The new Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA) Sokoto Branch, Barrister Bashir Muazu Jodi, has vowed to prioritise respect for the rule of law.
He also vowed to enhance members’ welfare, the decongestion of correctional centres, and the speedy dispensation of justice in the state.
Barrister Jodi made the pledge while speaking to journalists in his office in Sokoto state.
According to him, “upholding the rule of law must remain the bedrock of the legal profession even when it is against personal interests.”
He described the election as a struggle with a shared mission to advance the profession in the state.
“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 prioritised, the rule of law remains sacrosanct, and we play our role in decongesting our correctional centres,” he said.
Barrister 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 noted.
Barrister Jodi extolled the extant cordial relationship between the Bar, Bench, Sokoto State Government and other critical stakeholders.
He pledged to sustain the relationship to bolster the speedy dispensation of justice, saying, “justice delayed is justice denied.”
On capacity building, the new Chairman said he would 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 exp.
On the issue of congestion in correctional facilities, Barrister 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, Barrister Jodi said the problem of Nigeria is a 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 to support his administration in defending the rule of law and repositioning the association in the state.
The new chairman promised that his tenure would leave the Sokoto Bar stronger, more united, and more respected.
 Sokoto Branch, Barrister Bashir Muazu Jodi, has vowed to prioritise respect for ..){kind=link}