▪lauds Governor Wike for his developmental giant strides ▪Governor Wike charges lawyers to render free services to indigent Nigerians National President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Abubakar Mahmood (SAN ) has declared that the Port Harcourt NBA Law Centre has immense national significance because it symbolises the success of the legal profession. This is as Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike declared that the best way that the NBA can support his administration is to offer free legal services to indigent members of the community so that they have access to justice. The National President of the NBA said: “This is the most pleasant event that I will be participating. This edifice is a national edifice for the legal profession. “I have heard so many testimonies about the giant strides of Governor Wike. But this giant stride is close to the legal profession. On behalf of all our colleagues across the country, we commend Governor Wike and the people of Rivers State. ” Mahmood further said: “The significance of this event goes beyond Rivers State. It is indeed an event which has significant national dimensions. “All of you are aware of the challenges facing the our country and the legal profession. We want to see this building as one that symbolises success for the legal profession. It becomes a symbol of the vibrancy of the bar. It is a symbol of the relevance of the legal profession to our communities “. img-20161004-wa0178-1 The National NBA President charged lawyers in Rivers State to use the NBA Law Centre to promote the rule of law, access to justice and the welfare of all lawyers in the state. In his address before he handed over the Port Harcourt NBA Law Centre, built by the Rivers State Government to the NBA, Governor Wike charged them to work for the less privileged people. He said : “One way you can support us to achieve this goal is for the NBA to extend your professional services to the indigent in our communities, who cannot afford the spiraling cost of litigation and are therefore, denied justice on that singular account. We implore you therefore, to strengthen and expand pro bono legal services to cover even civil cases to protect the poor from being oppressed and repressed by the rich who can afford to pay their ways to justice. ” The governor appealed to the NBA to take steps to safeguard democracy and ensure that the rule of law is entrenched in the country. He said : “We continuously expect the NBA to be more active in safeguarding our democracy by fighting impunity wherever it raises its ugly head in the polity, as well as to hold all political office holders at all levels to be accountable to their actions, conduct and promises. “Do not forget, that as an enlightened segment of our society, you will not escape the hash judgment of history when you refused to speak out or decided to speak only in muted tunes in the face of glaring injustices against the State and our people.” He explained that the State Government resolved to take over the old premises of the former NBA Law Centre because it wanted to build new courtrooms at the old site. Also speaking, leader of the bar in Rivers State and former NBA President, Chief Onueze Okocha lauded Governor Wike for building the Ultra-Modern Port Harcourt NBA Law Centre in fulfilment of his pledge to the bar. Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Laminkara said the governor’s commitment to the entrenchment of the rule of law deserves commendation. Attorney General of Rivers State, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN ) said the law centre will assist lawyers carry out research that will enhance their practice. The commissioning of the NBA Law Centre was witnessed hundreds of lawyers from across Rivers State. The facility houses an alternative dispute resolution centre, human rights centre, 1200 sitter multi-purpose centre and lounges for senior and junior members of the bar.]]>