*Urges NBA To Champion National Unity, Says “Bring Back The Nigeria Of 40 Years Ago”
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The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has expressed concern that justice in Nigeria is increasingly becoming a “purchasable commodity,” warning that the poor are being denied fair treatment while the rich walk free despite committing crimes.
Speaking on Sunday in Enugu at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) 2025 Annual General Conference, which he chaired, the Sultan urged lawyers to stand firm in upholding the rule of law and ensuring equal treatment for all citizens.
“Today, justice is increasingly becoming a purchasable commodity and the poor are becoming victims of miscarriage of justice, while the rich commit all manner of crime and walk the streets scot-free,” he said.
Commending the conference theme, “To Stand Out and Stand Tall,” Abubakar charged lawyers to translate it into action by promoting accountability and fairness in governance.
“By the theme of the conference, you are resolving to uphold the principles of the rule of law, to ensure that everyone, including those in power, are subject to and accountable under the law, and that the law is applied fairly and equally, so that no one operates above the law. If you are able to do this, you would have addressed the core of the crisis of governance in this country,” he stated.
The Sultan emphasized that law and learning are inseparable, noting that justice must remain the ultimate objective of law. “Justice is the foundation of stable human societies, and laws must endeavor to target justice as the ultimate objective,” he said.
Calling for reforms, he warned that exclusion from access to justice could lead to resentment and conflict. “Access to justice is very important, considering the increasing cost of litigation and the consequences of exclusion in the administration of justice for the weak and vulnerable. Most countries around the world were precipitated by exclusion, which elicits resentment and propels people to conflict; something I am well aware of, having spent years in the military,” he observed.
Abubakar further urged lawyers to use their profession as a tool to bridge divisions in the country and promote unity. “I hope that you will find time to address the issues of social justice, end inequalities in our societies and create a more integrated nation with the kind of profession that can see us through these very tough times,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s past unity, he recalled his earlier visit to Enugu: “I remember some five years ago when I visited Enugu, I had a very good time going round Nsukka, my own city where I started. I felt accepted, welcomed and loved. This was the Nigeria we had some 40 years ago. We must bring that Nigeria back. And you are the ones to do that. You are the ones who will interpret laws in the courts.”
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