By Peter Dansu The Nigerian Bar Association, Badagry Branch, has honoured the Member representing Badagry Federal Constituency in the Hous...
By Peter Dansu
The Nigerian Bar Association, Badagry Branch, has honoured the Member representing Badagry Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, with the 2025 Heritage Bar Annual Law Week Ambassador Award.
The award was presented on Tuesday during the 2025 Heritage Bar Annual Law Week in Badagry, in recognition of Whingan’s contributions to justice reform, community-based legal advocacy, and efforts to expand access to legal remedies across the constituency.
Addressing prominent members of the Bar and Bench, Whingan said the honour was deeply humbling, especially coming from an institution he described as a guardian of justice. He noted that the judiciary faces new and complex challenges in today’s digital world, where misinformation spreads quickly and can damage public trust within minutes.
He warned that a single misleading video or manipulated online narrative has the power to erode confidence in the courts—confidence that took decades to build. According to him, silence in the face of digital falsehoods is dangerous and must be actively countered by legal professionals and other stakeholders.
Whingan reminded lawyers that defending the integrity of the judiciary is not only an ethical duty but a national responsibility. He described the courts as the last line between order and chaos, stressing that their reputation should be protected like any other national asset.
The lawmaker also highlighted some of his efforts at the National Assembly, pointing to motions and petitions he has sponsored on issues ranging from police shootings to regulatory lapses. These interventions, he said, are aimed at ensuring justice is not just theoretical but practical for ordinary Nigerians, including the people of Badagry.
He emphasised that safeguarding the justice system cannot be left to the judiciary alone. According to him, the Bar, the Bench, lawmakers, security institutions, the media, and the wider public all have roles to play. When citizens lose faith in the courts, he noted, they turn to self-help and violence—a path the country must not travel.
Whingan pledged to continue working with stakeholders in the legal community to strengthen judicial integrity, enhance access to justice, and encourage the responsible use of digital tools.
“As a legislator and as a son of this ancient town, I will keep working with all stakeholders to build a justice system that is strong, modern, and uncompromised,” he said.
He dedicated the award to the people of Badagry, praising their resilience and the trust they continue to place in his leadership.
The Heritage Bar Law Week brought together leading figures in the legal profession, including the NBA President, High Chief Mazi Afam Osigwe SAN, keynote speaker High Chief Emeka Ozoani SAN, and Justice Olufemi Adamson, who chaired the event. The programme featured panel discussions and reflections on how to protect judicial institutions amid rising digital-age challenges.
No comments