The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barrister Yakubu Maikyau, has asserted that the administration of justice, is the fundamental prerequisite for maintaining harmonious relationships among citizens, and ensuring the very existence of a nation.
He made this declaration during the 2024 NBA SLP annual conference, which took place in Kano, marking the first of its kind to be held in the Northern region.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Administration of Justice in Nigeria: Challenges and Reforms,” Barrister Maikyau emphasised, “You can see by the theme of the conference, it is about the administration of justice, the challenges, and the reforms.” He underscored the necessity of justice in all aspects of governance and daily life, adding, “Justice is what would guarantee our harmonious coexistence as a people and even the existence of the country itself.”
Barrister Maikyau highlighted the continuous relevance of justice, stating that the administration of justice, should be a part of citizens’ consciousness at all levels.
He further remarked, “When we agree to do justice in everything that we are doing, it would aggregate into the development of peace in our nation.”
Representing Governor Abba Yusuf, Secretary to the Kano State Government, Alhaji Baffar Bichi, reiterated the importance of the justice system, describing it as “the cornerstone of any function of any society.”
Governor Yusuf stressed, “Administration of equal justice without fear or favour is the platform upon which the rights of citizens are protected. Hence, the need to ensure that this is upheld.”
He recognized the considerable hurdles confronting Nigeria’s justice system, stating that they are impeding trust and confidence in the judiciary.
During his keynote speech, Justice Benedict Bakwaph, President of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, cautioned that the Nigerian judiciary must adjust to the evolving requirements of globalization and technological progress.
“Unless the Nigerian judiciary transmogrifies as the dictates of globalization, information technology, development, etc. impact on national laws, we may find ourselves left out of the scheme of things,” he said.
Justice Bakwaph criticised the current state of the judiciary, citing an example by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who described the Nigerian judiciary as “pathetic, too slow, and often on the side of crooks rather than on the side of government or the innocent.”
He also touched on the issue of politicians undermining the judiciary, mentioning that some have stated they will not obey court orders until the Supreme Court intervenes. “This attitude undermines lower courts and the appellate process,” he noted.
Justice Bakwaph underscored the necessity of tackling the problems afflicting the judiciary, such as judicial criticism and the multitude of complaints lodged against judges, asserting that these have resulted in what he termed “defensive adjudication” within the nation.
The conference centered on analyzing these obstacles and deliberating on prospective reforms to enhance the dispensation of justice in Nigeria, guaranteeing its equitable and effective delivery to all citizens.