Judges Decry ‘Social Media Courtrooms’ as NBA Badagry Honours Shippers’ Council CEO Akutah
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Badagry Branch, during its 10th Annual Law Week in Lagos, honoured the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, MON, with the public presentation of the 2nd Edition of the Heritage Bar Journal in his name. The event also doubled as a forum where senior judicial figures warned against the rising wave of social media commentary on court judgments.
A visibly surprised Dr. Akutah praised the organisers for the recognition, reflecting on his years in public service.
“I recall my many years at the Federal Ministry of Justice and the work put into developing the nation’s justice system,” he said. “Sometimes the recognition comes many years later; this honour is one of such. I do not take it for granted… Whatever responsibility you have, put in your very best – this is my advice to those in public service.”
NBA Badagry Branch Chairman, L.A. Rashidi, Esq., described the ceremony as a “great day,” applauding Akutah’s contributions to law and governance. He noted that the event’s theme, “Judicial Reputation in the Digital Age: Challenges and Solutions,” reflected the increasing threat that online commentary poses to the judiciary’s integrity.
Representing the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Obafemi Adamson delivered a stern warning to legal practitioners and citizens who dissect court judgments on social media without understanding the facts.
“Without even seeing the full decision of the court, some persons begin to analyse and say all sorts of things,” he said. “The legal profession is noble, with structures and appropriate channels for grievances. Those dissatisfied with judgments should not turn to social media but to the next higher court.”
He added that criticism often stems from shallow comparisons between cases.
“Lawyers and even non-lawyers sometimes fault judgments because a similar scenario got a different result. But if the parties fail to establish the principles of a previous case, the court may not apply the same conclusion.”
Justice Adamson prayed for the NBA Badagry Branch to grow stronger and for the legal profession to “return to its original honourable state.”
The ceremony drew judges, senior advocates, commissioners, traditional rulers and public officials from within and outside Lagos. Dignitaries included the NBA’s 2nd Vice President, Bolatumi Animashaun, and Chief Osuala Nwagbara, Managing Partner at Maritime and Commercial Law Partners.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the 2nd Edition of the Heritage Bar Journal, which explores contemporary legal issues shaping Nigeria’s justice system.
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