NBA Conference Marred By Lawyers’ Show of Shame During Football Match

The action of some lawyers during a football match in Abuja, on Monday, has put a question on the ethical conduct of some members of the legal profession.

The 2023 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which kick-started smoothly with a Muslim prayer last Friday, experienced some sore points on Monday, when some lawyers ended up in physical combat during a football match.

The match between the Abuja NBA team and their brothers from the Onitsha bar saw players exchanging blows over the officiating of the match which was said to be in favour of the Abuja NBA.

The action further brought to the fore the doubt if Nigeria could get better, considering the claims of lawyers that the country must move forward, lawyers must take the lead.

It was against this conviction that the leadership of the NBA chose to build this year’s conference theme on, ‘Getting it Right: Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building.’

Ironically, the same day the fracas occurred, some lawyers seated at the velodrome, Moshood Abiola Stadium, venue of the conference, were being lectured on Ethics and Professional Conduct of Lawyers, regards anti money laundering and counter terrorism financing.

As at the time of filing this report the NBA leadership and the Public Relations Officer at the national level did not respond to calls as well as text and Whatsapp messages on the issue.

However, the chairman of the Garki Branch, Mr Ezen wobodo, condemned the act, stressing that, “it is not part of our culture”.

He disclosed that disciplinary action had already been meted out to the affected lawyers.

Meanwhile, a report by the Chairman of the NBA Sports Organising Committee, Mr Godwin Madubuko, disclosed that a player and coach had been penalised over the incident.

The report read,”After the consideration of the incident report of what happened during the semi final match between Abuja and Onitsha Branches on August 28, 2023, the Organising Committee hereby issue the following;

“The Coach of NBA Onitsha is barred from attending the 3rd place match fixed for August 29, 2023.

“The Player wearing Jersey Number 3, Tabai Braye, for the Abuja team is barred from attending or playing for the team during the final of the competition on August 29, 2023.

“The Coach of the NBA ABUJA team is given a touch line ban for the final of the competition fixed for August 29, 2023.

“The investigation of the incident is still ongoing. The Committee will issue the final report after the investigation.”

Alex Enumah in Abuja

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