TheNigeriaLawyer Editorial
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As Kano remains embroiled in a royal tussle between Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, backed by the federal government, and the reinstated Emir Sanusi, backed by state law, tensions have escalated across the state. Amidst this turmoil, concerns arise regarding the safety of the upcoming Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Legal Practice conference slated to take place in Kano.
The annual conference, themed “Administration of Justice in Nigeria: Challenges and Reforms,” is scheduled to run from June 2 to 5, attracting legal practitioners from across the nation. However, recent events have cast doubt on the suitability of Kano as a host city for such a significant legal gathering.
The repeal of the Kano Emirates Council law by the New Nigerian Peoples Party-controlled House of Assembly has triggered a series of events, including the dethronement of Emir Sanusi and subsequent reinstatement attempts. These actions have led to clashes between state and federal authorities, exacerbating tensions within the region.
In response to mounting concerns, the Kano Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Usaini Mohammed Gumel, has assured the public of their commitment to upholding security measures. They have pledged to adhere to court orders and maintain peace, urging citizens to refrain from acts of violence.
However, amidst these assurances, questions linger regarding the safety of conference attendees and the feasibility of hosting such a gathering in a city rife with unrest. The recent statement by a lawyer, whose identity remains undisclosed, refuting claims of insecurity in Kano, clashes with the prevailing atmosphere of uncertainty.
However, lawyers are concerned that the ongoing royal tussle and the potential for further unrest could jeopardize the safety of the NBA conference participants. They argue that the choice of Kano as the venue for the prestigious event is questionable, given the prevailing security challenges in the state.
“The NBA should carefully consider the security implications of holding its conference in Kano amid the ongoing tensions,” said a senior lawyer who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “The safety and well-being of our members should be the top priority, and we need to ensure that the conference can be held without any disruptions or security concerns.”
The NBA has not yet commented on the lawyers’ concerns, but the association has assured that Kano is among the safest states in the country. The conference is expected to attract thousands of lawyers from across the country, and the organizers have expressed confidence in the state’s ability to host the event successfully.
This apprehension echoes past incidents where security concerns led to the cancellation of legal conferences, as seen in the case of Sokoto State. The brutal killing of a student and subsequent protests prompted the Nigerian Bar Association to call off SPIDEL conference in Sokoto, citing safety issues.
In a similar vein, the Sokoto branch of the NBA expressed staunch opposition to holding conferences outside the state, citing security concerns and demanding refunds for expenses incurred. Their refusal underscores the gravity of security considerations when selecting conference venues.
As preparations for the NBA-SLP conference in Kano continue, stakeholders must carefully weigh the risks and prioritize the safety of attendees. The evolving situation in Kano underscores the delicate balance between legal discourse and ensuring the well-being of participants amidst prevailing tensions.
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