Shehu of Borno Alhaji Dr. Abubakar ibn Umar Garba el-Kanemi urges lawyers to uphold highest standard of professionalism

The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar ibn Umar Garba el-Kanemi, has urged members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and fairness in the discharge of their duties.

The monarch made the call in his goodwill message to the NBA at its 2026 Annual General Conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with the theme, “Beyond Limits.”

El-Kanemi congratulated the leadership and entire membership of the NBA, describing lawyers as custodians of justice, defenders of constitutional order and advocates for the rights and dignity of citizens.

He said the legal profession remained a noble calling and an important pillar in the preservation of justice, peace, good governance and the rule of law in Nigeria.
According to him, members of the legal profession have made significant contributions to the development of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the advancement of justice.

He noted that the NBA had consequently earned an important place in the affairs of the nation, particularly through its contributions to constitutionalism, accountability and responsible governance.

The Shehu stressed the importance of justice, fairness, mutual respect and confidence in institutions to the peace and stability of communities.

“Where justice is accessible and trusted, people are more likely to live together in peace and harmony. Where the rule of law is respected, communities are strengthened, and development becomes possible,” he said.

He added that traditional institutions and the legal profession shared a responsibility to promote peaceful coexistence, protect the dignity of citizens, encourage dialogue and contribute to Nigeria’s stability and development.

The monarch observed that the conference came at a time when Nigeria was facing considerable challenges and transformation, including insecurity, economic difficulties, limited access to justice, institutional weaknesses and concerns over social cohesion and citizens’ welfare.

He therefore urged the NBA to play a constructive role in addressing the challenges, saying the association should not only defend individual rights but also contribute meaningfully to national discourse and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
El-Kanemi further called on lawyers to ensure that the law remained an instrument of justice and social order, particularly by protecting vulnerable citizens and providing peaceful avenues for resolving disputes.

He also urged the legal profession to promote greater access to justice for ordinary Nigerians who might lack the resources or opportunities to adequately defend their rights.

The monarch commended the NBA for organising the annual conference, describing it as an important platform for professional development, intellectual exchange, reflection and national engagement.

He urged participants to ensure that the outcome of the conference extended beyond professional deliberations and contributed to broader efforts aimed at strengthening justice, peace, good governance and national development.

The Shehu expressed his goodwill to the NBA leadership, members and delegates, wishing them a successful conference and fruitful deliberations.