Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called on lawyers to uphold the rule of law and support a peaceful, free, fair and credible electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Yusuf made the call while declaring open the Second Annual Summit of the Arewa Young Lawyers’ Forum held at the Amani Event Centre in Kano.

He stressed that lawyers have a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the justice system, particularly during pre-election and post-election litigation, to ensure justice prevails and democracy is strengthened.

The governor described young lawyers as vital to the survival of democracy, the protection of citizens’ rights and the deepening of the rule of law, noting that they represent the bridge between the current challenges of the legal system and the future of the profession.

Governor Yusuf highlighted his administration’s support for the legal profession, including the recruitment of over 70 young lawyers into the Kano State Civil Service, the distribution of more than 100 laptops to young lawyers, prompt payment of furniture and robe allowances, as well as the implementation of capacity-building and continuous professional development programmes for legal officers.

He added that the government has also strengthened justice delivery through institutional reforms and the promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

The governor commended the leadership of the Arewa Young Lawyers’ Forum, under Umar A. Chiroma, for organising the summit, expressing confidence that it would foster meaningful dialogue and contribute to the advancement of the legal profession across Northern Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf, has urged the young lawyers to uphold integrity, courage and selfless service in the discharge of their professional responsibilities.

He described the summit’s theme, “Taking a Stand,” as timely and relevant, stressing the need for courage, responsibility and ethical leadership in addressing the challenges confronting the legal profession.

Governor Yusuf urged young lawyers to always choose integrity over compromise, courage over fear and service over self.

He also called on senior members of the Bar and the Bench to strengthen mentorship for the younger generation and charged legal practitioners to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of the justice system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor thanked the Forum for choosing Kano to host the summit and for conferring on him the Award of Excellence in Leadership and Public Service.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the justice sector and promoting the rule of law.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Forum, Umar A. Chiroma, commended the Kano State Government for its support towards the successful hosting of the summit.

The State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barr. Abdulkarim K. Maude, also praised Governor Yusuf’s reforms in the justice sector, including the appointment of the state’s first female Chief Judge, the appointment of nine judges, and the recruitment of 70 legal officers into the Kano State Civil Service.

The summit was attended by the representative of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; the representative of the Governor of Yobe State; members of the Kano State Executive Council; judicial officers; legal practitioners; and young lawyers from across Northern Nigeria.