The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’adu Abubakar, Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, and South African politician, Julius Malema, have urged Nigerian lawyers to uphold justice and ensure that the rights of the poor are protected.
Their message came during the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual Conference, held on Sunday at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, under the theme, ‘Stand Out And Stand Tall’.
Addressing participants, the Sultan of Sokoto stressed the critical role of law in maintaining order and fairness within society. He stated that law exists to promote justice, safeguard rights, resolve disputes, and provide a foundation for social progress.
He explained that beyond its immediate impact, the law is a driver of economic and social growth by creating a stable environment for business transactions and fostering social transformation through responsive legislation. According to him, societies without the rule of law risk falling into disorder, lacking mechanisms to regulate relationships, enforce accountability, or guarantee fairness.
“Today, justice is becoming a purchasable commodity. The poor suffer miscarriages of justice, while the rich commit crimes and freely walk the streets,” the Sultan declared.
He commended the choice of the conference theme, describing it as a call to action for lawyers to stand firm in defense of the rule of law and ensure accountability for all, including those in positions of power. The Sultan emphasized that justice and governance cannot thrive without meaningful reforms, urging lawyers to pursue continuous legal reforms that decolonise outdated statutes, reflect cultural values, and promote sustainability while advancing social justice.
Declaring the conference open, Governor Peter Mbah spoke on the ongoing judicial reforms in Enugu State. He explained that his administration is focused on building a justice system that is fair, functional, and trusted by the people.
The governor highlighted several achievements, including granting financial autonomy to the judiciary in line with provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), ensuring efficiency and independence of the courts. He added that his administration had invested heavily in the rehabilitation and digitisation of courts across Enugu’s three senatorial districts. The High Court Complex, he noted, had been equipped with e-filing facilities to improve judicial processes.
Governor Mbah also pointed out that the Enugu Multi-Door Courthouse had been expanded and strengthened, making it a leading institution for commercial and family dispute resolution in the region.
On his part, Julius Malema reminded participants that lawyers have historically played central roles in liberation movements by serving as interpreters of laws and defenders of those without a voice.
Malema explained that while activists protest on the streets and governments pass legislation, it is the lawyers who take the responsibility of enforcing justice in the courts. He argued that the profession requires sacrifice, intellect, and careful interpretation to guarantee fairness and democratic progress both now and in the future.
The President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, commended Governor Mbah for hosting the event and appreciated Malema for delivering the keynote address. According to Osigwe, Malema’s presence at the conference reflected the connection between the Nigerian legal profession and broader African struggles for justice, sovereignty, and economic independence.
Osigwe also urged Nigerian lawyers to support the country’s transformation by fighting corruption, championing regulatory reforms, promoting infrastructure development, encouraging innovation, and deepening digital literacy.
In his contribution, the Enugu NBA Chairman, Chief Venatus Odoh, praised the association’s historic role in protecting the rule of law and democracy in Nigeria. He expressed gratitude to everyone who made it possible for the 2025 NBA Annual Conference to be hosted in Enugu, describing the event as a milestone for the legal community.
What you should know
The NBA Annual Conference in Enugu brought together influential voices like Sultan Sa’adu Abubakar, Governor Peter Mbah, and Julius Malema, all stressing that lawyers must protect the poor, uphold justice, and strengthen Nigeria’s legal system.
Their call reinforced the profession’s central role in driving reforms, ensuring fairness, and shaping a just society.
