Bench/bar must work together harmoniously for effective justice administration

A former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikorodu branch, Mr Bayo Akinlade, says unless the Bench and Bar work together harmoniously, justice cannot be effectively administered through the courts

Akinlade told the newsmen that every aspect of society would be affected if the bench and bar did not work together harmoniously.

”The distinction between the bar and the bench has been taken too far, which is quite unnecessary.

”’Any failure in the judiciary stems from a failure of the bar to understand its role in strengthening the judiciary.

He said that part of this failure is triggered by the misconception that the bar is different from the bench, adding that the same must be addressed.

“The bench is a public service sector, lawyers go there to serve the nation and are still part and parcel of the legal profession.

“In my view, the failure of the judiciary is the failure of the bar to understand the importance and relevance of its role in strengthening the justice sector.

“Part of that failure is caused by the notion that the bar is distinct from the bench in relation to responsibilities around the structure of the Judiciary,” he said

He noted that the bench” should not also be confused with the judiciary, which is a third arm of government, adding that it is a collective responsibility to ensure the independence of the judiciary.

“If bar leaders and every lawyer can understand this basic truth, then I am confident that we will see a better and more vibrant judiciary,’ he said