Nigeria, is without a doubt, passing through difficult times. Needless to mention the myriad of challenges which have become a chorus on our lips. But the realisation of our dream for a Nigeria where we all live in peace and harmony, with tremendous economic growth under a stable and purposeful political leadership, is more real to me than the doom which our present circumstances seem to point at.
We must resist every temptation to give up in our minds. We must retune our thinking, deliberately recalibrate our steps and actions towards actualisation of the Nigeria of our dream.
This is achievable by redirecting our minds, thoughts and actions towards the attainment of Justice in our Society. It is the only way to get out of our present negative experiences and build on our positive achievements in realising our potentials as a great nation.
It was said that “ a people can exist without religion, but they cannot exist without justice.”(Sheikh Usman Bin Fodio) We must therefore rise above all prejudices to pursue Justice. This is only possible when we allow our humanity and the love of God in our hearts to find expression in our relationship with each other as a people.
This must be our mindset and posture as we all participate in the processes leading up to the 2023 general elections. I call on all members of the legal profession – Bench and Bar – Ministers in the Temple of Justice, to be motivated solely by Justice in our participation in the processes of the election. The Nigerian public looks up to the legal profession for guidance and direction in the task of the recovery, reformation and repositioning of the Nation and we cannot afford to fail.
I, on behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association, pledge our unflinching commitment to a sincere and transparent transition in 2023 and beyond, through ensuring the observance of the rule of law.
I wish all Nigerians a wonderful 62nd Independence Anniversary celebration as we gear up to midwife the rebirth of our great nation, Nigeria.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN
