In continuation of the efforts of the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to engender a more cordial relationship between the Bar, the Bench and the people, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), on Thursday, led some members of the National Executive and Senior Members of the Bar, on a courtesy visit to the Office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN).
The NBA President and his delegates were warmly received by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Ms. Titilayo Shitta-bey and some Directors in the Ministry.
In his welcome address, the Attorney-General stated that the visit was quite rare as this is the first time an NBA President will pay a visit to the Ministry after winning the NBA election. This, the Commissioner noted shows the kind of leader the NBA President is.
“I must say that you are a humane person because you aren’t doing this to take glory or show off how competent you are. This is impressive and what you have done today has demonstrated the kind of leader the NBA needs”, he said.
On the unfortunate death of Mrs. Bolanle Raheem, a member of the NBA, Onigbanjo commended the NBA President for taking time out of his busy schedule to travel down to commiserate with the family of the victim and also visiting the Ministry of Justice to show appreciation for leading the prosecution of the case.
The Commissioner further noted that his office and the Ministry of Justice will continue to show immense support towards any activity presented by the NBA and ensure speedy dispensation of justice for the family of the victim.
Speaking during the visit, the NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception afforded him and his team.
He noted that he emerged winner of the NBA election with a large percentage of the votes from Lagos State which was unbelievable as he didn’t expect to beat his opponent by such a margin and he is back like the “one leper” mentioned in the bible to say “thank you” for the unwavering support towards his election as President of the organisation.
Furthermore, the NBA President extended profound gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Attorney-General and his Prosecution team in the Ministry of Justice, the Police Force and citizens of the State for their swift response and reactions towards the death of Mrs. Raheem who was allegedly killed on the 25th of December, 2022 by an officer of the Nigerian Police Force.
While commending the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Commissioner for the swift response, Maikyau stated that their prompt action will send a strong message across the entire nation to further instil and reinforce confidence in the justice system of Nigeria.
The NBA President also applauded the State Government for the various law reforms in ensuring quick dispensation of justice, noting that the reforms will ensure the decongestion of the various correctional centres across the State.