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The Presiding Judge, Yenagoa Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court, Hon. Justice Polycarp Hamman, on Tuesday, 28th of October, 2025, at his office in Yenagoa, received the Executive team of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yenagoa Branch on a courtesy visit.
Justice Polycarp reiterated that the Bar and the Bench cannot be separated, because they both have the same objective, which is the attainment of justice; that the need for proper synergy cannot be over-emphasized.
Justice Polycarp appreciated the new Executive team of the Yenagoa Branch for their gesture and commended the role played by the Branch during the kidnap and eventual release of Hon. Justice E.G. Omukoro.
His Lordship stressed that the specialized nature of the Court made the Court procedure quite different from other superior courts of records, and urged the Bar Executives to educate their members on the need to avoid applications that tend to delay the court's proceedings.
Justice Polycarp reassured that the Court does not have the luxury of time to waste on its adjudication mandate, as the era of technicalities is gone and it has no place in the Industrial Court.
My lord encouraged the NBA Yenagoa branch to draw the Court's attention to any issue of concern where necessary, so that the issue can be properly addressed in the interest of justice.
In his remarks, the Branch Chairman, Clement Bibisa Kekemeke Esq., expressed appreciation to His Lordship for the warm reception. Mr Clement stated that since the inception of the current Executive Committee, the Executives have been meeting with critical stakeholders, and the NICN is one of such to solidify the relationship between the Bar and Bench.
While acknowledging the Industrial Court as a specialized Court, Barrister Clement urged the Court to further promote the Human Capital Development of Research Assistants and Para-legal staff in the area of capacity building to meet the demands of the litigants.
On the attitude of the Court to lawyers, the Branch Chairman lauded Justice Polycarp's calm disposition during court proceedings and how lawyers are treated with respect and understanding, and urged Justice Polycarp to maintain the attitude.
The Branch Chairman, Clement Bibisa Kekemeke Esq, also used the medium to inform His Lordship about the Bar/Bench Relations Committee, chaired by a very reputable senior member of the Branch, Chief Francis I. Ikio, where complaints about erring lawyers, as a result of unanticipated frictions before the Court, can be made. Barrister Clement, however, assured My Lord Justice Polycarp that the Bar will not encourage misconduct and/or disrespect to the Court at any time.
The Divisional registrar of the Yenagoa Division, Barrister Anselem Ejiogu was also in attendance.
