Akwa Ibom human rights community has suggested a conciliatory approach to resolving the sentencing to one month jail a Lagos-based rights Lawyer, Inibehe Effiong by the State Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ekaette Obot.
This is contained in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Mr. Clifford Thomas (Esq), and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Uyo.
The statement reads: “We call on all who intends to intervene in this matter, to exercise restraint. This matter is very sensitive, and the best approach we suggest now would be a conciliatory approach. There would appear to be rights on all sides, but caution is necessary.
“Sadly, we feel strongly that advocacy by Lawyers in Courts in Akwa Ibom State would be greatly impacted. Lawyers may no longer feel very free to do their advocacy freely. A precedent has been set, and human rights advocates may end up becoming victims of the process.
“We resolve that adoption of the middle of the Road and conciliatory approach to see how best to placate the situation without necessarily widening the chasm further. Every Court globally have standard operating procedures, and all advocates appearing before them must follow the set procedures.
“Respect must be accorded the courts. Applications by motions should be taken in line with extant procedures, and the Rules of courts should be followed, barring any powers of discretion of courts permitted by the Rules.
