<p>Former Lagos State Governor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has called on members of the legal profession to play a more active role in addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges, insisting that the fight against crime should not be left solely to politicians and security agencies.</p>
<p>Fashola made the call on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch Law Week in Lagos.</p>
<p>Speaking on the theme, “Law, Leadership and the Ballot: Governance Beyond Politics,” the former governor said lawyers, judges and policymakers must work together to strengthen the country’s justice and security architecture.</p>
<p>According to him, attorneys-general at both federal and state levels, as chief law officers of their respective governments, should be more visible in national conversations on security and justice administration.</p>
<p>“The responsibility for addressing insecurity cannot be left only to presidents, governors and security agencies.</p>
<p>“Attorneys-general must be seen and heard more often on issues of security and criminal justice because they occupy strategic positions in the administration of justice,” he said.</p>
<p>Fashola stressed that effective crime control requires a coordinated effort among the executive, legislature and judiciary, with legal practitioners playing a critical role in shaping policies and ensuring the enforcement of laws.</p>
<p>“The fight against crime is not merely about making arrests. It involves prevention, detection, prosecution and ultimately conviction. If any part of that chain is weak, public safety is compromised,” he said.</p>
<p>He questioned the existing structure of public accountability on security matters, arguing that attention is often focused exclusively on political office holders while legal institutions remain largely in the background.</p>
<p>“We often ask what the President is doing or what the governor is doing, but we seldom ask what the Attorney-General is doing. Yet the Attorney-General is a central figure in the criminal justice system,” he noted.</p>
<p>The former Minister of Works and Housing linked the country’s security concerns to wider governance challenges, warning that economic development and social progress could not thrive where the rule of law was weak.</p>
<p>“You cannot build a prosperous society without a strong legal framework. Security, investment and development are all connected to the effectiveness of our institutions and the enforcement of our laws,” he said.</p>
<p>Fashola also advocated stricter enforcement of laws regulating vehicle registration, describing anonymous vehicles on public roads as a significant challenge to law enforcement efforts.</p>
<p>According to him, properly registered and identifiable vehicles are essential tools for modern policing and crime prevention.</p>
<p>“Number plates are not merely administrative requirements; they are instruments of accountability. When vehicles are properly identified, law enforcement agencies are better equipped to investigate and prevent crime,” he said.</p>
<li><a href="https://punchng.com/nigeria-welcomes-us-sanctions-on-teerror-financing-suspects/?utm_source=auto-read-also&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Nigeria welcomes US sanctions on teerror financing suspects </a></li>
<li><a href="https://punchng.com/akpabio-swears-in-four-new-senators-after-by-elections/?utm_source=auto-read-also&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Akpabio swears in four new senators after by-elections </a></li>
<p>He further argued that governance outcomes in Nigeria would improve significantly if laws were implemented consistently and institutions allowed to function effectively.</p>
<p>“The quality of governance we experience is often a reflection of how seriously we enforce our laws. Strong institutions and clear legal processes create confidence, enhance security and encourage economic growth,” he stated.</p>
<p>Turning to the theme of the Law Week, “Altering the Status Quo: Going Against the Norm,” Fashola challenged legal practitioners to rethink certain practices within the profession, particularly the use of technical legal language that may be misunderstood by the public.</p>
<p>He singled out the frequent use of the expression “status quo” in court proceedings and rulings.</p>
<p>“When a court says maintain the status quo, different people often interpret it differently. Why not simply say maintain the current situation? The law should communicate clearly to those it affects,” he said.</p>
<p>Fashola urged members of the Nigerian Bar Association to move beyond intellectual discussions and contribute actively to legal and institutional reforms capable of strengthening governance and restoring public confidence.</p>
<p>“Lawyers are uniquely positioned to shape national development because they interpret, enforce and advise on the law. We must therefore move from conversation to action,” he said.</p>
<p>Earlier, Chairman of the NBA Ikeja Branch, Mr Adeniji Quadri, described the Law Week theme as a timely challenge to legal practitioners and policymakers to embrace innovative thinking in addressing Nigeria’s governance and security problems.</p>
