The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has threatened to sue Dame Pauline Tallen, the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs And Social Development, is she fails to apologize to the NBA within 7 days of receipt of a letter dated 14th Day of November, 2022.
According to the letter, NBA, is not happy with the statement credited to the Hon. Minister during the Global Reunion and Annual General Meeting of her Alma Matter. At the said meeting, the Hon. Minister, referred to a judgment of the Federal High Court Yola as Kangaroo Judgment.
The Court on 14th October 2022, entered judgment in suit FHC/YL/CS/12/2022 Mallam Nuhu Ribadu Vs. All Progressive Congress & 2 Ors. The judgment of the court appeared unfavorable to the Defendants.
Dissatisfied with the statement by the Hon. Minister, the NBA President made efforts to reach her via WhatsApp and other official numbers of hers, she snubbed, refused to pick or return the calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages from the NBA President, for the president ascertain if she was quoted out of context or did not make the obnoxious, derogatory statement, calculated to impugn the integrity of the Court.
Consequent upon this snobbery and arrogance, the NBA president, was compelled to write her, demanding that she, “tender an unreserved apology to the court. I demand that the said apology be given equal publicity. You are to note that should you fail or refuse to do so within 7 days from the date of this letter, the NBA shall institute an action against you inter alia; a Declaration that you are unfit to continue to hold any public office in Nigeria; an Order that you be relieved of your current position and for perpetual injunction restraining you from holding any public office.”
The letter further reads, “Let me categorically state, the NBA does not have any interest in the matter and holds no brief for any of the parties to the dispute. However, the NBA remains steadfast and committed to its responsibility of protecting the integrity and independence of the Courts.
The Association does not and will not take kindly the action of any person or group of persons which treats the Court and its processes or proceedings with levity and contempt.”
