My vision is to make NBA truly independent, new Sokoto chapter Chairman vows
From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto.
The newly elected Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Sokoto Branch, Barrister Bashir Muazu Jodi, has vowed to prioritize respect for the rule of law, enhanced members’ welfare, the decongestion of correctional centres, and the speedy dispensation of justice in the state.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Sokoto, Barr. Jodi described the contest as “keenly fought but peaceful.”
He said the election was “not a fight but a struggle” with a shared mission among all the candidates to advance the profession.
The.eminent legal practitioner, who has almost 20 years at the Bar and has served in previous administrations as both stakeholder and EXCO member, said his experience exposed him to the challenges facing lawyers and justice delivery in the state.
He said, “My vision is to build the most skilled, professionally sound and financially independent Bar in this branch.
“We must also ensure that the welfare of our members is prioritized, the rule of law remains sacrosanct, and we play our role in decongesting our correctional centres.”
Barr. Jodi further identified the independence of the Bar as his administration’s top priority.
“What motivated me and my colleagues is to have an independent Bar.
“A Bar that can speak for itself based on the rule of law, and a Bar that can speak for the citizens without fear or favour,” he stated.
Barr. Jodi also extolled the extant cordial relationship between the Bar, Bench, Sokoto State Government and other critical stakeholders.
He pledged to sustain the happy tempo to bolster the speedy dispensation of justice, saying, “justice delayed is justice denied.”
On capacity building, the new Chairman said he will focus on restructuring the branch and mentoring young lawyers.
“The welfare of young lawyers is critical. Many of them are not properly oriented. In chambers today, the emphasis is on ‘money, money, money’ instead of experience.
“But without experience, you cannot deliver and clients will not brief you,” he said.
The Chairman , who is also the Principal Partner of Gallant Law Firm Majestic Chambers in Sokoto, quoted a former NBA President, Y. C. Maikyau, SAN, who once advised, “your knowledge of law should be 20 per cent and your integrity 80 per cent.”
Barrister Bashir Muazu Jodi also stressed that upholding the rule of law must remain the bedrock of the legal profession even when it is against personal interests.
On the issue of congestion in correctional facilities, Barr. Jodi, said the NBA under his leadership will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure speedy trial of inmates and access to justice for awaiting-trial persons.
On insecurity and public perception of the judiciary, Joby said the problem of Nigeria is collective.
“The problem is not just lawyers or the judiciary. It is all of us. If we have informants aiding criminals, then we are all part of the problem,” he noted.
He called on.the members of the Bar with like minds to support his administration in defending the rule of law and repositioning the NBA Sokoto Branch.
“In sha Allahu, Barr. Jodi said, his tenure will leave the Sokoto Bar stronger, more united, and more respected.
