The Attorneys-General and Commissioners for Justice of Nigeria’s 36 states have appealed for calm amid the leadership crisis affecting the Nigerian Bar Association.
The forum urged all parties involved in the dispute to exercise restraint and avoid actions or statements that could worsen the situation.
The position was contained in a statement jointly signed by the forum’s Chairman, Ben Uruchi-Odoh, and Secretary, Senior Ibrahim-Sulyman.
The statement was released to journalists in Abuja on Friday after a meeting of the body.
According to the forum, the meeting reviewed recent developments concerning the leadership dispute within the Nigerian Bar Association.
The Attorneys-General said they carefully considered the possible impact of the crisis on the legal profession and the administration of justice in Nigeria.
They called on parties to the dispute, members of the legal profession and other stakeholders to refrain from further public comments capable of escalating tensions.
The forum said ongoing efforts to resolve the matter should be allowed to proceed through recognised institutional channels.
It also urged the disputing parties to embrace dialogue and pursue a peaceful settlement in line with earlier court directives.
According to the body, an amicable resolution is necessary to protect the unity, dignity and integrity of the Nigerian Bar Association.
The States’ Attorneys-General also called for the urgent convening of an emergency meeting of the General Council of the Bar.
They noted that the General Council of the Bar is the statutory body established under Section 1(1) of the Legal Practitioners Act, Cap. L11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The forum said the council has responsibility for managing the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association and helping to resolve issues linked to the current leadership crisis.
The body reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, the independence of the legal profession and the preservation of the institutional integrity of the NBA.
It expressed confidence that the dispute could be resolved through constructive engagement, mutual respect and adherence to the law.
The forum also stressed that unity within the Nigerian Bar Association remains important for the credibility of the legal profession and the justice system in Nigeria.
