By Victor Lewis
Prominent human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, has urged Nigerian lawyers to rise to their constitutional duty of holding government officials accountable for the welfare and security of citizens, insisting that the objectives contained in Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution are not mere moral guidelines but enforceable standards when backed by legislation.
Falana made the call in Warri during the Asifo Egbe Centenary Lecture organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri Branch, as part of activities marking 100 years of organised legal practice in the city.
The event honoured the memory of Hon. Asifo Egbe, widely regarded as the pioneer of legal practice in Warri. Egbe made history as the first lawyer to practise in the city after being called to the English Bar and subsequently enrolled to practise in Nigeria.
Speaking as guest lecturer, Falana challenged members of the legal profession to actively invoke existing Acts of the National Assembly to compel government compliance with the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in Chapter II of the Constitution.
He explained that although Section 6(6)(c) of the Constitution appears to restrict the courts from entertaining matters arising from Chapter II, Section 13 of the same Constitution places a mandatory obligation on all arms and agencies of government to conform to its provisions.
Falana further cited Section 15(5) of the Constitution, which mandates the state to abolish corruption and abuse of power, noting that the Supreme Court has recognised that laws made pursuant to that section — such as the ICPC Act — render aspects of Chapter II justiciable and enforceable in court.
He commended lawyers in Warri for building a respected branch of the NBA and urged them to preserve the legacy of Hon. Asifo Egbe, whom he described as a man of exceptional integrity and courage.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NBA Warri Branch, Mr. Othadua Okpakpor, said the centenary celebration was designed to honour the pioneering efforts of Hon. Asifo Egbe, who laid the foundation for legal practice and professional organisation in Warri.
He described the Warri Branch as one of the most respected and influential bars in Nigeria and pledged that members would continue to defend the rights of citizens and uphold the rule of law.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Michael Asugbu, and the granddaughter of Hon. Asifo Egbe, Mrs. Theresa Kimi, described the event as a fitting tribute to a trailblazer whose life of integrity, service and courage remains
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