"Wike's Actions Attack a National Symbol, Claims Senior Lawyer Kunle Edun"

Table of Contents

1. Statement from Mr. Kunle Edun
2. Rights of the Naval Officer
3. Wike's Conduct as an Assault
4. Advocacy for Ethical Standards

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Kunle Edun, stated on Wednesday that the actions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, towards a Naval officer, Lt. AM Yerima, constituted an “assault” on the dignity and integrity of the legal profession.

This information was included in a statement he provided to DAILY POST.

He emphasized that the Naval Officer is entitled to pursue civil action against Wike for defamation and the unwarranted public insult.

Edun remarked, “A life Bencher, a lawyer, referring to a military officer in Nigerian Navy uniform as a fool is astonishing. There is not even a shred of respect for the uniform.”

According to Edun, “Wike’s behavior represents an assault on the dignity and integrity of the legal profession.”

He further explained, “In the recent ruling of the LPDC in the case of John Aikpokop-Martins v. Danladi Umar (former Chairman of the CCT), the LPDC asserted that it has the authority to address any issues beyond professional matters, where a legal practitioner acts in a manner that is inappropriate for a lawyer in a civilized society. Publicly labeling a military man a fool is conduct unbecoming of a legal practitioner.

“I have continually advocated for each NBA administration to consider establishing the position of a Prosecutor-General, whose primary responsibility would be to investigate and prosecute lawyers who breach our ethical standards, without necessarily waiting for formal complaints.

“The young officer is justified in initiating civil action against Wike for defamation and the unjustified public insult. Wike has insulted a national symbol, the military uniform.”