Why LPPC Reinstated Uche Ihediwa as Senior Advocate of Nigeria After Suspension

The Legal Practitioners' Privileges Committee (LPPC) has officially cleared Chief Uche Ihediwa, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Abia State, of all allegations of misconduct, reinstating him to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Ihediwa, who served under the administration of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu from 2015 to 2023, was suspended from using the SAN rank on July 1, 2024, following an investigation into a petition filed against him by former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN).

The petition against Ihediwa stemmed from remarks he allegedly made at the 2023 International Bar Association (IBA) Conference in Paris, where he was accused of asserting that judicial appointments in Abia State during his tenure were influenced by corruption.

Maikyau's petition, addressed to the then Chief Justice of Nigeria and LPPC Chairman, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, claimed that Ihediwa's comments undermined the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary, prompting the LPPC to place him under suspension pending a thorough investigation.

After an extensive review of all material facts, the LPPC, at its 163rd General Meeting held on February 6, 2025, dismissed the allegations and restored Uche Ihediwa's SAN rank.

In an official statement issued on Thursday, the Secretary of the LPPC, Sarki Bello, confirmed the decision, stating:

"The LPPC, at its 163rd General Meeting held on July 1, 2024, suspended Chief Ihediwa (SAN) from further use of the rank of SAN based on a petition received by the LPPC. On February 6, 2025, after a thorough review of all material facts, the LPPC resolved to restore Chief Ihediwa to the rank of SAN.

Pursuant to this decision, Chief Uche Ihediwa is hereby restored to the rank of SAN with effect from February 6, 2025. The general public is hereby informed of this decision."

Chief Uche Ihediwa had earlier denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that his comments were taken out of context and misrepresented. In an exclusive report published by All Facts Newspaper (AFNEWS) at the peak of the controversy, Ihediwa insisted that his statements at the IBA conference were aimed at advocating for transparency and judicial reforms rather than making baseless allegations of corruption.

"I have always stood for due process, transparency, and justice. The allegations against me were not only baseless but also a clear attempt to discredit my contributions to legal reforms in Abia State and Nigeria at large," Ihediwa was quoted as saying in the earlier AFNEWS publication.

Legal experts and political stakeholders in Abia State have hailed the LPPC's ruling as a victory for justice. Many argue that the initial suspension was a result of political maneuvering rather than genuine misconduct.

A senior legal practitioner in Abia, who spoke to AFNEWS, stated:

"This decision reaffirms the integrity of the LPPC's processes. It is evident that Chief Ihediwa's suspension was premature, and we are glad that due diligence has led to his vindication."

With his rank as SAN fully restored, Uche Ihediwa is expected to resume his legal career without further hindrance. His exoneration further underscores the importance of upholding the principles of fairness and justice in legal practice.

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