On March 26, 2025, Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered a keynote address at the inaugural Body of Benchers Annual Lecture in Abuja. He emphasized the judiciary’s vital role in upholding the rule of law and maintaining societal order, stating, “Laws are not mere technicalities; they are the scaffolding of civilisation. Without laws, there is no order. Without order, there is no society.”
Shettima urged legal professionals to resist pressures that might compromise justice, highlighting the judiciary’s duty to serve without bias. He praised the judiciary for affirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate despite political challenges, reinforcing the importance of an impartial legal system. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, also addressed the gathering, lauding the Body of Benchers for fostering ethical standards and providing a platform for meaningful discussions on the legal profession’s role.
Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), underscored the significance of character and self-discipline in preserving the legal profession’s dignity. The event underscored a collective commitment to legal scholarship, the preservation of legal precedents, and the continuous refinement of Nigeria’s legal system.
