In a troubling incident on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Victor Giwa, a disqualified candidate for the Garki Branch chairmanship of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), unleashed a shocking tirade against a victim of an illegal eviction that he himself orchestrated for personal gain. Giwa was disqualified in June 2024 due to unethical conduct during his campaign for branch leadership, a decision made by the NBA to uphold the integrity of the legal profession.
Giwa's outburst was reportedly fueled by resentment following his disqualification by the NBA Election Appeals Committee, which came after a petition filed by Ms. Asabe Waziri. During his rant on the branch’s legal platform, Giwa made several unfounded accusations, leaving his colleagues in disbelief. Many expressed concern over what they perceive as his increasingly erratic behavior. One anonymous lawyer remarked, “He’s becoming unstable. This kind of outburst on a legal platform is completely inappropriate—it’s possible the pressure is getting to him.”
Giwa is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, October 28, 2024, alongside his client, Cecil Osakwe, before the FCT High Court. Additionally, he faces multiple cases before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), further complicating his precarious situation.
This incident underscores the urgent need for NBA leadership to take decisive action against errant lawyers who tarnish the reputation of the legal profession. The legal community must remain vigilant in upholding the values of justice, fairness, and integrity. Lawyers are entrusted with these principles and should not exploit them for personal gain