Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba, has expressed his dismay at the widespread public discussion of President Bola Tinubu’s Chicago State University matter. Agbakoba, in a social media post on Monday, criticized what he called a “cacophony of discordant voices” on national television, particularly lawyers arguing the merits or demerits of the controversy.
The legal expert voiced his concern over the proliferation of opinions from what he referred to as “armchair lawyers,” emphasizing that such discussions are dangerously heating up the nation. Agbakoba urged individuals to withhold their opinions and views, advocating for patience until a decision is reached by the Supreme Court.
In his post, Agbakoba stated, “I am so ashamed to see lawyers on television arguing one way or the other on the merits or demerits of the Chicago State University matter. This is most unhelpful!” He called on the media to refrain from adjudicating the matter on TV and in newspapers, emphasizing the importance of allowing the Supreme Court to make a binding judicial pronouncement.
Furthermore, he urged the President of the Nigerian Bar Association to intervene and address lawyers who breach ethical rules by turning the media into a court of law. Agbakoba concluded by emphasizing the need to stop heating up the country and allowing the legal process to unfold. The post reflects concerns about the potential impact of public discussions on ongoing legal matters and the importance of upholding ethical standards in the legal profession.
