Convener of the Vanguard for the Independence of the Judiciary, Douglas Ogbankwa, has defended the Nigerian legal profession against what he described as “unwarranted insults” by social media activist, VeryDarkMan (VDM).
Ogbankwa, in a statement, said the legal profession had played a significant role in protecting citizens’ rights and checking what he described as government overreach.
He cited instances where lawyers secured bail for VDM in previous cases, saying the activist had benefited directly from the intervention of the courts and legal practitioners.
According to him, lawyers have also challenged actions by government agencies through the courts, including issues relating to tinted permits, the operations of Vehicle Inspection Officers and the jurisdiction of traffic management agencies on federal and state roads.
Ogbankwa further argued that court judgments had strengthened citizens’ rights, including the legal basis for members of the public to record police officers while performing their duties.
He maintained that lawyers were often involved behind the scenes in matters involving activists and citizens, handling legal processes, engaging institutions and pursuing judicial remedies.
“The truth is that VDM benefits daily from the same legal profession he now insults,” Ogbankwa said, adding that activism and legal advocacy could work together within the framework of the law.
Reacting to the controversy involving a Naval officer, the lawyer said the officer had been vindicated, noting that VDM had subsequently acknowledged the development.
Ogbankwa urged the public to respect the legal profession and the institutions responsible for administering justice, stressing that disagreements should be addressed through lawful channels.
He said the legal profession would not be drawn into social media exchanges, insisting that lawyers would continue to use the courts to seek justice and defend constitutional rights.
“The law is not a joke. It is powerful,” Ogbankwa stated, adding that the legal profession would continue to defend the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
