VOL 9 NO 31

POLICE BEAT UP MAGISTRATE
The Editor,
The above screaming headline caught my eye on the drive home on Friday the 22nd May 2009. It was reported in the PM News dated Friday 22nd May 2009 Vol. 15 No. 96. I forward herewith a copy of the paper for your perusal.
It evoked a mix of emotions, sadness, resignation, nonchalance (people get beaten up every day by the police) until it dawned on me that this may be a nail in the coffin of the institution called the judiciary and ultimately the legal system as it exists presently in Nigeria.
I am not being alarmist, my view is borne by consideration of other similar reports in recent times, the Squib reported some time ago that a lawyer was arrested and beaten up in the court premises after a judge had issued restraining orders, the PM News reported that a magistrate fought a Policeman because he approached her parked vehicle and wanted to know why the vehicle was parked and who it's occupants were, (I am sorry I don't have the date and volume of newspaper), the Punch reported that a Magistrate fought a driver because the driver blocked the Magistrate's access to his residence etc.
This progression downhill is swift and we may soon witness the sacking of the courts by the police or some other coercive arm of the Executive.
Our first reaction, being cynical and jaded Nigerians, is "don't other Nigerians get beaten up? What's so special about the magistrate? God knows what lie did to provoke the battery”.
I urge that we discard this attitude, not because of the individual, but because of the institution in which we all have a vested interest.
Another reaction this time from legal practitioners, may be “what does the judiciary do when it happens to lawyers?" My response again is that the battery of a Magistrate, Judge or any other legal officer is a massive blow to the institution, today the police tomorrow an aggrieved litigant and thereafter any person who dislikes the judicial officer or his views can fall on the said officer and pummel him to his satisfaction.
When judicial officers start getting a beating in the course of their duties, justice disappears, when there is no justice, anarchy reigns and Hobbesian theory of life being brutish and short comes to pass.
While it is true that the judiciary has not being a partner to the Bar, the Bar should rise above this, protect the judiciary and the judicial institution.
I suggest that the Bar make a formal report to the Executive Governor of the State, that the "Unknown Policemen" be identified and proper sanctions brought to bear on them and their commanding officers.
It is the NBA's graven duty to rise against anything that may derogate or in any way tarnish the judicial institution, it is in its interest to do so.
Thank you.
VICTOR C. GWAM ESQ.
Editor’s Note: - Well said.


NBA LAGOS ELECTION
The Editor,
You are biased in your report about the forthcoming elections of the NBA Lagos. Why did you make Gboyega. Kolade’s picture bigger than those of the other contestants, if not that you are biased in his favour because he advertised in your magazine?
Editor’s Note: - You call that report biased?

NBA LAGOS BRANCH
The Editor,
Concerning the NBA Lagos branch election, I agree with your analysis that Dayo Onakoya will come last in the election. He is an unknown.
Editor’s Note: - Let’s wait and see


NBA LAGOS BRANCH
The Editor,
The best thing for the three Yoruba people in the contest for the chairman NBA Lagos branch is for two of them to step down for the third, to squarely face the Igbo chap.
Editor’s Note: - I doubt whether your advice will be followed.

ADETULA ALABI CJ
The Editor,
I can not help but laugh heartily reading your Prophet Sukubu cartoon. Am sure the chief judge Augustine Adetula Alabi can never forgive you. You are such a rascal, teasing the poor man so mercilessly every week. I am still laughing
Editor’s Note: - Still laughing?