Sokoto State Government says it has renewed its commitment to continue to partner with the Judiciary to uphold the rule of law in the state.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Muhammad Nasir Binji, stated this while declaring open 2024 Law Week with the theme: Professionalism and Nation Building” in Sokoto State.
He said Governor Ahmed Aliyu has taken various steps towards actualising the commitment by creating an enabling environment between the Executives and the Legislature.
“The administration of Governor Aliyu is presently taking steps to improve the welfare of law officers in the state.
“The government will also provide them with the appropriate working tools and atmosphere”, he noted.
Also speaking, the Sokoto state Chief Judge, Muhammad Sai’du Sifawa, applauded the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Sokoto branch for organizing the long week event.
Justice Sifawa said the celebration of the week will provide an avenue to interact, share ideas and promote the administration of Justice in the state.
He called on members of the association to always reflect on the successes and achievements recorded in the year under review and to plan for the overall development of the profession.
Sifawa also commended the state government for allowing the judiciary to operate independently without interference.
The NBA Chairman Sokoto State Branch, Barrister Muhammad Nuhu, said the annual event serves as a crucial platform for fostering discourse, knowledge-sharing and promoting the vital role legal practitioners play in national development.
He described the choice of the theme as timely which signifies the tremendous role played by lawyers in nation building.
“The theme we have chosen, “Professionalism and Nation Building”, resonate deeply as we examine the ethical and responsible conduct expected of lawyers, and how it directly translates to a stronger and more just Nigeria”, he said.
Barrister Nuhu commended the state Chief Judge for repositioning the judicial system in the state.
“We recognise your monumental infrastructural development, and appointment of 13 High Court Judges and 6 Khadis of Sharia Court, which significantly improved access to justice for all citizens of Sokoto State.
“We also recognise your efforts in opening several magisterial districts and appointing over 40 magistrates as well as elevation of 3 senior advocates in the state,” he noted.
He reassured of the association’s continued support to the state government and chief judge towards realising its set objectives.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a paper on “Professional Discipline as Panacea to Nation Building in Nigeria” by the keynote speaker and Dean Faculty of Law, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Professor Abubakar Matazu,
Emmanuel Ukoh
