Falana rejects SPIDEL’s appointment

Lagos lawyer and a foremost human rights activist, Femi Falana SAN, has declined the appointment offered to him as Chairman of the Public Interest Law Group of the Section on Public Interest Development Law(SPIDEL).

This was disclosed in a letter signed by the learned Silk dated 28th June, and made available to TheNigerialawyer.

Recall that SPIDEL last week announced the appointment of Femi Falana as the chairman of Public Interest Law Group.

Falana in his letter stated “My attention has just been drawn to your decision to appoint me as the Chairman of the Public Interest Law Group of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) of the Nigerian Bar Association.

“I was outside the country last week when you called me and requested me to institute an action in the Federal High Court on behalf of the SPIDEL. I turned down the request on ideological grounds. I was therefore flabbergasted to read of my appointment in the media without any prior consultation with me.

“However, I am compelled to reject the appointment in view of my involvement in a number of human rights cases which are currently pending in domestic and regional courts as well as international tribunals.

“Whilst thanking you in anticipation of your kind understanding, please accept the assurances of my highest considerations.

Reacting to Mr. Falana’s letter turning down the offer of appointment, SPIDEL Chairman, Dr. Monday Ubani, opined that he discussed the issue with Mr Falana SAN while he was abroad. “He even advised that we will ensure that the new Police Act of 2020 is examined to tap the opportunities implicit in it in favour of the teeming population of lawyers.

“There is clearly no issue with his reasons which bothers on ideological differences with NBA and cases he said he is handling in the various courts in Africa.

“We had however needed his experience and expertise on public interest issues where he has naturally excelled which he has a right to withhold.

“The Council will deliberate and find a suitable and worthy replacement in the human rights community soonest.

“We sincerely appreciate Mr falana’s co-operation and advice which he had generously offered before now, and we are ready to demand for more in the future which I am sure he will be ready to offer without any condition.”