Abuja: Catholic lawyers in Nigeria have been called to show strong moral leadership by rejecting bribery and defending honesty in the country’s legal system. The appeal was made during a Mass held at the beginning of the legal year in the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.
Edward Orgah the National President of the National Association of Catholic Lawyers said Nigerian society is losing trust in the justice system because of corruption. He urged lawyers to see their work not just as a job but as a mission to serve God and protect human dignity.
“Do not give a bribe do not take a bribe and do not help anyone to give or take a bribe” Orgah told the gathering. He encouraged lawyers to act in ways that show fairness compassion and respect for the law.
Orgah acknowledged that corruption exists in many areas of the legal system. But he also said there are honest and responsible judges and lawyers who serve the nation with dedication. Some judges he added are unfairly blamed for wrong actions done by others working under them.
He highlighted the work Catholic lawyers are already doing especially offering free legal help to people in need. Many inmates in prisons have received legal assistance and some dioceses have received help in solving land-related legal issues. However he noted that lack of financial support still limits many good projects.
Orgah said true reform will not happen only through new rules but through personal commitment and integrity. He encouraged Catholic lawyers to be examples of clean and courageous leadership in a system where corruption has become common.
His message comes at a time when many legal experts civil society groups and religious leaders are calling for ethical reforms in Nigeria’s justice sector. Several recent reports and discussions have warned that corruption is weakening public trust and harming fair access to justice.
Orgah ended his message with a reminder that justice is not just a court process but a moral duty. He asked Catholic lawyers to be proud bearers of truth and to keep hope alive for a fairer justice system in Nigeria.