The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has restored the former Attorney General of Abia State, Uche Ihediwa, with his rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
Recall that the former Attorney General was accused of conducting himself in a manner incompatible with the dignity of the rank of a senior advocate.
The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) had suspended the former Attorney General of Abia State, Uche Ihediwa from further using the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) pending the outcome of some investigations against him.
In a letter dated 12th February, 2025 signed by Hajo Sarki Bello, the Secretary of LPPC reads ” The Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, LPPC at its 163rd General meeting held on the 1st of July,2024 suspended Chief Uche C Ihediwa ( SAN) From further use of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria based on a petition received by the LPPC ”
“The LPPC, on the 6th of February, 2025,after consideration of all material facts, resolved to restore Chief Uche C Ihediwa to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.
” Pursuant to the committee decision, Chief Uche C Ihediwa is hereby restored to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, with effect from the 6th of February, 2025.” The statement reads.
In December 2023, the President of the NBA, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Yakubu Maikyau, had written to the then Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the LPPC, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, to complain that Mr Ihediwa conducted himself in a manner incompatible with the dignity and honor of the rank of SAN.
The NBA former President specifically cited an incident at the 2023 International Bar Association Conference in Paris where Mr Ihediwa alleged during a showcase session that monies exchanged hands in the process of appointment of judges in Abia State when he served as the Attorney General of the state.
At the session, Mr Ihediwa had alleged that when he served as member of the Judicial Service Commission, lawyers, who were members of the Commission, received bribes of up to Ten Milion Naira, to influence the appointments of Judicial Officers.
The ex- NBA President said by announcing the said allegations against judicial officers at the session instead of reporting to the appropriate authorities to discipline the affected persons, Mr Ihediwa acted unprofessionally and conducted himself in a manner which adversely affect the administration of justice as listeners will cease to have respect for Nigerian judges and the judiciary.
The former President also noted that it is the duty of every lawyer to report any breach of the rules of professional conduct that comes to his knowledge to the appropriate authorities for necessary disciplinary action and subsequent attempts by him to get information about the breach from Mr Ihediwa to enable the Association make formal complaints to the relevant body so that criminal investigation and possible prosecution may be commenced against them, were not acknowledged.
