NBA Kaduna Branch Law Week 2022: Keynote Speaker, Maikyau Speaks Truth To Power On Nation’s Security Challenges
Yakubu Chonoko (YC) Maikyau, SAN was the Keynote Speaker at the Opening Ceremony of the NBA Kaduna Branch Law Week, 2022. In delivering the address on the theme; “Expanding the Frontiers of Legal Practice Amidst Economic and Political Uncertainties”.
Mr. Maikyau SAN first expressed gratitude to the Branch for the invitation. He noted that he had some bosom friends in the Branch, one of whom he referred to as his twin brother – Mr. Wole Agunbiade, SAN, whom he usually resorted to when in need of some key judicial authorities.
He acknowledged that Kaduna had a pedigree of the finest class of lawyers.
Mr. Maikyau, SAN talked about the security challenges which poses great difficulty in driving through the roads into Kaduna. He said that when he told a senior lawyer that he was coming to Kaduna, the lawyer said to him: “YC, I came in as a thief via Kano into Kaduna, how are you coming down?”
Mr. Maikyau thereafter recalled the attack on the train and the attendant loss of lives, amongst whom were some of our colleagues and friends. Some of the people on that train are still in captivity and the Learned Silk expressed worry over the situation. He then called for one-minute silence for those who departed by that train attack incident and also offered prayers for them and their families.
Mr Maikyau observed that the activities of non-state actors have grounded economic and social activities in the State. He went further to state that “as a nation, it is either we have condoned these non-state actors or we don’t have the capacity to tackle the challenges. There are arguments for and against the view, whether Nigeria is a failed state; while some have argued that Nigeria is a failed state, some are of the view that it is a failing State “.
He referenced the opinions of Late Uche Chukwumerijie and the Senate President David Mark in 2012 on this issue, wondering what the views of both statesmen would be, if the conversation is being had today in 2022.
Flowing from the above, Mr. Maikyau asked the question: “As lawyers, given the current situation, what are we expected to do?”
The Learned Senior Advocate noted that it is only lawyers that have the privilege of being schooled, trained or instructed on the subject of justice. “We are all ministers serving the ends of justice. As lawyers we have the responsibility of getting this country out of the woods. The bottom line is that if the responsibility is on lawyers, are we responsible for the plight of the nation today?” he further queried.
Speaking on the theme, Mr. Maikyau said “we cannot be talking about expanding the frontiers of legal practice when the nation is on attack; our primary concern should be to recover and reform the Nigerian society because you have to have a secure place before you can expand the frontiers of legal practice”.
He continued by saying, “there are places you cannot go to, which then leaves the question- what do we do? As lawyers, we must bring our government to account. Though Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is non-justiciable, there is however an aspect of that Constitution that has justice. You would have noticed that by section 221 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) you cannot contest unless you are a member of a political party. All political parties are expected to put the provision of Chapter 2 in their respective party’s Constitution (Chapter 224 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria). How come when they assume office, they go against the said provisions of Chapter 2 ? As lawyers, we need to call the government to account on the provision of Chapter 2 of the Constitution. Do we need any further evidence that security has failed in this country? Mr Maikyau further cited the incident of the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna amongst others, which he summed up as the pathetic reality we are faced with today.”
He quipped further by saying, the unfortunate situation, apart from depriving the less privileged of the privilege of travelling en route Kaduna, it also leaves the privileged ones in our society consumed with the thoughts of chartering a Private Jet when coming into the State. “This only leaves much more to worry about in this nation. It is only when the society is right that we can begin to enjoy the benefit that the society offers. We should not be motivated by the Ghana-must-Go we receive but our motivation should be the desire to serve justice. We are retainers to justice. I believe in this country, I believe in the ability of all of us in this room to save this Country. We have what it takes, it does not take arms to save the situation in the Nigeria. My brother in Kaduna will always say that Kaduna is very safe but the way to come into Kaduna,” he said.
Mr. Maikyau further expressed the view that as Lawyers, our competitors are not the lawyers here but the foreign ones. If we are to compete favourably then we must be committed to developing our capacity by undergoing trainings . The Learned Silk commended the President of the NBA, Mr. Olumide Akpata for the various courses set out to develop the capacity of lawyers under the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Programme. He also suggested several areas we can go into as lawyers including Agriculture. He said, that is a way we can begin to protect our food security.
In acknowledging the potentials of the Younger Generation, he said, “we cannot pretend that our younger lawyers are the ones that have what it takes to turn around the economy. They have the energy and resourcefulness to do it. We are even witnessing incursions by non lawyers getting into areas which lawyers are meant to do, see for instance the activities in the CAC. They took out the role of lawyers under the guise of ease of doing business” The Learned Silk condemned this development, while urging that younger lawyers be supported and mentored.
He concluded by encouraging members to subscribe to the NBA NHIS Scheme introduced by this Administration and being driven by the Welfare Committee, of which he is the Chairman.
In appreciation for the well-delivered Keynote Address, the Branch honoured Mr. Maikyau, SAN with an Award and same was presented to him by Mr. Yunus Ustaz Usman, SAN who during his presentation, expressed strong prayers that Mr. Maikyau becomes the next President of the NBA.
This is because according to him, YC (as the Keynote Speaker is fondly addressed) has always been a good man and that for his age, he can’t hide his feelings about the Learned brother silk.
PHOTOS SPEAK FROM THE WONDERFUL EVENT
