The Sokoto State Chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has identified corruption as the major reason for the sustained insecurity in the country.The legal body stated this at the weekend in Sokoto in a communique signed by Mohammed Nuhu, which was issued at the end of their law week.“Corruption is largely one of the reasons for the sustained insecurity in Nigeria which is now a serious national challenge and which needs to be tackled frontally, this can be done through adhering to strict rules relating to professionalism,” said the communique.
The body also enjoined security agencies to collaborate if they are to win this war against insecurity.“Coordination and cooperation among security agencies should be promoted, they should be on the same page,” the association said.The union also called for a just and expeditious administration of justice.
“A trustworthy relationship between security agencies in Nigeria and the public is the basis of effective security administration, especially for effective criminal investigations,” the communique said.The union noted that security agencies should maintain the confidence of the public in various ways by honestly handling citizens’ requests, responding quickly to citizens’ complaints, and providing proper protection and support for victims.
The Sokoto branch of the NBA also saluted the courage of the Nigerian security agencies in tackling banditry and associated terrorist activities.It further stated that more needs to be done to ensure a crime-free society in Nigeria.
It identified professionalism as a panacea to nation-building, the absence of which can lead to dire consequences.The NBA urged the government at all levels to provide legal professionals and staff of the judiciary in Nigeria with continuing and on-the-job training to improve their professional skills and knowledge, especially in this time of rapid development in science and technology, Information and Communication Technology as well as globalisation.
It implored different professional groups involved in bringing sanity to the Nigerian system of governance to form a common agenda in fighting corruption, tribalism, and other related offences.“Nigerians should be seen to move forward and get rid of evil forces that are determined to pull the country down.”It stated that professional associations should have a common agenda of liberating the country from the hands of the oppressors.
“The association and other related professional bodies should have the courage to punish erring members. Greed, false lifestyle, people’s attitudes, and tribalism have found their way into these professional bodies at the expense of providing direction on how to advance Nigeria as a united country.“Nigeria should learn from other climes how to promote judicial professionalism to live up to the expectation that the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man,” the body explained.
