The swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected executives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gombe Branch, held on Friday at the Gombe International Hotel, was a stirring call to service, leadership, and reform.
The event drew notable dignitaries including the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, the Secretary to Government of the State, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the Chief Judge of Gombe State, Hon. Justice Halima S. Mohammed, the State Head of Civil Service Alh. Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi and Honourable Commissioners and alike.
In his keynote address, Jatau, who represented Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, reiterated the state government’s commitment to the judiciary.
He cited ongoing initiatives such as the construction of a state-of-the-art High Court Complex, arguing that structural investment provides long-term solutions as opposed to short-term increases in monthly allocations.
He emphasised that the judiciary cannot thrive in dilapidated structures and that modern facilities, digital infrastructure, and proper security are far more impactful than recurring expenses.
The governor encouraged the NBA to present their demands to government with clarity, stressing that clearly defined tasks are easier to achieve. He praised the NBA for its role in sustaining justice but reminded the new leadership that leadership is more about responsibility than position. Referencing his personal reflections on leadership, he noted that while no organisation is without challenges, it is the ability to overcome them that defines effective leadership. He commended the incoming executives’ plans to set up 14 specialised committees to address critical areas of professional practice and reform but advise to give more emphasis on that of fighting corruption.
In her goodwill message, the Chief Judge, Justice Halima Mohammed, congratulated the new executives and praised the outgoing EXCO for a successful tenure, including a well-attended Law Week and productive Bar-Bench Forum.
She described the NBA as a vital partner to the judiciary and called on the new leadership to prioritise unity, discipline, and a continued commitment to legal reform and professional development.
Justice Mohammed stressed the importance of integrity in the legal system, urging members of the Bar to remain fearless in defending human rights and unwavering in preserving the dignity of the legal profession.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of Gombe State, Barr. Zubair Umar Mohammad, addressed concerns surrounding judicial funding.
He acknowledged the existence of complaints regarding monthly running costs but clarified that the current administration has increased allocations by nearly 70 percent compared to the previous government.
He maintained that investments in physical infrastructure yield more enduring benefits and cited five key reasons for prioritising court renovations and digital upgrades over recurrent expenses.
Barr. Umar presented a number of practical strategies to combat corruption within the legal sector. These included the implementation of secure whistleblower channels, ensuring transparency in judicial processes, regular integrity assessments, and greater reliance on digital systems to reduce human discretion in sensitive procedures. He emphasised that true leadership demands sacrifice and that ethical standards must be upheld by example.
The outgoing Chairman of the NBA Gombe Branch, Barr. Benjamin Sati, expressed heartfelt appreciation to members of the Bar and the Bench for their unwavering support throughout his tenure.
He noted that the achievements recorded during the past administration—including the successful Law Week and enhanced collaboration with the judiciary—were possible because of the collective efforts and unity of purpose among members.
Barr. Sati thanked the Bench for their partnership and mutual respect, which he described as crucial to the branch’s progress.
He urged all members to extend similar, if not greater, support to the incoming executive committee, reminding the gathering that continuity and solidarity are essential for growth. He concluded by expressing confidence in the capabilities of the new leadership and pledged his personal support to them.
The newly sworn-in Chairman of the NBA Gombe Branch thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and the entire executive team. He acknowledged the responsibility that comes with leadership and pledged to serve with transparency, diligence, and a commitment to professional excellence.
He called on members of the Bar to unite behind the new leadership, emphasising that success can only be achieved through collective support and active participation. As part of his administration’s strategic direction, the Chairman announced the appointment of committee members who will assist in driving various aspects of the branch’s activities throughout the tenure. He noted that the committees were set up to reflect key areas of concern and opportunity within the Bar and would begin operations shortly.
He appealed for the cooperation of all stakeholders, stating that the new administration is committed to building on the progress of the past and leading the branch into a new era of reform, advocacy, and inclusion.
Jack.A.Tasha
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)
