NBA President Preaches Commitment To Justice, Good Governance At The 20th Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture
The 20th Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture witnessed an insightful address by Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The event, held on 15 January 2024, focused on the theme “Right to Self-Determination and Agitation for Secession in Nigeria.”
Commemorating Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s Legacy
In his opening remarks, Mr. Maikyau expressed his privilege and delight at being invited for the second time as the President of the NBA to attend the annual lecture, commemorating the legendary Chief Gani Fawehinmi. He highlighted the uniqueness of the 20th-anniversary event, coinciding with the 59th anniversary of Chief Gani’s call to the Bar.
Chief Gani Fawehinmi, a renowned human rights defender, and legal publisher, was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to justice, exemplified through the Nigeria Weekly Law Report (NWLR) he initiated in 1985. The NWLR stands as the country’s longest-published weekly law report.
NBA’s Recognition of Ikeja Branch
Mr. Maikyau commended the Ikeja Branch of the NBA, also known as the Tiger Bar, for its dedication to organizing the annual lecture series. He emphasized their impressive commitment, noting that their fidelity of purpose is a testament to the saying, “the one who is dutiful when we are not present is of more value than the one who is dutiful only when we are around.”
Reflecting on the Theme
Addressing the theme of the lecture, “Right to Self-Determination and Agitation for Secession in Nigeria,” Mr. Maikyau delved into constitutional provisions and the significance of discussing secession within the framework of Nigeria’s indivisibility.
He acknowledged the role of Chief Gani Fawehinmi in championing the rights of Nigerian citizens and stressed the importance of justice in addressing agitations for secession. Mr. Maikyau advocated for the sincere and purposeful operation of the existing constitution, emphasizing that justice is crucial for national cohesion.
Encouraging Accountability
The NBA President called for the enforceability of Chapter 2 of the Constitution, focusing on fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy. He urged Nigerians to hold the government accountable for matters contained in Chapter 2, including the right to life, freedom, dignity, and property.
The Way Forward
In concluding his address, Mr. Maikyau highlighted the necessity of sincere, honest, and forward-looking leadership. He emphasized that Nigeria, with its potential, can become the greatest nation on earth, provided there is a commitment to justice, good governance, and purposeful leadership.
The lecture featured a keynote address by Comrade Femi Aborishade, and distinguished speakers, including Senator Shehu Sani and Comrade Ezenwa Nwangu, engaged in dispassionate analyses of the pressing issue.
The President encouraged all participants to approach the theme with an open heart, fostering a common objective of bettering Nigerian society. The event was a platform to learn from leading minds and collectively address challenges, upholding the values Chief Gani Fawehinmi lived for.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Maikyau extended his gratitude to the audience, wishing everyone a productive deliberation.
See the unedited full address HERE
