The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to use their profession as a tool for promoting social justice and fostering national unity.
Speaking on Sunday at the NBA’s 2025 Annual General Conference in Enugu, the Sultan expressed concern over the increasing cost of litigation, which he said has continued to deprive the poor and vulnerable of access to justice.
“I hope you will devote time to addressing issues of social justice, reducing inequalities, and building a more integrated nation. Your profession has a crucial role to play in guiding us through these difficult times,” he said.
He warned that exclusion in the administration of justice often breeds resentment and conflict, citing lessons from his years of military service. “Access to justice is fundamental. When people feel excluded, it leads to unrest. This is something we must prevent in our society,” he added.
The monarch also called for a return to a united Nigeria where all citizens feel accepted, recalling his warm reception during a previous visit to Enugu. “That sense of belonging was the Nigeria we knew 40 years ago. We must bring back that spirit of unity, and you the interpreters of the law must lead the way,” he told the lawyers.
NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), in his remarks, highlighted the relevance of the conference theme, “Stand Out, Stand Tall.” According to him, the theme represents a call to uphold integrity and service in the legal profession.
“To stand out is not for show, but for service. To stand tall is to maintain dignity and honour, even in the face of difficult decisions,” Osigwe said. He further urged lawyers to speak out against injustice, stressing that silence in such moments would only embolden wrongdoers.
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