The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, has vowed to challenge the Edo State House of Assembly for amending the Financial Autonomy Laws 2023.
The Assembly on August 24 amended the Financial Autonomy Laws 2023, which was immediately signed into law by Governor Monday Okpebholo despite protests by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and Edo Assembly Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN).
Speaking at his swearing-in, the new Chairman of the Edo NBA, Omorodion Omogui, said the move by the state lawmakers brought the judiciary and the legislature under the control and influence of the executive.
Omogui, who noted that financial autonomy laws guaranteed the independence of both the legislature and the judiciary, said amendment of the laws should not be allowed to stand, saying it offended clear provisions of Sections 4, 5, 6 and 121 (3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
He announced exemption of payment for dinner fees and Law Week for Young Lawyers of five years and below, as well as lawyers above 70.
He said close attention would be paid to young as well as old and ailing lawyers.
His words: “We shall pay very close attention to their needs and well-being. This shall be in addition to a comprehensive health package in conjunction with health bodies.
“Beyond litigation and the routine modes of legal practice in Nigeria, we shall open up new vistas of legal practice in the areas of business, investments and corporate practice. The Lion Bar shall sponsor our members for specialised training and conferences in the different NBA sections on legal practice and business Law.
“As a body, we shall ensure that the rule of law is not only promoted by the Bar but also enforced by the relevant government bodies and agencies, including the executive and the legislature. We shall hold the government accountable and speak truth to power without any fear or favour. We shall also not fail to commend the government when it is doing well in these areas.”
