Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has vowed to redeem the negative image of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), by exemplifying excellent governance in the state.
Mutfwang, a lawyer by profession, made the pledge on Thursday in Jos, when he declared the National Executive Council Meeting of the NBA open.
While noting that a lot was expected from the NBA as a body of professionals that should ensure justice for the common man, the governor pledged that his administration would ensure the execution of people-oriented policies by virtue of his knowledge of the law.
”I am pleased to be a member of the Bar, I have taken it upon myself that I will do all I can to acquit the BAR. I believe nobody is better prepared than a lawyer to lead in public administration.
“And whatever the experiences of the past have been, we are determined to raise the bar on governance, to make sure that we create room for those coming behind to have the space to go into public administration.
“So we will do the best we can to make the Bar proud; we continue to count on your support.
“We are not opposed to constructive criticism, rather we are open to it, particularly if it is aimed at ensuring that the best of good governance is delivered to our people,” Mutfwang said.
While commending the NBA for its choice of Plateau for the NEC meeting, the governor urged members to be peace ambassadors of the state, and not prove those giving the profession negative publicity right.
“Let me thank Mr. President and NEC for acceding to our request to hold this meeting in Jos, I am sure that you have been welcomed both by the people and the weather.
“I therefore want to appeal to you that from this moment when you return to your destinations, please become peace ambassadors of Plateau; tell the story of what you saw.
“That you were welcomed by the weather, by the people, and by the food, and I am sure it will not be out of place to request that two years from now, the Annual General Congress holds in Jos,” he said.
On his part, Mr Yakubu Maikyau, President of the NBA, who congratulated Mutfwang over his victory at the polls, commended him for his resilience through the process.
Maikyau urged members of the association to continue to uphold the ethics of their profession by ensuring the unbiased application of the law, especially for the ordinary man.
“I congratulate you all for being part of the NEC meeting on this 29th day of this leap year, it is no coincidence but an act of providence that we are gathered in Jos today.
“Members of the Bar, I urge you all to continue to be great examples of the profession, as people who are very conscious of their rights and obligations.
”Continue to exhibit this in the execution of your jobs, even to the ordinary people of this country.
“Our ability and understanding of this responsibility should move us to a better position to proffer solutions to society’s problems,” Maikyau said. (NAN)