Metuh Has A Right To Live—Lawyer

Life is regarded as sacred and divine. This idea has long been
resident in world’s consciousness. Crystallising this concept,
countries have made life not just a right, but a fundamental one.
Nigeria is no exception. The right to life is etched on our law
books.

The court has held that this right is available even to a
convict. This right also avails a defendant standing trial,
especially in light of the fact that our  law presumes
everyone accused of wrongdoing innocent until proven otherwise.

It is on this note that it is abhorring and totally unacceptable
the stretchering of Mr. Olisa Metuh to the Federal High Court
sitting in Abuja today. If the court was in doubt of the true state
of health of Mr. Metuh as presented by his counselor, he should
have called for hard, real evidence or a testimony of a medical
doctor treating Mr. Metuh.

Ordering for the production of Mr. Metuh in court was wrong and
inexcusable. What if Mr. Metuh had died in the process? Can a dead
man stand trial? Has Mr. Metuh been convicted of the offences he is
being tried? Even though he was convicted, doesn’t he still have a
right to life?

Every judge manning the temple of justice should learn to be
calm and collected, and not allowed himself to be overwhelmed by
emotions, sentiments and pressure. Overzealousness on the bench
must be killed. Every person standing trial is entitled to right to
life, and no one (not even the court) is allowed to threaten or
destroy it. Justice should always wear a human face.

Toyo Jimmy, Esq. Is the Secretary of the Young Lawyers’ Forum,
NBA Uyo Branch.

Life is regarded as sacred and divine. This idea has long been
resident in world’s consciousness. Crystallising this concept,
countries have made life not just a right, but a fundamental one.
Nigeria is no exception. The right to life is etched on our law
books.

The court has held that this right is available even to a
convict. This right also avails a defendant standing trial,
especially in light of the fact that our  law presumes
everyone accused of wrongdoing innocent until proven otherwise.

It is on this note that it is abhorring and totally unacceptable
the stretchering of Mr. Olisa Metuh to the Federal High Court
sitting in Abuja today. If the court was in doubt of the true state
of health of Mr. Metuh as presented by his counselor, he should
have called for hard, real evidence or a testimony of a medical
doctor treating Mr. Metuh.

Ordering for the production of Mr. Metuh in court was wrong and
inexcusable. What if Mr. Metuh had died in the process? Can a dead
man stand trial? Has Mr. Metuh been convicted of the offences he is
being tried? Even though he was convicted, doesn’t he still have a
right to life?

Every judge manning the temple of justice should learn to be
calm and collected, and not allowed himself to be overwhelmed by
emotions, sentiments and pressure. Overzealousness on the bench
must be killed. Every person standing trial is entitled to right to
life, and no one (not even the court) is allowed to threaten or
destroy it. Justice should always wear a human face.

Toyo Jimmy, Esq. Is the Secretary of the Young Lawyers’ Forum,
NBA Uyo Branch.