By thompson agu, Abuja
A renowned lawyer and Imo state-born Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Chief Barr Chukwuma Ekomaru is facing a task in his professional career as the Nigerian Body of Benchers is hearing a case brought against him by a former House of Representatives Member from the State, Hon Austine Nwachukwu.
Our reporter in Abuja who is monitored the development noted that following disaffection between Ekomaru and the former Member who represented Okigwe South Federal Constituency between 2007 to 2011, the Ex Lawmaker reported the SAN to the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA Executive who after handling the matter wrote a report to the Body of Benchers; the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.
In a letter dated 8th October, 2013 and addressed to the affected parties titled RE: BBLPDC/132 NBA V CHUKWUMA EKOMARU (SAN) and signed by Bala Yabo (Miss) for the Secretary, the parties were invited to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee Session scheduled for Wednesday, October 30th, 2013 at the Court of Appeal, Abuja.
Trumpeta learnt that Hon Nwachukwu accused Ekomaru of professional misconduct by allegedly collecting an amount of money from him for the purpose instituting a case against Arik as well as allegedly collecting vital election items from him against his opponent Prof Uwazuruike and Member representing Obowo/Ihitte Uboma and Ehime Mbano Fed Constituency and thereafter became Uwazuruike’s lawyer in the court matter.
When the matter came up yesterday, the Seven-man panel with former NBA Chairman, Jacob Dawodu as head requested the parties to exchange/service address before adjourning to December 4, 2013 for further hearing.
In the course of the deliberation, Ekomaru’s lawyer, Alex Iziyon (SAN) raised an objection concerning the membership of Dawodu who was asked to step aside for certain reasons. The panel ruled it out on the premise that it hinges on NBA politics.
When contacted on phone for comments, Ekomaru disclosed that he has no reaction since the matter is in court.
