FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has urged the Body of Benchers to discipline Professor Chidi Odinkalu for his public criticisms that he claims undermine the legal profession’s integrity and instil fear among judges. Odinkalu dismissed Wike’s accusations, escalating a significant debate about judicial decorum and the future of Nigeria’s legal system.
ABUJA, Nigeria — In a dramatic twist that has rocked Nigeria’s legal circles, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has publicly demanded that the Body of Benchers take strict disciplinary measures against Professor Chidi Odinkalu.
Speaking at a high-profile meeting led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Wike warned that Odinkalu’s scathing public criticisms are undermining the sanctity and integrity of the legal profession.
The minister, known for his forthright rhetoric, alleged that such comments create a climate of fear among judges and justices.
“We have instilled so much fear in our judges that they hesitate even to shake hands in public,” Wike declared, alluding to rumours and unfounded reports circulating in the media.
He emphasised that baseless accusations not only tarnish the image of the judiciary but also threaten the stability of legal institutions across Nigeria.
Wike’s impassioned plea for action comes at a time when the nation grapples with concerns over judicial independence and accountability.
He asserted that the legal fraternity must uphold discipline, lest the profession’s reputation be further degraded.
In an emphatic call for reform, he urged the Body of Benchers to “invite” Odinkalu for disciplinary review, warning that continued disparagement would have dire consequences.
In response, Professor Odinkalu dismissed the allegations via Twitter, insisting that Wike’s story would eventually be exposed in full.
This contentious exchange has ignited widespread debate within legal circles, with many questioning the future of judicial decorum in Nigeria.
The incident is set to leave an indelible mark on the country’s legal landscape. A turbulent era unfolds.
- Additional report from Osaigbovo Okungbowa, Atlantic Post Senior Political Correspondent
