NBA president vows sanctions for lawyers over abusive social media posts

Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, the newly inaugurated President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has declared a zero-tolerance policy for professional misconduct among lawyers, particularly targeting abusive language and insulting posts directed at colleagues on social media. As the 33rd president of the NBA, Badejo-Okusanya stated in her inaugural address that her administration will closely monitor and take disciplinary action against lawyers who bring the profession into disrepute through their online conduct.

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Such lawyers will be subjected to public proceedings for bringing us all into disrepute in the eyes of the public, who look up to us and are increasingly aghast, as all right-thinking colleagues are, at the type of language that lawyers employ on social media against other colleagues, all in the name of politics.

Speaking at the 66th NBA Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Badejo-Okusanya warned that lawyers engaging in offensive exchanges, especially over political differences, would face public proceedings. She expressed concern over the type of language currently employed by some legal practitioners online, noting that it has become a source of dismay for the public and the legal community alike. "So, we're coming after you," she declared, signaling a firm approach to upholding professional standards.

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So, we're coming after you.

Beyond addressing social media conduct, the new NBA president outlined her commitment to defending the independence of the judiciary and advocating for improvements within the justice system. She affirmed that the NBA would not remain silent on issues such as prolonged court proceedings, conflicting judgments, corruption, and other practices that erode public confidence in the judiciary. "We will defend judicial independence, but we will not be indifferent to delay, conflicting decisions, corruption, or conduct that diminishes public confidence," she stated.

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We will defend judicial independence, but we will not be indifferent to delay, conflicting decisions, corruption, or conduct that diminishes public confidence. Respect for institutions does not require silence about their shortcomings. True respect requires the courage to help them.

Badejo-Okusanya emphasized a balanced approach to the judiciary, pledging to support the bench while simultaneously demanding greater integrity and efficiency. She also clarified the NBA's stance on its relationship with the government, stating that while constructive engagement would occur, the association would not be swayed by any single government, political party, region, religion, or interest group. The NBA's ultimate loyalty, she asserted, lies with the Constitution, justice, the rule of law, and its members. Her administration plans to build on successful initiatives while addressing areas needing improvement.

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We will support the Bench while insisting on the integrity and efficiency of the justice system.