Our prayers to the victims and their families as another petrol tanker accident happens in Nigeria. According to BBC World Service, this morning, more than 90 people died when a tanker exploded as people gathered to scoop fuel. The accident took place in Jigawa. We truly pray for strength to all affected.
But as that happens, I want to ask the Nigerian judiciary/National Assembly to consider making some changes in our rulebook. I know nothing about the law but that does not mean I cannot comment as a citizen. My understanding is that in Nigeria, the ethical rules governing legal practice forbid open advertisements. In other words, a lawyer cannot openly go to a newspaper, TV station, etc and advertise for clients.
I find that rule very intriguing since after used car salespeople, in America, lawyers possibly hold the ace on local advertising. Yes, they advertise everywhere – TVs, billboards, radios, etc. Does it mean the US legal system is not ethical? What is wrong advertising for the “wronged” to come out to get help. I do not get the “ethical issue” here. “I am a lawyer, I sue companies which make bad medical equipment. If you have been a victim of ABC product, call me. I will get help for you”. What is unethical about this?
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Good People, can Nigeria change this rule so that victims and lawyers can sue the owners of these trucks in GROUPS. Yes, I do think that the Nigerian legal system should allow lawyers/law firms to advertise under class action [a civil lawsuit where a group of people with similar claims are represented by one or more plaintiffs] and recruit clients so that we can put pressure on the many issues in the nation including the use of dangerous petrol tankers on the road.
Those trucks keep breaking. If the owners know the consequences, hopefully breakdowns will drop as class action can put legal pains on the owners. (The fuel scoopers are not my focus here)
In America, everyone fears trial lawyers but those trial lawyers will not work without the ability to use Facebook, TVs, radios, etc, to recruit victims which strengthen their cases. In Nigeria, I am told that such open recruitments are illegal and unethical…WHY and HOW?
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