by 
By Raphael Christopher a Senior
Member of Enugu Bar
In the midst of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an unprecedented and wanton destruction of court buildings, judges chambers, law offices throughout the length and breadth of our dear country.
This destruction of hallowed court buildings, judges chambers and law offices has meant that many livelihoods of many lawyers are destroyed and their offices and properties are no more. The many years of toil, hard work, files, documents and the tools of our trade has been either looted, burnt to destroyed and are irretrievably lost for ever.
I, the affected lawyers colleagues, their staff and all our colleagues are in a state of disbelief and shock at the tragedy of their plight which happened through no fault of their own. We thank God that no lives was lost but on the other hand, their livelihoods have been lost and they are now in very urgent need of palliatives and support to assist them to feed and clothe themselves and their families especially in these times when no court is open and most clients have also been affected by the ongoing riots in which some have lost all their possessions to hoodlums.
As we pick up the pieces, and work with the Government to restore normalcy, in the interim, may I propose the following suggestions to the Nigerian Bar Association for its consideration and action:
- Request every state Bar association to ask their members who have suffered the loss of their offices and livelihoods to make themselves known to their association as soon as possible.
- The list of those affected can then be forwarded to the National Office of the Nigerian Bar association.
- Palliatives can then be organised and distributed timeously with support and counselling for those whose mental wellbeing has been adversely affected by the recent events.
Let us not forget that some of our lawyers colleagues mental well being have been also affected by the general insecurity and the harrowing experiences they suffered at the hands of the hoodlums. For them, I would suggest the NBA dialogue with mental health and counselling practitioners to staff statewide mental wellbeing support line where affected lawyers colleagues can contact to receive much needed help and support to enable their mental wellbeing improve and find new strategies and strength to continue practicing law and not be disillusioned.
I believe if the above is done timeously, many of our colleagues would be helped and in some cases, their lives would be saved and their faith in the Nigerian Bar Association well rewarded and this will also go a long way to improve morale amongst our colleagues and ensure an all inclusive bar where every member matters.
Given the economic situation, I know that there may be constraints in the what palliatives or packages may be available isn’t half bread always better than none?
Thank you.
Raphael Christopher is a Lawyer and Author.
