Justice Reform: President Bola Tinubu has stressed that providing legal professionals with world-class remuneration can help cleanse the judiciary, leading to a prosperous Nigeria.
He conveyed this message while delivering his speech at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual conference, held at the Velodrome, Chief MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja. During his address, he underscored the crucial significance of justice reform and the promotion of investments in eradicating poverty and nurturing the creation of wealth.
Addressing a gathering of 16,190 legal professionals, President Tinubu emphasized the need for world-class compensation for legal practitioners to enhance the integrity of the judiciary and drive prosperity in Nigeria.
In his compelling address, President Tinubu rebuked the unsustainable practice of allocating 90% of Nigeria’s revenue to service external debts, which he described as a hindrance to the nation’s development progress. He called for resolute efforts from the private sector leaders and the wider society to chart a course towards a prosperous Nigeria.
“Can we continue to service external debts with 90% of our revenue? It is a path to destruction. It is not sustainable. We must make the very difficult changes that are necessary for our country to get up from slumber and be respected among the great nations of the world,” he said.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Getting it Right”, the President urged the nation to embark on bold reforms that might initially bring challenges but are crucial for the country’s growth trajectory. He highlighted the significance of his administration’s reforms and stressed their generational impact.
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Drawing from his experience as the former Governor of Lagos State, President Tinubu affirmed his commitment to enhancing remuneration for judicial officers and legal professionals, asserting that genuine justice reform begins with competitive salaries and benefits for legal practitioners.
“You are learned. I want to learn. Why are we so blessed and we are still lacking? We must have a change of attitude and a change of our mindset. We accuse our nation and its previous leaders. We complain alot of the past. Is that the solution? No! Let us look forward and be determined! God has given us what we need. We must work hard with determination to make our country great and it begins with you who are seated here with me,” the President exclaimed.
President Tinubu also lauded the keynote address by Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA Plc and Heirs Holdings, who proposed an economic growth agenda. The President lamented the nation’s inability to tackle poverty and provide adequate electricity despite possessing abundant gas resources.
“Yes, it is a shame not to have adequate electricity for the mass majority of homes in Nigeria and to power our industries. How can we address poverty without electricity? We can take many people out of poverty with uninterrupted electricity supply. Poverty is not acceptable, and we must banish it.”
He pledged to prioritize electricity generation and distribution to drive economic prosperity and alleviate poverty.
NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, expressed the association’s confidence in President Tinubu’s capacity to deliver effective governance, citing his commendable track record as Lagos State Governor.
In his words:
“President Tinubu got it right in Lagos, and it is our considered expectation that as President of Nigeria, you will not only replicate your achievements in Lagos, but surpass them for our country.”
The conference welcomed prominent figures such as Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and other senior government officials.
The President’s commitment to justice reform, investment promotion, and poverty eradication resonated throughout the conference, setting a determined tone for Nigeria’s journey towards a brighter future.