The Role Of The Nigerian Bar In Nation Building.

By Mustapha Babalola Toheeb

INTRODUCTION.

The Bar which consists of lawyers is a special group of persons within a society, country that participates in nation building but what this paper is to examine is a critical review of the role of lawyers in nation building. According to Professor Ibrahim Gambari, he emphasized that the issue of nation building as “… nation building is about building a common sense of purpose, a sense of shared destiny, a collective imagination of belonging”. It is not in doubt that the main idea behind nation building is about the people majorly.[1]

In recent times, one of the issues that occupy the front burner of Nigerian polity is good governance. Bad governance has been unanimously identified as the bane of our epileptic economy. It follows therefore that there is a need for a holistic nation building.[2] So, now considering the current state of the country, what are the roles of the Bar which is the lawyers when it comes to nation building?

The following underscores the various aspects lawyers can contribute and are actually contributing to building our dear nation:

1. INSTRUMENTALITY OF LAW: One key reason why lawyers play a pivotal role in nation building is the instrumentality of law. No nation in modern times can survive without laws. Laws are made to regulate many sectors such as the economic sector, agricultural sector, educational sector, religious sector, the polity of a nation and all other sectors. It is when we have good and functional laws that all these sectors will thrive effectively and when these sectors are proactive, then a nation is bound to be solidly built.
2. LAWYERS AS VICARIOUS CARRIERS OF THE ROLE OF LAW FOR NATION BUILDING: It’s important to make mention that lawyers are the custodians of these laws. They understand the laws better and can sue for change when these laws are not religiously followed by public office holders and thus effectively assist in building the nation. In fact, lawyers more often than not serve as watchdogs in the decision making process. Also, history will not be in haste to forget the monumental strides achieved by Gani Fawehinmi not for his self-aggrandisement but for the generality of Nigerians and the Nigeria.
3. LAWYERS AS POTENTIAL LAW MAKERS AND NOT JUST COURT ROOM ADVOCATES: To those whose may not have fully appreciated the expansive coast lawyers cover, they will constrict the whole life of a lawyer to the court room. For this, I will not apportion blame but a lawyer’s occupation and preoccupation goes beyond that. A lawyer is a potential law maker. It is believed, though arguable that lawyers if given the opportunity will make better laws for nation building. This is because they understand the import and purport of legislation. Therefore, as law makers, lawyers can build our nation.
4. LAWYERS AS CLASS ROOM TEACHERS IN UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY: You can agree with me that the university environment is a ground where a nation’s strength and future is built. Great scholars, exceptional leaders, mighty men of God, great entrepreneurs and innovative scientists are moulded in the university. Consequently all the occupants of the seats in the three arms of government pass through the school environment as a necessary stage in self-development. Lawyers play the role of educating young minds to achieve their dreams and become future agents of change in the country.[3]

In all of these, Lawyers including those serving as judicial officers have critical roles to play. The beneficial impact of the roles on the society is that social stability and cohesion will be maintained alongside the promotion of social solidarity. Where the law appropriately protects the foundational fundamental and social rights of members of the society, it will imbue trust of all and sundry in the legal system, propel the state’s action to duty, and give vent to correctness of social justice in public policies.[4]

CONCLUSION.

In conclusion, the role of lawyers in nation building cannot be overemphasized but it suffice it say that lawyers have serious responsibility when issues of great national significance like nation building is discussed for the law is to nation what a lawyer is to nation.[5]

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mustapha Babalola Toheeb COL writes from Kano, Nigeria and can be reached via his contact;08106244073 and toheebmustapha15@gmail.com

[1] Gambari Ibrahim A.; “The Challenges of Nations Building; The case of Nigeria” 9th February, 2007; Mustapha Akanbi Foundation 9th May, 2014: http://www.mafng.org/anniversary/challengenationbuildingnigeria.htm;

[2] The role of lawyers in nation building by Lawson Ogiebor : https://mikedugeri.wordpress.com/2015/05/06/the-role-of-lawyers-in-nation-building-lawson-ogubie/

[3] Ibid.

[4] The Nigeria Lawyer and the challenge of nation building-2019 and beyond by Prof Fagbohun: https://dnllegalandstyle.com/2019/the-nigerian-lawyer-and-the-challenge-of-nation-building-2019-and-beyond-prof-fagbohun-san/

[5] Ibid.