Kebbi: Lawyers Raise Alarm Over Appointment At North West Development Commission

BIRNIN-KEBBI – Concerned legal practitioners in Kebbi State have raised an alarm over the appointment one Kabir Sani, an indigene of the State, as the Director of Legal Services in the North West Development Commission.

According to Barrister Ibrahim Birema, there is need for the appointment of a qualified legal professional as the Director of Legal Services in the Commission.

His words: “This morning, I came across numerous concerns from the indigenes of Kebbi State regarding the recent nomination of a non-lawyer to the position of Director of Legal Services in the North West Development Commission (NWDC).

“The nominee, who identified as an engineer, has sparked widespread discontent, particularly within the legal community. This decision is perceived as a disregard for the legal profession and a potential conflict of interest that could undermine the effectiveness of the Commission.”

He added that Kebbi State, fondly referred to as the “Land of Equity,” has always upheld fairness, justice, and the rule of law. Therefore, it is deeply disheartening to witness the appointment of an individual lacking the requisite legal qualifications and experience to occupy such a critical role.

The Director of Legal Services is responsible for providing sound legal guidance, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, and protecting the Commission from legal liabilities. It is not a role that can be adequately fulfilled by someone without a legal background, regardless of their expertise in other fields.

We, the concerned citizens of Kebbi State, call upon the Honourable Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu; the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris.;and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Tanko Sununu; and other stakeholders at the national level to urgently reconsider this decision.

Appointing a non-lawyer to such a specialized position is not only an affront to the legal profession but also a disservice to the people of Kebbi State and the entire North West region.

The legal profession requires years of rigorous training, continuous learning, and a steadfast commitment to upholding justice. Lawyers are uniquely equipped to handle legal complexities, provide expert counsel, and navigate regulatory challenges. It is, therefore, imperative that a qualified legal professional be appointed as Director of Legal Services to ensure that the Commission receives the best possible legal guidance and that the interests of the people are adequately protected.

We urge the legal community in Kebbi State and beyond to challenge this decision and defend the integrity of the legal profession. Ensuring that only qualified individuals are appointed to positions requiring legal expertise is crucial for the credibility and functionality of our institutions. The legal profession has long contributed to national development, and preserving this legacy should be a collective responsibility.

The concerned body of benchers call on all stakeholders to rectify this appointment by selecting a qualified lawyer to serve as the Director of Legal Services. Such a decision will enhance the credibility of the North West Development Commission and ensure that the legal needs of the region are met with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.