<p>“The theme calls on us to examine whether our existing institutions, processes and assumptions are still capable of delivering justice and meeting the expectations of Nigerians,” Quadri said.</p>
<p>He noted that the legal profession has a responsibility to continuously interrogate the effectiveness of public institutions, particularly at a time when citizens face economic hardship and growing security concerns.</p>
<p>Also speaking, Chairman of the Law Week Planning Committee, Mr Chukwudi Enebeli, said the programme was carefully designed to stimulate meaningful discussions on governance, accountability and national development.</p>
<p>“This year’s Law Week is intended to provoke critical conversations and generate practical ideas that can contribute to improving governance and strengthening public institutions,” Enebeli said.</p>
<p>He disclosed that the week-long programme would feature several distinguished speakers and policymakers, including the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, as well as a memorial lecture by human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana.</p>
<p>The 2026 NBA Ikeja Law Week continues with a series of sessions focusing on governance reform, economic transformation, institutional accountability and the role of the legal profession in shaping Nigeria’s future.</p>
<p>Onozure is a correspondent of The PUNCH on the judiciary beat. She has over a decade experience covering criminal and civil matters from the magistrate to the appellate courts. She’s a graduate of Political Science</p>
<p>All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.</p>
<p><a href="https://softbrite.com/l/pnchtxtnov2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <strong> UPDATE NEWS:</strong> As a Nigerian living in Nigeria or diaspora, you can now earn about ₦17- ₦25Million when you acquire premium domains for as low as $2500. You get paid in US Dollars. Ideal for Civil/public servants, Entrepreneurs, Accountants, Doctors, IT Experts and many others.
<p>Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!</p>
<p>Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the <strong>Punch News App</strong>. <strong>Download now</strong> and never miss a beat.</p>
7 minutes ago
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/police-detain-six-officers-in-imo-over-viral-assault-video/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Police detain six officers in Imo over viral assault video </a></h3>
<p>14 minutes ago Nigeria better prepared for future outbreaks after COVID-19 investments - NACA</p>
19 minutes ago
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/nigerian-jailed-five-years-in-us-over-3-5m-romance-scam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Nigerian jailed five years in US over $3.5m romance scam </a></h3>
<a href="https://punchng.com/i-dont-see-the-hunger-nigerians-complain-about-tinubus-aide/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <img src="https://punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_4236_1782283566-60x38.webp" alt="I don’t see the hunger Nigerians complain about — Tinubu’s aide" loading="lazy" /> </a>
</figure>
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/i-dont-see-the-hunger-nigerians-complain-about-tinubus-aide/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> I don’t see the hunger Nigerians complain about — Tinubu’s aide </a></h3>
<figure>
<a href="https://punchng.com/nadeco-rejects-abdulsalamis-claims-on-abiola-military-rule/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <img src="https://punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Abdulsalami-Abubakar-60x34.webp" alt="NADECO rejects Abdulsalami’s claims on Abiola, military rule" loading="lazy" /> </a>
</figure>
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/nadeco-rejects-abdulsalamis-claims-on-abiola-military-rule/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> NADECO rejects Abdulsalami’s claims on Abiola, military rule </a></h3>
<a href="https://punchng.com/police-intercept-47-sacks-of-military-uniforms-in-lagos/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <img src="https://punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/tracfick-exhibit_1782262050-60x37.webp" alt="Police intercept 47 sacks of military uniforms in Lagos" loading="lazy" /> </a>
</figure>
<h3><a href="https://punchng.com/police-intercept-47-sacks-of-military-uniforms-in-lagos/?utm_source=top-story&utm_medium=web" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Police intercept 47 sacks of military uniforms in Lagos </a></h3>
AI is set to end medical and cosmetic testing since accurate models can now predict drug toxicity, organ damage and chemical hazards that experiments could never do before. And it is an opportunity that Africa should embrace.
He said the federation now has sufficient qualified instructors to conduct CAF B coaching courses in states, zones and local government areas The post NFF to decentralise coaching education – Gusau appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
