From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Uba Sani has argued that the judiciary remains essential as guardians of constitutional order, protectors of civil liberties, defenders of due process, and custodians of societal balance.
The Governor noted that during times of uncertainty and national stress, “it is often to the judiciary that citizens turn for reassurance that justice, fairness, and reason will ultimately prevail.”
Governor Uba Sani, who made these remarks on Monday during the commissioning of the Justice Muhammadu Bello Bar Center in Kaduna, added that “the independence, integrity, and institutional strength of the justice sector must never be compromised.”
“As a government, we fully recognize the crucial role of the judiciary and the legal profession in maintaining democratic stability, promoting peaceful coexistence, protecting rights, resolving disputes, and strengthening public confidence in governance.
“Our administration, therefore, remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve judicial infrastructure, boost institutional capacity, increase access to justice, and foster professional excellence within the legal ecosystem,” he said.
According to the Governor, “no society can achieve sustainable development if the rule of law is weak, institutions are fragile, or justice is unreachable for the ordinary citizen.”
He described this year’s Law Week theme, “ACTIVATE! Empowering Lawyers in the Digital Age,” as timely and highly relevant.
“The world is undergoing a fundamental change driven by technology, artificial intelligence, digital communication, and rapidly evolving systems of knowledge.
“These shifts are transforming economies, governance, business transactions, evidentiary standards, privacy rights, and even the way legal practice is conducted,” he added.
Governor Uba Sani emphasized that the legal profession must not only respond to technological changes but also actively shape them.
“Lawyers today must develop technological literacy alongside legal expertise. They must embrace innovation while upholding the profession’s ethical principles.
“They must stay intellectually flexible, globally aware, and unwavering in their commitment to justice and professional duty.
“In an era marked by speed, information overload, and digital chaos, virtues like integrity, discipline, critical thinking, civility, and ethical restraint become even more crucial,” he said.
At the event, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, described the commissioning of the Justice Mohammed Bello Bar Center and the opening of the NBA Kaduna Branch Law Week 2026 as symbolic of the enduring strength, resilience, and forward-looking vision of Nigeria’s legal community.
Fagbemi praised Governor Uba Sani for his dedication to advancing justice, strengthening institutions, and upholding the rule of law in Kaduna State, especially his support for completing the Bar Center project.
He also honored the late Justice Mohammed Bello, former Chief Justice of Nigeria, calling him “an icon of judicial integrity, intellectual distinction, and statesmanship whose contributions to Nigerian law are unforgettable.”
He stated that the Bar Center should serve not just as an administrative building but also as “the intellectual heart of the legal community” and a center for ongoing legal education, policy debates, innovation, professional collaboration, and access-to-justice initiatives.
Fagbemi further stressed the importance of cooperation among the Bar, the Bench, and the Executive in the national interest, while respecting each branch’s constitutional independence.
“Such collaboration does not weaken the role or authority of any branch. Instead, it strengthens governance, deepens democracy, and improves justice delivery,” he said.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, SAN, praised the Kaduna Branch for completing the Bar Center project and acknowledged the efforts of past administrations and the Kaduna State Government.
Osigwe encouraged NBA branches across Nigeria to invest in infrastructure that can serve not only as meeting spaces for lawyers but also generate revenue for their branches.
“I want to remind the various NBA branches that it is very important to not only increase their income but also to use it to develop facilities like this,” he said.
The NBA President highlighted that cooperation between the Bar and the government should not be mistaken for a breach of the profession’s independence.
“The fact that we sometimes agree with the government does not mean there’s a limit to our independence.
“We may disagree or offer constructive criticism, but we are committed to building a better society where the rule of law is maintained,” he concluded.
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