The Nigerian Bar Association has directed lawyers in its 88 branches across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to stay away from courts on Friday as it embarks on a national protest to register its grievances against the conduct of the last general election.

The association said the decision was sequel to the resolution of its National Executive Committee meeting, held in Lagos on May 10.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the NBA‘s President, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), and made available to our correspondent in Lagos on Sunday.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, also supported the protest, saying the decision was the best that the Agbakoba-led executives had taken since assuming leadership of the association.

The NBA also stated that the decision was taken to highlight reports by domestic and international observers, including NBA election monitors, that the results of the poll were massively rigged and did not reflect the intent of Nigerians.

But the association urged the aggrieved parties to use constitutional means to register their protest and utilize the election petitions tribunal.

The NBA said,”NBA considers the mismanagement of the 2007 general election, as a grave blow to the rule of law and democracy in Nigeria.

Commenting on the proposed strike, Fawehinmi, in a statement made available to our correspondent in Lagos on Sunday said,”This is the best decision that the executive of the NBA has taken since coming into office in August 2006.

”I completely and unreservedly support the decision and I appeal to all judges throughout the federation and lawyers serving various governments at state and federal levels to join forces with practicing lawyers to make the boycott completely total and absolutely successful.

”I agree with the NBA that the product of the corruption of 14 and 21 April, 2007 whether they are President-elect or Governor-elect cannot lay claim to any legitimacy.

”It is my hope that all the election tribunals in this country will do what is right otherwise our democracy will be doomed forever.”