Wike Blasts NBA Over Alleged Bribe Request In The Midst OF Rivers State Emergency Declaration

Wike claimed that the NBA’s opposition stems from the Rivers State Government’s promise to fund their annual general conference, and they are now upset because the emergency declaration would cut off that financial support. “The NBA is against the state of emergency because there’s no money for their conference. What kind of hypocrisy is this?” Wike expressed angrily.

He made these remarks during a visit by officials of the Body of Benchers, led by its Chairman, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), in Abuja on Friday.

Wike did not hold back in his criticism of the NBA, accusing them of undermining the judiciary with reckless public statements. He warned the Body of Benchers to take immediate action to prevent the NBA from further damaging public trust in the legal profession.

“Some NBA members go on national TV to condemn judgments without even reading them! If you don’t discipline them, nobody will learn any lesson,” he said. “We cannot continue to let our profession be pulled down. I’ve never seen a situation where members of a profession are the ones intent on destroying it.”

The minister further accused the NBA of hypocrisy, noting how they had accepted financial support from the executive in the past, yet now frame such assistance as bribery when it concerns the judiciary.

“I was the only one who contributed to the NBA to build the National Secretariat. The NBA didn’t see it as a bribe,” Wike said. “When you contribute to the Body of Benchers, it’s bribery, but when you contribute to the NBA, they accept it.”

Wike also lamented how constant attacks from lawyers have led to judges being viewed with suspicion, with many afraid of public interactions due to fears of bribery accusations.

“Our judges are so scared of going to a mosque, church, or even greeting someone they know, fearing they’ll be accused of accepting bribes. This must stop,” Wike concluded.