馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Cross River Governor urges lawyers to defend democracy and uphold accountability
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey, addressed the Nigerian Bar Association, Calabar Branch, during their 2026 Bar Week. Speaking on the theme "Rule of Law: Safeguarding Democracy, Ensuring Accountability," Odey emphasized the crucial role of lawyers as "custodians of civilisation" in upholding justice and democratic values. He urged them to challenge unconstitutional actions and resist attempts to undermine justice, highlighting accountability as the "oxygen" of democracy. Odey also reaffirmed the administration's respect for the independence of the judiciary. The Chairman of the NBA Calabar Branch, Enome Amatey, expressed concern over the disregard for the rule of law in Nigeria, citing disobedience of court orders, and called on lawyers to be courageous in defending democracy. NBA President Afam Osigwe, represented by Ntufam Mba Ukweni, commended the timely theme and urged lawyers to uphold constitutionalism and ethical standards, especially with the 2027 general elections approaching.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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