The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN has stated that the legal profession is privileged to lead the country because everything standing in the country including the Nigerian Armed Forces is an instrument of the law and everyone must stay within the boundary of the law.
The NBA President made this remark yesterday during a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Lucky Irabor, CFR at the Defence Headquarters. Mr. Maikyau also commended the Chief of Defence Staff for his forthrightness, congratulated the men and women of the armed forces for the giant strides being recorded in the protection of the territorial integrity and internal security of the country and also commiserated with the Chief of Defence Staff on the loss of the gallant men and women of the armed forces who have paid the ultimate price in the course of service to our fatherland.
In his words, “we have come to identify with the excellent work the armed forces has been doing and we do not take the sacrifice for granted. You have also made us proud in the assignment you’ve had to do outside the shores of the country. We must show respect to the armed forces. Are we happy with all the things the military have done? No! But inspite of all the challenges, it is deserving to identify with you and the job you’re doing in the North East and North West Nigeria is commendable.”
The Chief of Defence Staff thanked the NBA for identifying with the armed forces and indicated the readiness of the Nigerian military to partner with the NBA particularly on issues that border on the delay in trials of crimes of terrorism and insurgency. Gen. Irabor agreed with the NBA President that the armed forces is a creation of the Constitution and that the military shall continue to respect the rule of law.
In respect of the forthcoming general elections, the Chief of Defence Staff said “the police remains the lead security agency in respect of the elections, but we have a contingency that will enable us to help or assist the police if the need arises. The military will be unbiased and apolitical. We remain subject to civil authority and we shall ensure that democratic culture is protected and advanced.”
The NBA delegation included members of the National Executive Committee, Mrs. Linda Rose Bala, 1st Vice President; the General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite, the 2nd Vice President, Clement Chukwuemeka Ugo, the Treasurer, Caroline Anze-Bishop and the National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Habeeb Lawal.
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