The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, has emphasized the crucial role of the legal profession in shaping the destiny of Nigeria.

Speaking at a pre-conference press briefing ahead of the 63rd Annual General Conference, Maikyau expressed his belief that no other profession holds the capacity to steer the country towards progress and development.

The conference, touted as the largest gathering of lawyers globally, is set to convene at the National Stadium in Abuja. Maikyau revealed that over 17,000 legal practitioners have already registered to attend in person, with additional participants joining virtually.

The conference’s theme, “Getting It Right, Charting The Course Of Nigeria’s Nation Building,” reflects the NBA’s mission to galvanize lawyers into playing an active role in building a prosperous nation. Maikyau emphasized the interconnectedness of security, economy, and the administration of justice in achieving national growth.

Maikyau stated, “Without peace and security in the nation, we are not going to experience any national growth. Therefore, discussions at the conference will focus on these three thematic areas. They are all interwoven and they are elements responsible for the recovery and repositioning of the country.”

Highlighting the importance of the legal profession, he noted, “This is why I have continued to say that no other profession can fix the country more than the legal profession. This is because the country is a function of the law.”

Maikyau called on lawyers to embrace their leadership responsibilities, asserting, “Lawyers must be ready to provide the needed leadership.”

Regarding the judiciary, Maikyau urged respect for court decisions and proper channels for addressing grievances. He expressed concern about the derogatory manner in which some senior lawyers critique court proceedings on social media and television.

As part of the conference’s agenda, discussions will cover diverse topics including subsidy removal, the revision of professional conduct rules for lawyers, and anti-money laundering guidelines. Maikyau highlighted the need for law reforms to enhance access to justice and streamline the judicial process.

With over 139,000 lawyers called to the Nigerian Bar, the conference offers a platform for legal practitioners to engage with government and address critical issues that impact the nation’s progress and justice system.

The conference, which promises to be a significant milestone in legal discourse, seeks to harness the collective efforts of lawyers to contribute to Nigeria’s growth and development.

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