LAWYER APOLOGISED TO THE CHIEF JUDGE OF ANAMBRA STATE AND THE PRESIDING MAGISTRATE OVER VIRAL VIDEO

The recent report of corrupt practice and extortion of money against 3 clerks of court 2 in the Chief Magistrate court Awka on 9th August 2024 which went viral has been withdrawn by the petitioner, Emenike Chioke Esq.

In a letter dated 10th September 2024, addressed to the Hon. Chief Judge of Anambra State, the lawyer stated thus,” that I acted instantaneously out of imminent fear of my client’s personal liberty being jeopardized for no just cause”… ..“that I sincerely regret the reactions that trailed the video which I posted only on my personal page especially against Anambra State Judiciary and the presiding magistrate “

He stated that he wish to hereby withdraw the said petition against the said Clerks of the court. It will be recalled that the said viral video caught the attention of every one on the internet especially members of the legal profession.

The said lawyer was also recently on channel television to discuss the same petition. Today he has made a u- turn by writing to the Hon Chief judge of the State and no longer on the internet or tik tok where the said complaint was first circulated.

To be fair with the petitioner, a careful look at the said viral video shows that the complaint was actually not indicting the state judiciary nor the presiding Magistrate but against the 3 clerks of court in the said video. No doubt, he acted impulsively and instantaneously in total disregard to the consequences.

By tagging the viral video” see the judiciary” it means he was also inerdvertently attacking the institution which is the judiciary. Again, by reporting that the clerks of courts told him that the demand was for signing of the bail bond and he failed to confirm if the demand was in fact made the Magistrate before going viral is capable of denting the name of that court especially from the view of those who are jealous of his performance in the system.

The resort to viral video is to say the least improper and unacceptable as a member of the legal proffession who ought to know the right channel to redress a wrong in a sensitive arm of government like the judiciary. This is because judicial officers cannot respond to any such allegation online.

Again,we cannot pretend not to know that extortion of money by workers cut across all public sectors and service. Whether the demand was made is a matter of evidence but no litigant or lawyer will likely part with his money especially in this period of hardship unless the demand is made using the authority of the court or a boss. Even some mischievous lawyers do use the name of courts to get higher bargain for proffessional fees.

It is hoped that the recent viral video will no doubt curtail and reduce the level of extortions in the civil service not just in the judiciary. Government should also on thier part endeavour to ensure a bether condition of service for these workers who are operating under severe hard working condition and without them the public service will collapse.