Emeka Etiaba, a distinguished Nigerian Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has strongly urged the arrest of a Plateau State legislator for making what he deems as “unguarded statements” during an interview. Etiaba SAN, who serves as a lead counsel to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), made this call on Arise TV’s morning show with Rufai Usani.
In the interview, Etiaba expressed his disapproval of the legislator’s remarks, stating, “For someone to say ‘They will know whom we know’ referring to the judgment of the court, he should be in prison.” Etiaba, known for his frankness, described the legislator as a “ruffian and an idiot,” emphasizing the seriousness of such statements that undermine the integrity of the judiciary.
The lawyer also seized the opportunity to commend the recent judgment of the Supreme Court reinstating Governor Mutfwang of Plateau State. Etiaba remarked, “With the judgment that the Supreme Court is churning out, it is clearly obvious to politicians that it is no longer business as usual.”
He underscored the need for stakeholders to be held accountable, advocating for the sanctioning of lawyers who knowingly manipulate the law for personal gains. Etiaba stated, “We should begin to call to question the action of every stakeholder; we should be able to sanction even lawyers who know the position of the law but prefer to canvass the other way.”
Addressing the concerning trend of justices discussing their judgments in public spaces, Etiaba criticized such behavior. He described it as a “bad testament for Nigeria” and expressed disappointment in judges participating in public discourse on their rulings.
While expressing confidence in the justice system and praising the credibility of the Court of Appeal justices, Etiaba asserted that any justice deliberately overlooking the authority of the Supreme Court undermines the sanctity of the legal process. The lawyer called for a reevaluation of the ethical standards within the judiciary to maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law.
