By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse
Governor Umar Namadi has declared open the 2025 Law Week organized by the Jigawa State branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), calling for stronger ethical practices and faster justice delivery across the state’s legal system.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Dutse, Governor Namadi commended the NBA leadership for its unity and professionalism.
“I have, for several months, followed with keen interest and admiration how you have administered and organized the State NBA Branch into a unified and formidable platform serving the positive interest of the legal profession and the esteemed learned members of the Association in Jigawa State and even beyond,” he said.
“I am truly delighted and profoundly commend your efforts in seeing that the State NBA is successfully striving to promote the tenets and principles for which the Association has always been associated with—that is, promoting the rule of law, ensuring access to justice for all, including for the less privileged, and smooth dispensation of justice in Jigawa State.
“Beyond professional and social networking, it is pleasing to note how these events have helped in promoting the practice of ethical practices in the profession and fostering dialogue, not just between lawyers, but even among other key stakeholders in the administration of justice.”
The governor described the theme of the Law Week, Upholding Justice Through Ethical Advocacy, as “very apt as it aims to keep members abreast with the value of upholding ethical considerations in ensuring access to justice for all and doing away with unwholesome practices that could unnecessarily hinder smooth dispensation of justice.”
Highlighting his administration’s reforms in the justice sector, Governor Namadi mentioned initiatives such as the establishment of Community Law Centres, the introduction of Zauren Sulhu, the planned scale-up of Citizen Right Units in Judicial Divisions, and a host of other initiatives.
He urged all stakeholders to perform their duties conscientiously, reminding them that they are accountable to “the fear of our Creator, WHO is Al-Adl, the Utterly Just, and Al-Hakam, the Ultimate Judge and Arbiter.”
Governor Namadi concluded by wishing the NBA a successful Law Week, expressing hope that the deliberations would “significantly contribute in upholding ethical standards in the practice of the legal profession as well as promote the smooth dispensation of justice in Jigawa State.”