At the opening of the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference in Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah delivered a powerful message underscoring the vital role of the legal profession in national development.
“The law is more than a profession; it is the conscience of the nation,” he stated. According to Governor Mbah, lawyers are not only advocates in courtrooms but also defenders of truth, architects of peace, and champions of equity.
Since taking office, Governor Mbah emphasized that justice sector reform has been a fundamental priority of his administration. Key achievements include fully implementing financial autonomy for the judiciary, rehabilitating and digitizing courts across the state, and introducing innovations such as e-filing, virtual hearings, and real-time transcription to eliminate delays caused by outdated manual processes. His administration has also expanded the Enugu Multi-Door Courthouse to encourage alternative dispute resolution, increased access to pro bono services for vulnerable citizens, and thoroughly reviewed obsolete state laws to align with modern realities advancing gender justice and improving the ease of doing business.
He stressed that these reforms serve a greater vision: making Enugu the preferred destination for investment, innovation, and inclusive growth. “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,” Governor Mbah remarked.
The Governor warmly welcomed members of the Bar gathered in Enugu, known as the Coal City, for the historic conference. He also paid tribute to the event’s distinguished guests, including His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar III, who chaired the ceremony, and South African parliamentarian Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, who delivered the keynote address. Governor Mbah expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Bar Association for selecting Enugu as this year’s conference host city.
“As Enugu rises, justice remains at the heart of our journey,” he concluded.
