Emmanuel Ewere, Esq Urges Young Lawyers To Promote Public Interest Litigation And Imbibe Integrity

Emmanuel Ewere, Esq has enumerated certain happenings in the
society which he feels should be taken advantage of by young
lawyers and plan for their future.

In a statement made available to Nairalaw (TNL), Ewere
mentioned impunity, resort to self help by the members of the
society as a result of lost of confidence in the Judiciary,
insensitivity of the NBA to the welfare of young lawyers etc as the
happenings.

He, therefore, Urges Young lawyers to come together as a group
to promote public interest litigation and avoid corrupt practices
so as to have the boldness to speak out.

Read the full statement below:

AN EYE OPENER FOR EVERY YOUNG LAWYER

Dear young lawyers,

I welcome you all to this great year 2020 which is the start of
a new decade. It is the year that will herald the start of many
great tides to the profession and also to us and I wish you all the
very best in your endeavours and practise.

I will like to draw your attention to some very vital situations
we must be aware of and not fall victim of its negativity. I will
advise that we are watchful and conscious of the happenstances
evolving in our society in building a virile course for the
long-term plan of our dear future.

First of all, I want to reiterate that our noble profession is
gradually sinking as a result of the lawlessness and recklessness
that encamps the nation which has ultimately reduced the judiciary
to public mockery. These myriads of constitutional impunities have
not been duly challenged in any court and are becoming a norm in
our socio-political life. Even the government agencies have
institutionalised lies as a defence for ineptitude, what a failing
system.

We must be sensitive to the fact that at the moment the common
man’s confidence in the judiciary is fast eroding and will often
prefer self-help or the prosecutorial agencies to settle disputes
instead of consulting a legal practitioner. The inevitable
consequence is a reduction in professional engagements. Therefore,
we need to stand up and defend what we have and diversify our
efforts and also embrace other gainful engagements like Agroprenuer
and other productive investments.

It is no news that the proposed CAMA is orchestrated to strip
lawyers majorly of their prospects in corporate practise and even
the provision for the notary attestation may no longer be retained.
We are gradually losing public fitness and worthiness with nothing
to challenge or stop this impending storm.

Our NBA has not been of any help to the plights of the young
lawyers and has not hidden their reluctant approach to matters that
relate to our welfare. Not surprisingly, they have no particular
stand position on salient national and constitutional issues
bedevilling our country! What we see are press statements and no
pragmatic actions.

Well, the good thing is that this is the year for another
election and our learned prowess and enlightenment which we have
acquired for many years that has made us who we are must not be
betrayed on cocktails and false promises. We must realise that
charity begins at home and if we can get leadership by competence
and passion then we can get the country right as well. We are
learned and know the right thing but keep falling for the wrong
people to lead us, this should end with 2019.

Even in the scene of the executive rascality and undermining of
the judiciary, it will be wise to watch those who have spoken
against it and have truly shown interest for the right thing to be
done. The only thing we get to hear from some aspirants are
goodwill messages and not sharing their voice or opinion on
national issues. I bet you in this regime of General Buhari be rest
assured they will be so silent and even wipe the butt of the
executive forgetting we are the third tier of government and must
check and balance the executive.

We must come together as groups to synergize and promote public
interest litigation, as posterity will hold us accountable! We have
to keep our hands clean and ensure we do not eat from corruptive
flirts which is the order of the day, so that we may have the
integrity and audacity to speak on the main stage, and nothing will
be used against us

Always remember it is not a mistake to be a lawyer at this time
in Nigeria but it is an avenue to overcome the challenges and get
things right. Use your discretion wisely and don’t sell your right.
This new year will be good for those who are hungry, determined and
not lustful.

I commend the young lawyers that have been speaking out like Ike
Augustine, Adejumo Adedapo and the members of the Nigerian Young
Wigs Forum, your passion and drive to see a better judiciary and
Nigeria is achievable, please keep the good works.

I remain your noble esquire, Emmanuel Ewere.

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