judge to secure an expedited resolution of the issue in the interest of justice and fairness. Emeka Obegolu, SAN and Abdul Muhammed, SAN also volunteered to be members of the committee.

NEC further resolved that should a hearing date not be fixed within the stipulated period, the NBA Branches in Enugu will boycott proceedings in the court of the Chief Judge. In addition, the Association will take further steps, including the institution of legal action, to challenge what NEC considers a violation of the fundamental rights of Mr. Bright Ngene.

The resolution underscores the NBA’s commitment to protecting its members, defending due process, and ensuring that the rights of legal practitioners are not undermined by delays or administrative inaction within the justice system.

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