The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed strong condemnation of the altercation that occurred at the federal high court in Lagos involving operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
According to Arise News, in a statement signed by NBA President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, the incident was cited as a clear indication of the lack of discipline and professionalism within the country’s key security agencies.
While acknowledging the possibility of overzealousness or misconduct by the involved officers, the NBA emphasized that the leadership of both federal government agencies must also bear responsibility for the shameful and disgraceful conduct exhibited by their personnel.
The NBA stressed that the clash between officers of two important federal agencies, witnessed publicly, poses a serious threat to national security and fosters an environment of anarchy and chaos. Both the DSS and the NCoS play vital roles in matters of national security and the administration of justice. Hence, the NBA emphasized the crucial need for these institutions to work in harmony to achieve justice and maintain a secure Nigeria.
Further, the association strongly condemned the disrespect shown for the sanctity of the court premises, noting that courts and judicial processes are vital indicators in assessing the adherence to the rule of law by individuals and government agencies.
The NBA urged both agencies to take immediate disciplinary action against the officers involved in this disgraceful conduct. Additionally, they called for a comprehensive overhaul of the institutions and a complete reorientation of personnel to promote professionalism and ensure synergy in carrying out their respective constitutional responsibilities.
