Credible poll: Lawyers must rise above ‘fat fees’, fight for justice — Mekwunye, SAN

— -Laments absence of ‘lawyer-statemens’

By Henry Ojelu

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Charles Mekwunye, criticised lawyers and judges who facilitate the subversion of electoral justice, warning that the legal profession risks losing its moral authority if practitioners continue to prioritise personal enrichment over national interest.

Mekwunye spoke at the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association Agbor Branch, which was themed “Future Proofing Nigeria’s Democracy: Credible Elections and the Legal Cross-Roads.”

In his keynote speech, the senior lawyer said it is unconstitutional and unpatriotic for lawyers or judges to support actions that frustrate the emergence of candidates genuinely elected by the people.

He argued that the judiciary and members of the legal profession have a duty to protect democracy rather than aid politicians in manipulating electoral outcomes.

“It is wicked and evil for any lawyer or judge to support actions that prevent the law and Constitution from taking their proper course in ensuring that only those truly elected by the people emerge victorious,” he said.

Mekwunye lamented the worsening poverty and hardship in the country, linking it to poor leadership enabled by compromised electoral processes and judicial manipulation.

“When I see the suffering, hunger and loss of dignity among Nigerians, I am convinced that leaders who brought the nation to this level will not escape judgment,” he stated.

The SAN urged senior lawyers to rise above what he described as “fat fees” and use the law as an instrument for social and political transformation.

According to him, lawyers owe a duty not only to clients but also to society and the nation at large.

“We should use the law to protect democracy, hold politicians accountable and educate citizens against selling their votes because their votes determine their economic and social future,” he added.

Mekwunye also lamented the absence of “lawyer-statesmen” in Nigeria’s legal profession.

Referencing comments by human rights advocate Prof Chidi Odinkalu, he warned that it is possible for lawyers to accumulate wealth and win cases while simultaneously weakening the legal system and worsening the condition of ordinary citizens.

Mekwunye recounted his legal battles against certain practices at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, which he claimed were hostile to lawyers and litigants.

He recalled challenging procedural rules and practices introduced by the court, including restrictions on cross‑examination and claims that appeals could not lie against some of its decisions.

The SAN said his challenge eventually culminated in the Supreme Court decision in Skye Bank Plc v. Iwu, which clarified the status and powers of the National Industrial Court.

According to him, some judges reacted negatively to his stance and allegedly imposed punitive costs against him personally in several cases.

He further disclosed that petitions were filed against him when he applied for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2020, allegedly arising from his confrontations with some judges of the National Industrial Court.

Mekwunye said the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee eventually overturned the recommendations against him, paving the way for his elevation to the rank of SAN in 2021.

He used the occasion to urge younger lawyers involved in election petition litigation to embrace what he described as the “five Cs” necessary for legal practice — competence, commitment, courage, compassion and collaboration.

According to him, lawyers must possess the courage to defend justice and the professionalism required to uphold democratic values.

“Life is not worth living if there is no fight in you,” he declared.

He also acknowledged the support of several senior lawyers, including Emeka Ngige, Dokun Makinde and Solomon Olaniyan, who stood by him during his legal battles.

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