CITIZENS COMPASS— The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Epe Branch, Lagos State, yesterday, warned its members to desist from abusive, offensive and unprofessional conducts on social media.
NBA Epe Branch sounded the warning in a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Tansiru Ogunlaja, Esq, who said that professional responsibility does not end at the courtroom.
According to the statement: The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Epe Branch, has taken note of the recent warning attributed to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) concerning sanctions against lawyers over abusive, offensive and unprofessional social media posts.
The Epe Branch considers the development a timely reminder to all members of the noble profession that professional responsibility does not end at the courtroom, office no, restraint, decorum and respect for the dignity of the legal profession.
Members are therefore strongly admonished to be careful in their dealings and communications, particularly on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and other social media platforms.
Members are urged to avoid:
Abusive, insulting or defamatory publications against colleagues, judicial officers, clients or members of the public;
Personal attacks disguised as professional criticism;
Reckless allegations capable of damaging the reputation of individuals or institutions;
Publishing confidential information relating to clients or pending matters;
Conduct capable of bringing the legal profession into disrepute; and
Engaging in unnecessary online confrontations and exchanges.
A moment of anger online can create consequences that may last for years.
Members should therefore pause and consider the professional, ethical and legal implications of every publication before posting.
The NBA Epe Branch further encourages members who disagree with colleagues or institutions to utilise appropriate professional, disciplinary and legal channels rather than resorting to abusive exchanges on social media.
The Branch remains committed to promoting professionalism, discipline, mutual respect and the rule of law among its members.
We urge every member to remember that we are lawyers first, and our conduct; online and offline must reflect the dignity of the profession we represent.
