Adopting the NBA President’s report, NEC noted with concern public statements attributed to the Minister threatening that any faction of the PDP operating a separate secretariat or opening bank accounts outside the recognised structure would have such premises sealed.

The Council emphasized that while political parties may experience internal disputes, the resolution of such disputes must occur strictly within the framework of the law and through constitutionally recognised institutions and procedures.

NEC stated unequivocally that no public office holder possesses unilateral authority to seal private premises, organisations, or institutions except pursuant to lawful procedures, judicial authorisation, and clearly established statutory powers.

The Council warned that public pronouncements capable of conveying threats of extra-legal action or executive overreach undermine constitutional governance and risk eroding public confidence in democratic institutions.

NEC therefore called on the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and all public office holders to exercise restraint in both conduct and public communication, and to remain guided at all times by the Constitution, the rule of law, and the principles of democratic accountability.

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NEC expressed grave concern over reports of harassment, violence, destruction of businesses, and threats to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians residing in South Africa.

The Council described xenophobic violence as a grave violation of fundamental human rights and inconsistent with the principles of human dignity, African unity, and mutual respect among nations.

NEC stated that the targeting of individuals based on nationality is unacceptable and must not be tolerated in any society governed by the rule of law.

The Council called on the Government of South Africa to take urgent and concrete measures to end xenophobic attacks, ensure the protection of all persons within its jurisdiction, and hold perpetrators accountable.

NEC also urged the Nigerian Government to take proactive diplomatic and consular measures to safeguard the rights, safety, and welfare of Nigerians residing in South Africa.

The Council further resolved that a formal letter be transmitted to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to immediately take concrete diplomatic and humanitarian steps to ensure the safety, protection, and where necessary, the safe evacuation and return of Nigerians affected by the attacks.

NEC emphasized that no Nigerian citizen living abroad should be abandoned in the face of violence, intimidation, or targeted attacks, and stressed that the protection of citizens remains a fundamental responsibility of every government.

The Council further emphasized that African nations must remain committed to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and the protection of all persons regardless of nationality

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Anoruo, who operates a legal and educational consultancy in the Ikorodu area of Lagos, was arrested by EFCC operatives on Monday, April 20, 2026.

His case began after he submitted a petition dated September 22, 2025 to the EFCC, on behalf of his clients, against the management of a company, Global West Vessel Specialist Nigeria Limited.

However, investigations revealed that both the petition and the subsequent Letter of Withdrawal dated March 5, 2026, bore a forged seal of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, which Anoruo confessed to have obtained from an undisclosed business centre in Lagos.

During investigations,the 55-year-old claimed that although he obtained a Law degree in 2018 from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, through evening classes, he did not attend the Nigerian Law School.

The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

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According to reports, the learned trial judge, in response to counsel raising his voice while addressing the court on the suitability of a hearing date, directed the lawyer to step out of the Bar and kneel down, alongside issuing threats of committal for contempt.

The NBA views this development with utmost seriousness, given its implications for the dignity of the legal profession and the sanctity of the courtroom.

The courtroom is a temple of justice, governed by law, procedure, and decorum. While judges are vested with the authority to maintain order and discipline in their courts, such authority must be exercised strictly within the bounds of the law and established judicial standards. The power to punish for contempt is well recognised; however, it is circumscribed by defined legal procedures designed to ensure fairness, objectivity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all persons appearing before the court.

A judex directing a legal practitioner or indeed any person whatsoever to kneel in court is not a recognised judicial sanction under our laws and does not align with the standards of judicial conduct expected on the Bench. The dignity of the court must be preserved not only in outcome but also in process, and this includes the manner in which judicial authority is exercised. If a judge is of the view that a person has acted in a manner that is contemptuous of the court, the judge MUST follow the accepted way of conducting proceedings for such allegations.

We reiterate that legal practitioners bear a corresponding duty to conduct themselves with restraint, professionalism, and respect for the court at all times. While lawyers are entitled, indeed obligated, to advocate firmly and fearlessly on behalf of their clients, such advocacy must always be exercised within the bounds of courtesy and decorum. Disagreements with the court, no matter how strongly felt, must be expressed through proper legal channels and not in a manner that disrupts proceedings or undermines the authority of the court.

The legal profession thrives on a delicate but essential balance, one rooted in mutual respect between the Bar and the Bench. This relationship is fundamental to the administration of justice and must be jealously guarded.

The NBA calls for calm and restraint on all sides and urges that any grievances arising from courtroom incidents be addressed through appropriate institutional and disciplinary mechanisms. Where necessary, the Association will engage with relevant authorities to ensure that the rule of law, professional standards, and judicial ethics are upheld.

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