NBA Reacts To Umahi’s Apology, Reveals Next Line Of Action

Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), while reacting to the apology tendered by the Governor of Ebonyi state, Dave Umahi over the uncomplimentary statement made against a judge, revealed it will appeal to Justice Inyang Ekwo and the Chief Justice of Nigeria to accept it.

Recall that Dave Umahi, on Tuesday, described his removal from office by Justice Inyang Ekwo as “a hatchet” man’s job, which had unsettled NBA who described Umahi’s comments as a national embarrassment and unacceptable.

Following the backlash, Umahi apologized while addressing over two thousand members of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, in Ebonyi State at a solidarity rally that took place at the Udensi roundabout on Wednesday.

Reacting to the apology, NBA President, Olumide Akpata via his Facebook page, confirmed the apology, adding that NBA will forward same apology to Ekwo and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko.

“Following that Statement, H.E. Engr. Umahi made extensive efforts to reach me and in the course of our conversation, I reiterated that the NBA has no interest in the case other than to ensure that the sanctity of the judicial system is protected & the rule of law respected.

“In line with our demands, H.E. Engr. Umahi addressed a cross section of Ebonyi State citizens, where he unreservedly apologised for his comments, clarified his intentions and very importantly too, called for calm from his supporters while urging them to refrain from denigrating the Judiciary.

“I will immediately transmit this apology to His Lordship, Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo and My Lord the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, who is the head of the Judiciary in Nigeria, and urge them to also accept same,” Akpata stated.

The NBA president also explained the procedure for challenging unfavourable decisions of courts is to appeal it.

“Now that the right thing has been done and the appeal process has been activated, we shall resume our backseat and allow the process take its course. As far as the NBA is concerned, this brings an end to this unfortunate episode but we hope that important lessons have been learnt,” he added.