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Professor of Public Law, Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana, SAN has advocated for a justice system that will address socio-political, economic and cultural factors that hinder the implementation of legislation leading to the failure of laws in Nigeria.
He said ‘such transformation is key to the restoring public confidence ameliorating social cohesion and fostering a sustainable democratic ethos’.
Professor Kana made this proposition while delivering the 52nd Inaugural Lecture Series of the University on Wednesday 9th April 2025 titled “Why Laws Fail: Analyzing The Shortcomings of Nigerian Laws And The Implications For Justice”.
According to the erudite Professor of Public Law systemic corruption among other vices pose serious challenge to the effective implementation of laws in Nigeria because corruption is deeply rooted in political and judicial systems biases the application of laws.
“Consequently resources intended for the police and the judicial processes are often diverted, while legal personnel can engage in practices contrary to ethics which compromises the integrity of legal results,” he said.
He explained that institutional strengthening is vital to overcoming political patronage and corruption which plagues the Nigerian judiciary and law enforcement agencies thereby leading to failure of Nigerian laws.
“An independent judiciary free from political influence is crucial for upholding justice. This can be achieved by implementing robust mechanisms for the appointment and removal of judges, supported by by performance evaluations and transparent criteria.
“Furthermore investments in judicial training and capacity building are essential to equip legal practitioners with the necessary skills to navigate complex contemporary legal issues, thereby enhancing the overall integrity of the legal system,” he said.
Kana admitted that promoting transparency within the Nigerian legal system is imperative for restoring public trust and the establishment of independent anti corruption bodies that monitor judicial proceedings and law enforcement actions can deter misconduct and foster a culture of accountability.
He further pointed out that legal reforms must prioritize the allocation of resources to the judiciary, including adequate salaries for judges and legal personnel, improved infrastructure and technology integration within court systems.
“This would not only reduce susceptibility to corruption but also enhance the efficiency and credibility of legal proceedings,” he said.
As a solution, Professor Kana then called on the government to adopt a proactive stance regarding the application of existing laws by careful allocation of adequate resources and a determined struggle against graft in the legal system.
While delivering his remarks, the visitor to the University and Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A Sule, represented by the Deputy Governor Dr. Emmanuel Akabe described Professor Kana as an asset to both Nasarawa State and the country, highlighting his transformative work as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. In his words ” Professor Kana, as we know him, is a man that is hardworking, he is always committed to his duty, his actions are rugged, but in a positive way, he has transformed our legal system, we will always consult him” he added.
Earlier in her address, the Vice-Chancellor of NSUK Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman described the topic of the lecture as timely and relevant as it highlights the challenges and shortcomings of the Nigerian legal system.
“It is therefore essential that we critically examine our laws, identify areas of improvement and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
“I have no doubt that the presentation will provide valuable insights into the complexities of Nigerian laws and their implications for justice,” she said.
The highlights of the event were goodwill messages from the former Vice-Chancellor of the University and Amir Muslim of Idoma Land, Professor Shamsudeen Amali, and Dr. Suleiman Nchi who spoke on behalf of the Faculty of Law. The climax was the presentation of plaque of honor, medal and certificate to Professor Kana by the by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman supported by the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe.
The 52nd Inaugural Lecture was attended by dignitaries notably among them were the first visitor and founder of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, and former APC National Chairman, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Honorable Danladi Jatau, Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Her Lordship Justice Aisha Bashir, the Accountant General of Nasarawa State, Rt. Hon. Dr. Musa Mohammed Ahmed, the Nasarawa State Chairman of the APC, Dr. Aliyu Bello, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, and the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria in Nasarawa State, Dr. Hassan Muhammad Liman, amongst many other personalities who graced the well attended event.
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