President Buhari Challenges Lawyers To Improve Integrity Of The Judiciary

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday called on lawyers across the country to sustain the integrity of the country’s judicial system.

The President made the call on Sunday while declaring open the 58th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abuja.

“In the context of opinions and narratives about our past and present political and socio-economic experience, you cannot afford to jettison rational and proper analysis of issues in a manner which builds, rather than destroys the nation,” he said.

“I also urged you to work to uphold, improve the sanctity and integrity of our judicial and electoral institutions which play a fundamental role in the sustenance and growth of our democracy.”

President Buhari challenged the legal practitioners to ensure they work for the peaceful coexistence of the citizens, especially as the nation prepares for the 2019 general elections.

He also appealed to them to support the government in tackling the security challenges facing the nation, stressing that those practicing the law can only enjoy doing so when the country is at peace.

The President said, “as we gradually move into another season of intense political activities preparatory to the 2019 general elections, I enjoin you to remember that by reason of your profession, you all have a responsibility to work for national cohesion and unity through your speeches and public positions and most importantly in your advocacy in court.”

“However, let me remind you all, my dear compatriots, that the law can only be optimally practiced in a Nigeria that is safe, secure and prosperous. As you go into this Annual Conference, let me assure you of the resolve of this administration to promote measures that will achieve a vibrant economy under which the practice of law will thrive,” he added.

President Buhari disclosed that the first challenge of his administration was to transform Nigeria speedily into a society where impunity in the management of national resources would be replaced with a culture of accountability and transparency.

He congratulated the incoming NBA leadership led by Mr Paul Usoro (SAN) and wished them a successful tenure in the task of advancing legal practice in the country.