The Nasarawa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Isaac Danladi, has called for enhanced collaboration among legal practitioners, judicial officers, and security agencies to ensure the effective administration of criminal justice in the state.
He made the call while delivering a goodwill message on Day 4 of the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lafia Branch Bar Week, held under the theme: “The Need for a Harmonious Relationship Between the Bar, Bench and Security Agencies for the Smooth Administration of Criminal Justice in Nasarawa State.”
Speaking at the event, Barr. Danladi lauded the initiative of the NBA Lafia Branch, describing the theme as timely and in line with the justice sector reform agenda of Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration.
“This forum provides us a golden opportunity to reflect on our collective responsibilities in ensuring that justice is not only done, but seen to be done.
We must strengthen the synergy between all arms of the justice system to eliminate avoidable conflicts and delays,” Danladi stated.
The Attorney General, while acknowledging the presence of top dignitaries, extended recognition to his long-time friends and colleagues, including the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Labaran Magaji Ph.D., whom he described as a man of “capacity and competence,” and the first female Head of Service, Barr. Abigail Waya.
Presiding over the occasion, the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Aisha Bashir Aliyu, did not mince words in calling for professionalism and decorum among legal practitioners.
She decried recent incidents of courtroom indiscipline and disrespect towards the Bench.
“We judges are often the silent majority, but the time has come to speak out. Disrespecting the Bench is a dangerous trend that must not be tolerated.
We must remind ourselves that we are all members of the same legal family and must act accordingly,” she warned.
Justice Aisha also emphasized the need for honesty among lawyers in managing client expectations. “Tell your client the truth about their case. Don’t give them false hope. It is better to lose a client than lose your integrity,” she added.
Earlier, Chairman of the Bar Week Planning Committee, Barr. Abdullahi Shuaibu Gayam, highlighted the rationale behind the theme, noting that the NBA has received multiple complaints from judicial officers, security agencies, and lawyers about mutual interference and mistrust.
“There have been reports of disrespect toward judicial officers, lawyers being undermined by security personnel, and allegations of bias against judges.
This gathering aims to bridge those gaps through dialogue and understanding,” he said.
In a message delivered on behalf of the NBA Lafia Branch Chairman, Barr. Alaku Dennis Dauda, the branch secretary welcomed all participants and expressed gratitude for their commitment to strengthening the legal system.
The event was attended by serving and retired High Court and Magistrate judges, legal practitioners across different cadres, representatives of security agencies, and members of the public.
The 2025 NBA Lafia Bar Week continues with further sessions aimed at fostering institutional harmony and upholding the rule of law in Nasarawa State.
