Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Renowned South African Freedom Fighter, Julius Malema, Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Muhammad Abubakar and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State have called for respect for the rule of Law in Nigeria.
They made the call at the opening of the 43rd Annual Conference of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), in Enugu.
Economic freedom fighter, Malema specifically, called for a unified African leadership in a keynote lecture.
Speaking on the theme of the Conference, “Stand out, stand tall,” Malema, lamented that the White colonial masters exploited African countries by giving them poor education and harnessing their mineral resources, making them look inferior and poor.
He maintained that Africans should come together under one leadership, take control of their mineral resources to grow their economy.
“We are a shining nation. We must make sure that no single corner of Africa witnesses Africans killing each other. We must unite against the forces that seek to exploit us.
“The land belongs to Africans, and the minerals of Africa must be returned to Africans. We have the capacity to create industries and process our minerals here. We must never allow imperialist forces to divide us in order to take our wealth.
He spoke also on Xenophobia and blamed poverty, inequality, and government failure in Africa for xenophobia, describing it as a betrayal of African unity.
“Xenophobia is a betrayal of African unity. It is a sickness borne of poverty, inequality, and government failure. Its victims are our African brothers and sisters. Nigerians, Zimbabweans, Congolese, and Somalis are not the cause of South Africa’s unemployment crisis.
“The cause lies in the un-transformed dichotomy of South Africa, which remains in the hands of the white minority and multinational corporations who continue to exploit while refusing to industrialise. Instead, they divert anger from the real enemy, and we must educate our people that unity, not division, is the solution to Africa’s crisis,” he said.
He said South African companies which included MTN, SPAR, Multi-choice, had made significant impact in Nigeria by creating jobs and providing services, while Nigerian businesses and investors had equally expanded in South Africa.
He charged South African entrepreneurs to set up businesses in Lagos without suspicion but with support as partners in a shared future.
Malema noted that the economic strength of Nigeria and South Africa could power a new African industrial revolution.
He identified Nigeria and South Africa as critical drivers of Africa’s industrialisation and growth, urging both countries to provide leadership for the continent’s development, saying, “Our salvation lies here, in Lagos and Johannesburg, in Abuja and Pretoria, in the hands of Africans who refuse to be divided.”
In an opening remark, the chairman of occasion and Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar 111, spoke on justice in Nigeria urging legal practitioners to embrace the rule of law.
He pointed out that the integrity of the judicial system was being undermined by corruption and inequality.
“Today, justice is increasingly becoming a purchasable commodity, and the poor are becoming victims of this kind of justice, while the rich commit all manner of crime and walk the streets scot-free,” he said.
He commended the NBA for choosing the theme “Stand Out and Stand Tall,” saying it aligns with the urgent need for lawyers to deliver on their professional mandate.
The Sultan maintained that the legal profession must remain committed to upholding the rule of law to ensure fairness, accountability, and equality before the law.
“You are resolving to uphold the highest principles of the rule of law to ensure that everyone, including those in power, is subject to and accountable under the law. If we are able to do this, we would have addressed the core of the crisis of governance in this country,” he said.
The Sultan stressed that justice is the foundation of stable societies and that law must always target justice as its ultimate goal.
He urged participants to use the conference to address critical issues shaping Nigeria’s future.
“This conference, I hope, will also give you the time to address issues that are pertinent to the future of our society.
“Three things are particularly important: continuing efforts at law reforms to gradually decolonise our laws and make them closer to our values, culture and history; addressing social justice to tackle glaring inequalities and foster cohesion; and improving access to justice, especially considering the rising cost of litigation and the exclusion of the weak and vulnerable,” he said.
The Royal father lamented Nigeria’s challenge of poor policy implementation despite having good policies
“Law and learning are inseparable. At the core of the study of law is the knowledge of value, and justice is one of those core values the law is supposed to achieve,” the Sultan said.
Declaring the event open, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah reminded lawyers that the law was more than a profession, as it serves as the conscience of the nation.
He hinted the commitment of his administration to justice sector reform, saying that it remained the cornerstone of his government.
“Let me say this: the theme of this year’s conference, ‘Stand Out, Stand Tall,’ is a timely reminder of the responsibility we bear as lawyers and leaders. The law is not just a profession – it is the conscience of the nation. We are not only courtroom advocates; we are also defenders of truth, architects of peace, and champions of equity,” he said.
Listing some concrete steps by his administration towards justice sector reform, the governor said, “Since assuming office, we have made justice sector reform a cornerstone of our governance. Just a few examples will suffice.
“We were among the first states to fully implement financial autonomy for the judiciary in line with Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). This has enhanced the efficiency, independence, and dignity of our courts.
“We have carried out a comprehensive rehabilitation and digitization of our courtrooms across the three senatorial zones. The High Court Complex in Enugu is equipped with e-filing, virtual hearing facilities, and an integrated case management system.
“To decongest our courts and promote alternative dispute resolution, we have strengthened and expanded the Enugu Multi-Door Courthouse, making it a model in the region for commercial and family dispute settlement.
“Through partnership with civil society and the NBA, we have expanded access to pro bono legal services for indigent citizens and detainees, especially in our rural areas. No one should be too poor to afford justice.
“We have also carried out an extensive codification and review of obsolete state laws to reflect modern realities, ensure gender justice, and promote the ease of doing business in Enugu.
“Perhaps one of the reforms I am proudest of – we introduced real-time transcription for our courts. Attaining Verbatim Reporting for the courts has eliminated the strain of longhand recording on judges, cut down on delays and improved productivity,” he said.
He said none of the reforms was an end in itself. He added that they remained part of a broader vision of his government towards making Enugu State the preferred destination for investment, innovation, and inclusive development.
“From smart schools, safe communities to accessible healthcare – our vision cannot be achieved without a justice system that is fair, functional, and trusted,” he said.
In his welcome address, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Odogwu, thanked Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah for his support in organising of the Annual Conference.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, Chief Judge of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun (represented), Chief Judge of Enugu State, Hon. Justice Raymond Ozoemenam, Hon. Judges, past presidents of NBA and delegates across the country.
