The decision of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to withdraw an invitation extended to Nasir El-Rufai to speak at the annual conference has elicited a statement from the Kaduna state Governor.
The withdrawal came as a result of public outcry started online by some lawyers who insisted the governor represented everything contrary to what the profession stands for.
NBA Finally Drops El-Rufai From Its List Of Conference Speakers
His spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, in a statement he released on Thursday, August 20, Governor el-Rufai described the withdrawal of his invitation as an unfortunate embrace of injustice. He said he will continue to make his voice heard on the things the country needs to do to make progress.
His statement in part reads
“While the decision about who speaks at its event is clearly the NBA’s, Malam El-Rufai wishes to make clear that he did not seek the platform and is not agitated that he has one less speaking engagement,” the statement read.
However, the circumstances of the last few days warrant some comments. That a professional organization has elected to endorse a one-sided narrative on a profound national issue is something that its members may wish to reflect upon.
For an association, whose bread and butter is about justice, to make a ruling based on the stridency of people who lampoon judicial processes against certain individuals without hearing the other side is odd. It bears noting that in its response to pressure, the NBA leadership has signaled an unfortunate embrace of injustice, unfairness, absence of fair hearing, and total disregard for the rule of law.”
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.