Enugu State Hosts 2025 NBA Annual Meeting
…Governor Peter Mbah Urges Legal Practitioners to Be Defenders of Truth
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has charged legal practitioners across Nigeria to rise as defenders of truth, equity, and justice, stressing that the law is not just a profession but the conscience of the nation.
He made the call at the official opening of the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference, held in Enugu, the Coal City State.
According to Governor Mbah, lawyers must see themselves not only as courtroom advocates but also as architects of peace and champions of equity, whose role in shaping society is indispensable.
Justice Sector Reforms in Enugu
Highlighting his administration’s strides in justice sector reform, Mbah said Enugu has:
- Fully implemented financial autonomy for the judiciary.
- Rehabilitated and digitized courtrooms across the state.
- Introduced e-filing, virtual hearings, and real-time transcription to eliminate delays.
- Expanded the Enugu Multi-Door Courthouse to promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
- Broadened access to pro bono legal services for indigent citizens and detainees.
- Reviewed obsolete state laws to reflect modern realities, promote gender justice, and enhance ease of doing business.
“These reforms are not an end in themselves,” Mbah noted. “They are part of a broader vision to make Enugu the preferred destination for investment, innovation, and inclusive development. From smart schools to safe communities and accessible healthcare, none of our goals can be achieved without a justice system that is fair, functional, and trusted.”
Dignitaries at the Conference
The Governor warmly welcomed participants and dignitaries, including:
- His Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar III, who chaired the ceremony.
- Julius Malema, South African parliamentarian and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who delivered the keynote address.
Governor Mbah commended the NBA for choosing Enugu as the host city, adding:
“Enugu is rising, and justice is at the heart of our journey.”
