Some lawyers went on a rampage in Lagos on Tuesday over the distribution of bags at the annual general conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The incident took place at Eko Atlantic City, one of the venues of the conference.
The Technical Committee on Conference Planning (TCCP) of the NBA had earlier sent out emails informing lawyers that distribution of conference materials would be suspended due to substandard materials supplied.
In the mail, Tobenna Erojikwe, chairman of TCCP, said: “Regarding the ongoing collection of conference materials, I am writing to update you that we will now pause the collection of conference materials (specifically the conference bags) until further notice.”
“This is because while we have ordered more than enough bags to serve our delegates, we have now observed that the most recent batches of the bags delivered to us are less than the quality that we contracted and paid for.
“We have accordingly rejected them and asked our suppliers to provide conforming replacements as soon as possible.
“In any case, to enable our delegates to continue to enjoy the conference, all other materials (particularly the tags, tickets and lanyards will still be issued to you at the designated collection points. The collection of the bags will resume afterwards.
“I thank you for your understanding and regret any inconvenience that this might cause you.”
However, in a video circulating on social media, lawyers were seen destroying registration booths and looting other conference materials.
When did we start admitting thugs and vandals into this noble profession? This is beyond shameful from people who are supposed to uphold ethics and demonstrate a high sense of decorum. It’s such a terrible sight to behold yesterday and all these elements need to be dealt with pic.twitter.com/uXdBDuS1RR
— Foundational Nupe Lawyer (@Egi_nupe_) August 24, 2022
TheCable understands that it was in the process of distributing the new bags that some lawyers became impatient and a melee ensued.