PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday said that the security of the country cannot be sacrificed on the altar of the Rule of Law, where national interest is threatened.
According to the President, the “Rule of law must be subject to the supremacy of the nation’s security and national interest.
“Our apex court has had cause to adopt a position on this issue in this regard and it is now a matter of judicial recognition that; where national security and public interest are threatened or there is a likelihood of their being threatened, the individual rights of those allegedly responsible must take second place, in favour of the greater good of the society,” President Buhari stated yesterday, while addressing the opening ceremony of the 2018 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
He said the law can only be optimally practised when the country is safe, secure and prosperous and assured that his administration has resolved to promote measures that will achieve a vibrant economy under which the practice of law will thrive.
According to the President, the willingness of his government to hold persons accountable for offences against society, through the judicial process, will equally transform the future of public service in the country in a positive manner.
He charged lawyers to contribute in enhancing the country’s business environment and promoting social justice by promoting respect for the Rule of Law; contributing to the law reform process and putting national interest and professional ethics above self in the conduct of their business.
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The President, while calling on the NBA to partner with his government to address the enormous challenges confronting the country, noted that the theme of the 2018 NBA Conference, “Transition, Transformation and Sustainable Institutions,” was not only apt in the light of the contemporary domestic and global challenges facing the country but also demonstrates the willingness of the Bar to address issues, not only related to the immediate practice of law but more importantly, to solutions of wider society’s problems.
While describing the association as a prime stakeholder in national affairs, he charged the body to ensure national cohesion and unity of the country through speeches and public positions and most importantly in advocacy in court.
“In the context of opinions and narratives about our past and present political and socio-economic experience, you cannot afford to jettison rational and proper analysis of issues in a manner which builds, rather than destroys the nation.
“I also urge you to work to uphold and improve the sanctity and integrity of our judicial and electoral institutions which play a fundamental role in the sustenance and growth of our democracy,” President Buhari charged the NBA.
He expressed the hope that the outcome of the NBA conference will impact positively on the socio-economic fortunes of the country and Africa in the years ahead and improve access of the poor and underprivileged in the society to justice.
In his speech, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, emphasized the need for the independence of the judiciary, which he said is relevant to the sustenance of the nation’s democracy.
According to the CJN, “With the independence of the Judiciary, it can be bold to play its role without fear or favour.”
With the 2019 general elections drawing closer, Justice Onnoghen called on politicians to conduct themselves lawfully so as not to endanger the peace and stability of the country.
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