Lawyers in Anambra State have started to comply with the notice of a boycott issued to them through their branch Chairmen,
this was seen as people who have matters at the Federal High Court Awka were stranded yesterday as their matters were shifted to later date after they had arrived at the court.
ABS Judiciary correspondent, Joseph Egbeocha reports that the notice of boycott was in respect of the kidnap of a lawyer and Secretary of Idemili branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Chukwubuikem Azoro, who is still in custody of his captors, and the murder of a Principal State Counsel and Vice Chairman of NBA Ihiala branch, Peter Awa by unidentified gunmen in Okija.
The boycott, according to official NBA memo, will last from Tuesday, twenty first to Monday 27th May 2024.
Speaking after the court was adjourned to a later date, Barrister Mike Ikegbunam said when he got information that his clients from Isuaniocha were brought to the court, he had to rush to the court where he and others informed the trial Judge about the notice of boycott, which the Judge said there was no official communication to the court to that effect.
He regretted that lawyers have become endangered species in the state, and called on the state government to step up security measures to ensure security of lives and property.
Barrister Ikegbunam reasoned that his clients who are affected by the boycott would understand that anybody could have been the victim of the most recent of attacks on lawyers in the state.
Other lawyers who spoke to the ABS, including Barristers Ogbonnaya Obasi and Chiadi Obidi, also called on the government, security agencies and other relevant bodies to ensure security of lives and property in Anambra.
Notice Of The Boycott reads thus:
Chairman, Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries on behalf of NBA Branches in Anambra State and minuted to all courts in the state through the Hon Chief Judge and through the admin Judges of various judicial divisions.
The memo dated 20th May, 2024 with caption, “Boycott of Courts By Lawyers from Tuesday, 21ST May, 2024 To Monday 27th May, 2024
This was contained in an official memo signed by I. C. Nsofor Esq, described as worrisome the spate of kidnap of lawyers in the state, noting that they are fast becoming endangered species.
The memo partly read, “This is to inform your Lordship that while lawyers are yet to recover from the shock of the kidnap of the Secretary of Idemili Branch of NBA, C. J. S. Azoro, Esq, the Vice Chairman of NBA Ihiala Branch and Principal State Counsel, Awa P. Awa, Esq. was gruesomely murdered by unidentified gunmen at Okija on Sunday 19th May, 2024.
“The recent resurgence of insecurity in the State and targeted attacks on members of the Bar and the Bench is worrisome as lawyers are fast becoming endangered species.
“In consequence thereof, following the emergency meeting of the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of the Bar Branches in Anambra State on Monday 20th May, 2024, it is resolved as follows:-
“There shall be a boycott of courts in Anambra State by lawyers from Tuesday 21st May, 2024 to Monday 27th May, 2024.
“This is to enable lawyers in the State protest and address the state of insecurity in the State as there is palpable fear of insecurity in the State by lawyers and no one knows who may be next.
“There shall be a peaceful protest of all lawyers in Anambra State on Thursday, 23rd May, 2024, to be followed by a Press Conference.
“We pray that you graciously bring this Notice to the attention of other Courts in the State/Judicial Division.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this might cause.
Accept the assurances of our highest regards.”