Protocols
I am
delighted to address this distinguished gathering on the occasion of the 2018
Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association. Let me thank your
Association for the invitation to declare this Conference open and to express
my hope that the Conference will consolidate the position of the NBA as a prime
stakeholder in our national affairs.
2. I am
informed that with an average attendance of over 10,000 participants, this
Conference represents one of the largest single gathering of lawyers anywhere
in the world. I congratulate you all for this achievement which is a plus for
our nation.
3. The theme
of this 2018 NBA Conference — “Transition, Transformation and Sustainable
Institutions” — is one which is apt in the light of our contemporary domestic
and global challenges. I also consider it significant in view of the fact that
it demonstrates the willingness of the NBA to address issues, not only related
to the immediate practice of law but more importantly, to solutions of wider
society’s problems.
4. Since the
inauguration of this administration, I have had the privilege of observing at
first hand how societies experience transition, attempt transformation and
build or strengthen institutions to manage these processes.
5. As you
will recall, this administration’s emergence marked the first successful
civilian transition in Nigeria’s democratic history, following the outcome of
the 2015 General Elections.
6. Given the
enormity of the challenges we inherited and the yearnings of a citizenry
earnestly desirous of a new way of running national affairs, our first
challenge was to transform our country speedily into a society where impunity
in the management of national resources would be replaced with a culture of
accountability and transparency. We needed to deploy our resources to address
our common needs rather than the greed of a callous few.
7. In order
to achieve this, we have had to disrupt age-old assumptions and unsettle
ancient norms in the management of our national patrimony, as you have all
witnessed in the last three years.
8. While we
have made appreciable progress in several sectors, including public awareness
of the need to challenge the corrupt and the brazen in our midst, we have also
learnt useful lessons on the dynamism of our society. However, elements within
every society, including some lawyers, can equally become unduly resistant to
change, even where it is proven that such change is to serve the interest of
the larger society. At worst, corruption fights back.
9. As we
gradually move into another season of intense political activities preparatory
to the 2019 General Elections, I enjoin you to remember that by reason of your
profession, you all have a responsibility to work for national cohesion and
unity through your speeches and public positions and most importantly in your
advocacy in court.
10. In the
context of opinions and narratives about our past and present political and
socio-economic experience, you cannot afford to jettison rational and proper analysis
of issues in a manner which builds, rather than destroys the nation. I also
urge you to work to uphold and improve the sanctity and integrity of our
judicial and electoral institutions which play a fundamental role in the
sustenance and growth of our democracy.
11. However,
let me remind you all, my dear compatriots, that the law can only be optimally
practiced in a Nigeria that is safe, secure and prosperous.
12. As you
go into this Annual Conference, let me assure you of the resolve of this
administration to promote measures that will achieve a vibrant economy under
which the practice of law will thrive.
13. Through
fiscal discipline, good housekeeping, we navigated the difficult days of
economic transformation at the beginning of this Government in 2015 and have
now come to improving economic indices, including the consistent increase in
our foreign reserves; thirteen straight months of decreasing inflation; the
expansion of social safety nets programmes as well as the blockages of
historical drain pipes in our national treasury, all within the context of the
Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
14. It is
equally significant to emphasize that our willingness to hold persons
accountable for offences against society, through the judicial process, will
equally transform the future of public service in Nigeria in a positive manner.
15. I
believe that lawyers can contribute to another core objective of enhancing our
business environment and promoting social justice by promoting respect for the
Rule of Law; contributing to the law reform process and putting national
interest and professional ethics above self in the conduct of their business.
16. Rule of
Law must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national
interest. Our apex court has had cause to adopt a position on this issue in
this regard and it is now a matter of judicial recognition that; where national
security and public interest are threatened or there is a likelihood of their
being threatened, the individual rights of those allegedly responsible must
take second place, in favour of the greater good of society.
17. I trust
that this Conference will achieve tremendous success and I urge you all to
participate actively in its various intellectual and social activities in order
to build new bonds and strengthen old relationships. I congratulate the
incoming National Executive of the NBA led by Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, and wish
them a successful tenure in the task of advancing legal practice in Nigeria.
18. In
conclusion, may I wish you all, once more, a very fruitful Conference. It is my
hope that the outcome of your deliberations will impact positively on the
socio-economic fortunes of our country and Africa in the years ahead and
improve access of the poor and under-privileged in our society to justice. I
look forward to reading the concusions of your conference.
19. Your
Excellencies, My Lords, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen of the Bar, it is
now my pleasure to declare the 2018 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Bar
Association open.
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