The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SIPDEL), applauded the recent suspension of the President of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele.
The body also demanded thorough probe of his administration for allegation of mismanagement of the nation’s economy.
The lastest position of the NBA-SPIDEL was coming ahead of its forthcoming annual conference billed to take place at Citadel complex, Oregun, Ikeja Lagos state from June 20 to 23, 2023.
This statement was jointly signed by the NBA-SPIDEL chairman, Dr Monday Ubani and the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Mr Okey Ohagba, forwarded to DAILY POST on Tuesday.
The NBA-SPIDEL enjoined President Bola Tinubu to institute a high-powered panel of investigation to unearth the alleged fraud involving the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika and Air Nigeria flight, which according to the group, has turned Nigeria into a laughing stock in the global aviation community.
“This matter is a litmus test for the new administration, especially if President Bola Tinubu wants to be seen as desirous of combating corruption in the polity,”It added.
“If the assertion by the managing Director of Nigeria Air, Dayo Olumide, during a senate hearing that the aircraft said to be for Air Nigeria was merely a chartered flight from ethiopian airline to hoodwink Nigerians,”It added.
The human rights group advised Tinubu–led administration to develop a zero tolerance policy towards corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
“The government must respect the rule of law and avoid executive lawlessness and impunity. These are acts that will bring his administration into collusion course with civil society and human rights community.
“If the government abides by the rule of law, respects human rights, ensures transparency and accountability as fundamental objectives of state policy, it should be rest assured of tremendous goodwill from the majority of the citizens of Nigeria.”
On fuel subsidy removal, the NBA-SPIDEL frowned the severe consequences the new policy had taken on the hapless citizens who are always the victims of such government policies, tasking the government to put in place more drastic and well-thought-out economic packages to cushion the harsh effects of oil subsidy removal.
While applauding efforts of the federal government of Nigeria amid consultations to birth palliatives aimed at alleviating the harshness of the sudden removal, the non governmental body further reminded the new President to seek wisdom and the right kind of advice to navigate out of the present myriads of challenges Nigeria has found itself.
On the forthcoming conference by NBA-SPIDEL which will take place between June 20 to 23, 2023 in Lagos state, the statement revealed the confab will attract attract lawyers and judges from various states of the federation.
It partly stated: “The theme of the conference is Post-Election Nigeria: The judiciary in the eye of the storm.”
“The keynote speaker is foremost human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, while the opening session will be chaired by former NBA President, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, OON.
“Instructive, Dr. Agbakoba has the singular honour of being the NBA President who established NBA-SPIDEL during his Presidency.
“Hon. Justice Amina Augie of the Supreme Court will feature as a Guest Speaker during the Opening Ceremony.
“Also expected at the opening ceremony are; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Alex Otti. senators and house of representatives members are also expected at the opening ceremony.”