The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has pleaded with the abductors of the former president of the body, Okey Wali, SAN, to release him unconditionally.
Wali was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Monday, on the East–West Road, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State by unidentified gunmen.
In a statement signed by NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, he appealed to Wali’s abductors not to harm the former NBA boss and assured of NBA’s full support to the family.
” Okey Wali, SAN was the 26th President of the NBA and has served this nation in varying capacities, contributing immensely to the growth of legal practice and in the promotion and entrenchment of the rule of law.
“He is a known philanthropist who has helped in the development of his community in no small measure.
“I, therefore, plead with the abductors not to harm Wali and make a passionate appeal for his release to his family.
“Okey Wali, SAN as the 26th President of the NBA and has served this nation in varying capacities, contributing immensely to the growth of legal practice and in the promotion and entrenchment of the rule of law.
“He is a known philanthropist who has helped in the development of his community in no small measure.
“I, therefore, plead with the abductors not to harm Wali and make a passionate appeal for his release to his family.
“The NBA stands with and assures his family of our full support in this trying period, even as we join in praying for his safe return home,” NBA President said.
The NBA also noted that this ugly incident is yet another sad reminder of the weakness in the nation’s security system and the need for government to live up to the constitutional duty of providing for the welfare and security of all Nigerians.
“We urge the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, to leave no stone unturned as they work towards the safe release of our dear learned friend,” he said.
Recalls that this was the second time Wali would be abducted by kidnappers. The first incident occured at Rumualogu in Port Harcourt on October 15, 2014 while on his way to visit his brother in the neighbourhood
Similalrly, Architect Tonye Cole, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has called for the release of the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Okey Wali, SAN.
In a statement on Wednesday, Cole urged the police to ensure his speedy release. He also comiserated with the families of Wali’s aides who lost their lives during the abduction.
He said “I have received the sad news of the kidnap of Barr. Okey Wali SAN, a former Commissioner for Justice / Attorney General of Rivers State and the 26th President of the Nigerian Bar Association, after his convoy was attacked along East-West Road, Port Harcourt.
“Barr. Wali, SAN has served his community, Nigeria and the world in various capacities and has contributed immensely to the growth of the legal practice in Rivers State and Nigeria. Barr. Wali, SAN is a well-respected philanthropist who has spent his resources to develop his community, Akpor Kingdom and Obio Akpor Local Government Area.
“I plead with the abductors to not harm Mr. Wali, and passionately appeal that he is released to his family.
“I assure his family of our unwavering support through these trying times even as we join others in praying for his safe return.
“I commiserate deeply with the families of those who lost their lives during this sad incident.
“This despicable event is a sad reminder of the sorry state of the security system in Rivers State. We owe ourselves a duty as a people to shun all forms of violence, brigandage and criminal activities regardless of the circumstances.
“I urge The Inspector General of Police, Director General of the DSS, The Rivers State Commissioner of Police and The Rivers State Director of the DSS to ensure all hands are on deck to secure the immediate release of Mr. Wali”
