Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has tasked members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to discharge their duties and obligations in a manner premised on the Principles of Justice and Rule of Law in line with global best practices.
The Governor who stated this in Aba,while declaring open the NBA Section on Public Interest & Development Law (SPIDEL) 2019 Annual Conference said that the theme of the conference, “Lawyering in the Public Interest” is in tandem with the objectives of SPIDEL which is aimed at promoting development and practice of Public Interest Law and ensuring access to effective remedies for victims of violation of the law and abuse of power.
Represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Okochukwu, Governor Ikpeazu described the conference as unique and remarkably significant as it provides the opportunity for lawyers to interact, brainstorm and cross-fertilize ideas and opinions aimed at enhancing better outing of lawyers serving public interest as well as promoting the idea of pro bono legal services to those who need them most especially the vulnerable groups and the poor.
The Governor commended the NBA for creating and formally inaugurating SPIDEL as a third section in 2016 following the approval of her NEC Meeting and expressed hope that it will accomplish it’s mission statement of promoting the role and application of law to economic development and growth of public interest law in Nigeria.
While wishing them a successful conference, Ikpeazu who thanked the organizers for choosing Abia as the hosting state, reassured the NBA of the readiness and commitment of the Abia State Government to partner her and other relevant agencies for the common good of Abians and Nigeria in general.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN),in his speech said the conference is a clear demonstration that the NBA is committed to using the instrumentality of law to foster development, equity, and social change and expressed optimism that the forum will present an opportunity for lawyers to reinvigorate themselves in ensuring that the rule of the law prevails especially as the country is in dire need of eliminating corruption.
Represented by his Special Assistant on Anti Corruption and Contract Implementation, Biodium Aikomo, Justice Malami, assured that President Mohammadu Buhari is committed to fighting corruption, insecurity challenges, accountability and distribution of scare resources.
In his remarks, the President,Nigerian Bar Association,Mr Paul Usoro,SAN,while noting that lawyers have a pivotal role to play as agents of change in the socio-economic development of the society,urged them to deploy legal instruments for the implementation of socio-economic policy objectives in compliance with laid down rules of governance.
According to him,the theme “Lawyering in the public interest” is appropriate, considering the challenges the nation faces, which include incessant kidnapping of innocent citizens, violation of human rights by security agencies, mismanagement of public funds among others and described public interest lawyering as a process of legal empowerment aimed at capacity building of everyday people towards using the law and institutions to bring about social change.
In his welcome address,Chairman, NBA-SPIDEL, Dr. Paul Ananaba SAN, said the essence of the conference is to appraise, review discuss and chart a new cause about how NBA as the leading civil society organization in Nigeria should serve the people.
NBA-SPIDEL 2019 Annual Conference featured goodwill messages by the Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon Justice Kalu Ogwe Chairman of the local organizing committee,Barr. Chibuike Nwokeukwu, Director General of the Legal Aid Council Abuja, Aliyu Abubakar among others and was attended by the Abia State Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Uche Ihediwa among other lawyers within and outside the state.
