By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Lawyers in Anambra State are set to boycott Courts in the state from Tuesday, May 27, 2024 over the recent resurgence of insecurity in the State and targeted attacks on members of the Bar and the Bench.

This was contained in an official memo signed by I. C. Nsofor Esq,

Chairman, Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries on behalf of NBA Branches in Anambra State and minuted to all courts in the state through the Hon Chief Judge and through the admin Judges of various judicial divisions.

The memo dated 20th May, 2024 with caption, “Boycott of Courts By Lawyers from Tuesday, 21ST May, 2024 To Monday 27th May, 2024”, described as worrisome the spate of kidnap of lawyers in the state, noting that they are fast becoming endangered species.

The memo partly reads: “This is to inform your Lordship that while lawyers are yet to recover from the shock of the kidnap of the Secretary of Idemili Branch of NBA, C. J. S. Azoro, Esq, the Vice Chairman of NBA Ihiala Branch and Principal State Counsel, Awa P. Awa, Esq. was gruesomely murdered by unidentified gunmen at Okija on Sunday 19th May, 2024.

“The recent resurgence of insecurity in the State and targeted attacks on members of the Bar and the Bench is worrisome as lawyers are fast becoming endangered species.

“In consequence thereof, following the emergency meeting of the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of the Bar Branches in Anambra State on Monday 20th May, 2024, it is resolved as follows:-

“There shall be a boycott of courts in Anambra State by lawyers from Tuesday 21st May, 2024 to Monday 27th May, 2024.

“This is to enable lawyers in the State protest and address the state of insecurity in the State as there is palpable fear of insecurity in the State by lawyers and no one knows who may be next.

“There shall be a peaceful protest of all lawyers in Anambra State on Thursday, 23rd May, 2024, to be followed by a Press Conference.

“We pray that you graciously bring this Notice to the attention of other Courts in the State/Judicial Division.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this might cause.

“Accept the assurances of our highest regards.”

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