FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Samson Osagie has denied allegations of judicial interference in the ongoing governorship appeal and called on legal professionals to uphold ethical standards, especially in the use of social media.
Osagie stated this during an address delivered at the monthly meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Benin branch, held in Benin City.
According to him, the event marked his first opportunity to formally address the Lion Bar since his call to the Nigerian Bar over 30 years ago.
Praising the NBA, Benin branch for its consistent role in leading legal reforms and professional development, Osagie noted that “the Lion Bar has remained a trailblazer in peaceful transitions and implementation of its policies.”
Commenting on the state’s commitment to justice, the attorney-general said the state government under Senator Monday Okpebholo is determined to uphold the rule of law, but recognises that such rights must be exercised within the bounds of the law.
He acknowledged that more could still be done to support the legal profession and emphasised that the administration is focused on citizens welfare and lawful governance.
Osagie took direct swipe at a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, who had alleged that he and a justice of the Supreme Court were seen leaving the Protea Hotel, Benin, on June 10.
Refuting the allegation, Osagie described it as a “wicked, malicious and unpatriotic vitriolic attack,” and insisted that there was “no meeting of any kind” with any judicial officer regarding the pending appeal.
Citing a clarifying statement issued by the Supreme Court, he said the judge in question had been granted permission to attend a private social engagement in Benin City involving a former president of the African Bar Association.
Describing the video evidence circulated by Odinkalu’s associates as inconclusive and defamatory, he said “there is nowhere my image was shown, such an attempt to undermine our joint image and professional standing is a conduct unbecoming of a lawyer of that status.”
He urged legal practitioners to avoid weaponising social media to harm reputations, emphasising that criticism must be based on verifiable and unimpeachable facts.
