Accolades for NBA president
“AB Mahmoud, a rare specie among us” – Emir of Kano
President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, SAN has been given a heroic welcome and a standing ovation by the crème de la crème of the northern society
This happened at a colourful dinner held in Kano State Government House to celebrate his election as the 28th President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA.
For Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and the Emir of Kano, His Royal Majesty Muhammadu Sanusi ll as well as the people of Kano State, it was an occasion to say well done to a worthy son who had not only written his name in gold but etched Kano on the legal map of Nigeria.
His Excellency Governor Ganduje was full of encomium for A B Mahmoud SAN.
“He is intelligent, trusted, tested,” said Ganduje” He is honourable, exposed, well-connected, detribalized, well-cultured, articulate, dynamic, prosperous, disciplined, courageous and sincere.
“I want to thank all of you, Nigerian Lawyers, for entrusting the leadership of your association into the hands of AB Mahmoud at this critical period in our National history. I want to assure you that he will not let you down.”
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11, congratulated Nigerian Lawyers for their wisdom in electing a man of superlative abilities to pilot the affairs of NBA. He figuratively described AB Mahmoud as ‘our beloved son in whom we are well pleased.’ “This is a rare specie among us” said Sanusi..
His Royal Majesty described A B Mahmoud SAN as a fit and proper person to preside over the affairs of NBA.
“He is a competent and courageous gentleman.” said Sanusi. “He will not compromise the ethics of his profession.
” I want to seize the opportunity of this auspicious occasion to appreciate Hon. Justice Patricia Mahmoud, for her services to Kano State. She is a noble professional who has left indelible marks on the judicial sands of Kano State. And, of course, to also appreciate his daughter, Zubaida Mahmoud, who is also a lawyer, for following the professional path of her parents – keeping the tradition of legal practice in the family.”
The Emir in a veiled reference to recent events in the Judiciary had a word of admonition for the Legal community and Journalists in Nigeria. To Lawyers he said, “the day you start insulting yourselves, others will join you. The judiciary is a sacred institution, we should not destroy it. There are bad judges just like we have bad people in every sector of human society but we should know that there are many good people in the Judiciary and the legal profession. We should not tarnish the image of the entire institution because of the attitude of a few.”
The Emir further called on Nigerian Journalist to exercise restraint in escalating the negative aspects of our legal institutions.
Thereafter, Elder Statesman, Alhaji Maitama Sule, the Dan masanin Kano, who was Special Guest of Honour, paid glowing tributes to Nigeria’s nationalists for their patriotic zeal in the struggle for the nation’s independence.
“The founding fathers of Nigeria laid a good foundation for the solid development of our country.” He said. “Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu-Bello, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Joseph Tarka, Alhaji Aminu Kano, among others. They all wanted a Nigeria that will rank among the best nations of the world.T hey were Leaders not Rulers, Leaders not looters.
“The legal profession should take the lead to salvage Nigeria from its perilous path. The NBA should fight corruption and restore hope for the hopeless and be the vanguard for positive change.
Some past Governors of Kano State and 65 eminent lawyers (including 7 SANs and 4 National Officers) drawn from all branches NBA graced the occasion.