Retired Justice Taiwo Taiwo has criticized the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for failing to act on petitions against influential and senior lawyers. Speaking on Channels TV’s Law Weekly program on Saturday, January 11, 2025, Justice Taiwo emphasized the need for the NBA to address these petitions impartially, regardless of the stature of the individuals involved.
He stated, “We’ve seen cases involving very senior lawyers where petitions are filed, yet nothing comes of them. The NBA must step up and show that no one is above accountability. Heavens will not fall if the association begins to address such cases transparently.”
Justice Taiwo urged the NBA to confront the issue head-on. He said: “Let’s expose unethical practices in the profession, whether it involves prominent lawyers or not. If someone’s actions are detrimental to the legal profession, the NBA has a responsibility to act.”
The retired judge also criticized what he described as a culture of favoritism within the legal community. “It’s about mutual back-scratching—people avoiding accountability to protect their relationships. But why should we let that stand when it harms the profession? We must prioritize integrity over personal connections,” he argued.
Justice Taiwo further pointed to systemic issues within the judiciary, including conflicting judgments caused by a lack of communication and coordination among judges. He advocated for a system where court judgments are widely circulated to ensure consistency and reduce contradictions in the legal system.
He also highlighted the ineffectiveness of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, stressing the need for the body to be more proactive in addressing misconduct among legal professionals.
The remarks serve as a call to action for the NBA and LPDC to uphold the integrity of the legal profession by holding all practitioners accountable, regardless of their status.
