Former governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abubakar (SAN), has said that for a lawyer to carry out his various functions towards charting a more balanced and progressive society, he must be an embodiment of justice.

Abubakar stated this at the first virtual yearly conference of the Nigerian Law Society (NSL) with the theme, ‘Justice for all’. According to him, the phrase, ‘justice for all’, exudes the aura of inclusiveness for all manner of persons in their access to justice. “It conveys the thought of providing and protecting liberty and justice for all individuals regardless of gender, race, economic status, political ideology or religious background,” he said. In his opening remarks as the chairman of the occasion, Abubakar stated that the conference sought to examine the right of legal practitioners in Nigeria to choose which law association they should be part of, while refraining from infringing on another’s enjoyment of the same right. His words: “To provide access to justice, we must uphold justice in all we say and do, such as the right to peaceful assembly and association guaranteed under Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).” President, NLS, Kunle Ogunba (SAN), added that the society is genuinely committed to advancing the legal profession and promoting the rule of law in the country. “I believe that it is this immutable creed against oppression, against the hearing of a lone voice in our legal firmament and when the voice is dimmed or in any manner compromised, it remains our collective slot to bear the silence, thus the necessity for an alternative voice in a community of over 200 million people and in a professional clan of over 200,000 lawyers, thus, a child of necessity albeit in the nomenclature of NLS was born a couple of months back. “Our words should become a symbol of hope and our unity should be consolidated and manifest for the entire world to see,” Ogunba stated. The President, Vox Populi Foundation for Leadership, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN), in his goodwill message, stated that the institutions of justice are the bedrock of the society, safeguarding the principles of fairness, equity, and accountability. “It is incumbent upon us, as members of the legal fraternity, to strengthen and fortify these institutions to ensure they remain unwavering bastions of justice. “It reflects on the freedom of association and its significance in strengthening our legal community. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, let us recognise the value of diverse perspectives, innovative ideas, and collaborative efforts in advancing the cause of justice in Nigeria,” he said. In his keynote address, on the topic ‘Freedom of Association of Legal Practitioners: Navigating the Web of Statutory Professional Regulations’, former chairman of the governing board of Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), stated that freedom of association allows individuals to create and join non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that advocate various causes such as, human rights, environmental protection, healthcare access, and gender equality. These organisations, he said, raise public awareness, influence policies, and hold governments accountable. “Freedom of association is essential for several reasons, it empowers individuals to engage in collective action, amplifying their voices and impact social change. By joining forces, people can address common challenges, promote social justice, and advocate their rights more effectively,” he declared.