Abuja (Unity Bar) Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), is facing public criticism over a spelling error on their protest placard for Judicial Autonomy.
The word ‘Autonomy’ was misspelt on the banner as “AUTOTOMY” which has sparkled social media criticism on the lawyers.
The banner as seen by The Union Nigeria reads, “Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch (Unity Bar) supports Judicial ‘Autotomy’.”
The banner was held as part of a solidarity protest with the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) during their suspended 13-day nationwide protest.
Recall that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) eventually agreed to fully implement financial autonomy for state judiciary and legislature by next month.
Its chairman, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, gave the assurance after he led members to a meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari at the State House, Abuja.
When The Union Nigeria reached, the NBA Abuja Branch Chairman, Barr Bulus Asten, he disclosed that banners were not part of plans for the solidarity march.
According to Asten, those who displayed banners did it on their own volition and did not convey the decisions of the Association.
“The solidarity march was part of the decisions of the National executive of the NBA in support of JUSUN. The exco resolved that there would be no banner, but just a march to the National Assembly to make known our stand.”
“However, some members who were not privy to the resolution reached decided to use a banner. I saw the banner during the march but I did not take note of it until I saw pictures showing ‘Autotomy’.
“There was another banner bearing a correctly spelt autonomy. Nevertheless, the NBA Abuja and nationwide has made the position know that there is need for financial autonomy for the Judiciary.”
“The NBA Abuja Branch has respectable and resourceful members. It has also has a wide range of programs for its members and members of society…
“The branch will continue to partner with all stakeholders with the view of contributing its quota to the development of the Nigerian society in general.” Asten said.
