Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Ali Ahmad has said that the judiciary in Nigeria is under trial and in need of redemption.

The Speaker said that for redemption to occur, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) must embrace it's obligation and speak up on issues affecting the judiciary with a view to protecting it and saving the nation from ridicule.

A statement issued by the Speaker's Media Aide, Shuaib Abdulkadir on Thursday said Ahmad made the remarks while addressing executives of the Ilorin branch of the NBA in his office.

The statement said Ali Ahmad "lamented situations where judges are falsely accused, hoodwinked, blackmailed and threatened ?before giving judgements, arguing that it posed serious threat to the independence of the judiciary as enshrined in the constitution."

?Ahmad also commended the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria for airing their views on some political trials in the country and encouraged that the NBA must tow the same line and objectively be vocal on the administration of justice in Nigeria. He said, "The NBA does not have to be political, but it must at all times speak up against anything that could threaten the judicial arm of government.

"NBA should speak on our fundamental institution which is the judiciary by supporting judges who are being hoodwinked, blackmailed and threatened. This is due to the fact that not only politicians are on trial but also the judiciary. And NBA must assist in restoring the integrity of the judiciary, otherwise we will be in trouble".

Reacting to the situation where some so- called reputable lawyers are on trial for alleged bribery and corruption, the Speaker advised for prompt internal sanitising of the association. Ahmad also encouraged legal practitioners to actively participate in politics, instead of "leaving it (political offices) for miscreants."