Group Expresses Concern Over Aftermath Of Kogi Governorship Election

Mary Nnah

The Youth Advocacy Network has expressed concern over the aftermath of the Kogi governorship election. The group has raised questions about the ethical breaches in the legal profession, particularly about comments made by some senior lawyers.

In a statement signed by its convener, Comrade Seun Adeaanu, the group emphasized the importance of maintaining impeccable standards of professional conduct among legal practitioners. The group highlighted the need for lawyers to adhere to the ethical principles outlined in the Rules of Professional Conduct and to uphold the integrity of the legal system.

The group expressed concern over the recent actions of Jibrin Sam Okutepa, SAN, which appear to contradict established ethical standards and raise serious concerns about the integrity of legal practice in our society.

The Youth Advocacy Network urged regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Bar Association, the General Council of the Bar, the Body of Benchers, and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to address these ethical lapses.

The group also called for thorough investigations into the conduct of legal practitioners implicated in ethical breaches and for appropriate sanctions to be imposed where necessary. Upholding the highest standards of professional conduct is paramount to preserving the integrity of the legal system and ensuring access to justice for all.

According to the group, Okutepa and one Barrister Rilwan Okpanachi have conducted themselves in a manner that is inappropriate for a legal practitioner. The group further stated that Okutepa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, benefitted immensely from previous Kogi state governments but became antagonistic towards successive administrations due to ethnic considerations.

The group lamented that Okutepa’s actions have been brazen and unchecked and that he has orchestrated acts aimed at plunging the state into chaos and turmoil through his social media presence, television appearances, and clandestine orchestrations of protests against the government over the years. The Youth Advocacy Network urged regulatory bodies to investigate these actions and to impose appropriate sanctions to safeguard the reputation and credibility of the legal profession and to uphold public trust in the administration of justice.