Information obtained by LEADERSHIP revealed that about 97 civil rights lawyers, including 10 SANs, have so far indicated interest to offer free legal services to a former member of the House of Representatives, Otunba Dino Melaye and the Anti-Corruption Network(ACN) in a suit filed against them by the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN).
Adoke, from our investigation has raised an 11-man legal team in the N10.2 billion libel suit slammed on Melaye at an Abuja High Court, but Melaye told Journalists at the weekend that neither he nor the anti-graft group has been served the court notice.
The ex-lawmaker said that the pro-bono legal service volunteered by the human rights lawyers was an indication of the support he had in the allegations he leveled against the minister.
“It shows that those in the legal profession have recognised the abuse of office and flagrant disregard for the rule of law by the AGF. Many of the lawyers complained of the conduct of the AGF and have vowed to furnish this case with additional information and obvious cases of abuse of office by Adoke.
“The bastardisation, monetisation and commercialisation of the legal profession must stop. Conflict of interest must become history. Public interest must be placed above selfish or personal interest in the
discharge of official responsibilities in the office of the AGF. The battle to salvage our country from all forms of abuse of office is a battle of no retreat, no surrender,” he said.
A SAN who spoke with Journalists on the condition of anonymity said, “the decision (pro bono) was premised on the need to reform the legal profession in Nigeria.”
Melaye’s group had in a petition to President Goodluck Jonathan dated April 11 detailed alleged graft and “outrageous use of powers against public interest” and for which the Presidency ordered investigation.
But the AGF had insisted that rather than the Presidency, it was he that ordered his investigation.
Adoke’s investigation was contained in a letter from the office of the inspector-general of police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, signed by Ali Amodu, a commissioner of police in charge of X Squad, to the executive secretary of CAN and Melaye, which said that it was investigating the allegations of corruption, abuse of office and incompetence leveled against the AGF.
When Journalists visited Melaye’s Abuja office on Friday some of the lawyers suggested that pro bono should be encouraged in Nigeria’s justice system.
A lawyer and one of the disciples of late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Mr Sikiru Akinrele, said he would defend Melaye provided he has his facts.
He said, “The justice system should encourage free legal services. If Dino (Melaye) has his facts, I will defend him in court or advice him accordingly. I want to encourage him to do what is right, even if he is standing alone; he will know that some people appreciate him.
“Melaye should be heard on the merit without being hampered with finance. Remember that Nigerians (lawyers and Judges inclusive) rallied round Chief Gani Fawehinmi when his chambers was to be sold for a judgment debt that the whole world decried.
“Dino Melaye is exceptionally courageous. He reminds me of my late boss, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN); if he has good grounds for his remarks and lack the funds to tackle the retinue of eminent lawyers lined up against him, then I am ready to tow the line of the doctrine laid down by Sapara Williams (the first Nigerian lawyer) and give him the benefit of my calling free without charge.”
Another lawyer, Mr Joshua Alobo, said Melaye “requires a lot of legal input in order to expose the rot in the system.” He said, “We want to see how we can strengthen Dino’s defence and see how we can bring out the particular issues involved. The castigation of the petitioner (Melaye) by the AGF has automatically raised the bar for the commencement of trial in line with the president’s directive”.
Source: Leadership
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