BY EMMA PETER, ABUJA
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN; Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris; and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, have celebrated Professor Junaidu Mashal following his elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The dignitaries spoke at a reception organised in honour of Professor Mashal, who serves as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Kebbi State, commending his professional accomplishments, integrity, humility and contributions to public service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the ICPC chairman, who described Professor Mashal as his brother, friend and former schoolmate, said they both attended Government College Bauchi, now known as Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Unity College, Bauchi.
Aliyu recalled that he was the first SAN produced by the institution, while Professor Mashal became the second. He also noted that they were the first and second Attorneys-General from their school, respectively.
Describing his friend’s personal qualities, the ICPC chairman said, “One thing which I can say about Junaidu is humility. Junaidu is humble, honest, hardworking and intelligent.”
He said one of the most touching moments of the ceremony was watching Professor Mashal’s mother pray for her son and speak positively about his achievements.
“One thing that touched my heart is when I saw his mother praying for him and also saying good things about him. I just remembered my late mother. I wish she was alive to witness what Junaidu’s mother witnessed,” Aliyu said.
He urged Nigerians to continue praying for their parents and teachers, acknowledging their contributions to the achievements of individuals.
“We are not better than our colleagues. We are not better than our brothers. We are not better than our classmates. But it is the mercy of Almighty Allah that brought us where we are today,” he said.
Aliyu thanked Governor Nasir Idris for finding Professor Mashal worthy of appointment as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, praying for God’s continued guidance and protection for the honouree.
He described Mashal’s achievement as remarkable, noting the rarity of combining academic excellence, the rank of SAN and the office of Attorney-General.
“May Almighty Allah guide him right, protect him and also continue to make him a shining light in Nigeria,” the ICPC chairman said.
In his remarks, Governor Nasir Idris congratulated Professor Mashal, describing his elevation as a significant achievement for the honouree, Kebbi State and the legal profession.
The governor said his decision to appoint Mashal as Attorney-General was informed by the need for a legal adviser who would provide honest and independent counsel rather than merely tell the government what it wanted to hear.
“When I asked you to serve as Attorney-General, I was not looking for a lawyer who would simply tell me what I wanted to hear. I was looking for one who would tell me what the law says, even when it is inconvenient, and then help me to find the lawful path to what the people of Kebbi State need,” Idris said.
He noted that Professor Mashal had demonstrated these qualities over the past three years by defending the interests of the state and providing objective legal advice.
“There have been moments when his counsel was not the answer I wanted. And I am grateful for those moments, because a government that is told only what it wants to hear is a government heading for trouble,” the governor said.
Idris stressed that the office of Attorney-General required courage and integrity, adding that his administration had made the rule of law a foundation of governance.
“When I came into office, I made a decision that the rule of law would be a foundation of our administration, not an afterthought,” he said.
The governor explained that his administration had invested in the justice sector, including the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney-General’s chambers, the judiciary, the police and correctional facilities.
He said the investments were intended to strengthen justice delivery and improve public confidence in government institutions.
According to Idris, Professor Mashal’s elevation was not merely a personal achievement but also a reflection of the state’s commitment to professional excellence.
“When people ask me what this elevation means, I tell them it is not only a personal honour. It is a signal. It tells the rest of Nigerians that Kebbi State takes the law seriously and that we have people who can compete at the highest level of the profession,” he said.
The governor urged young lawyers to draw inspiration from Professor Mashal’s professional journey, emphasising the importance of discipline, dedication and hard work.
“We did not get here by serendipity. He got here through years of study, discipline and doing the work when nobody was watching him,” Idris said.
He urged the honouree to uphold the values that earned him the recognition, assuring him of the confidence of the state government and the appreciation of the people of Kebbi State.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and former governor of Kebbi State, joined other dignitaries in celebrating Professor Mashal’s elevation.
Bagudu’s participation underscored the importance of the occasion to Kebbi State and its legal community. However, a verified transcript of his remarks was not available for inclusion as a direct quotation.
In his response, Professor Mashal expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his professional journey.
He thanked Governor Nasir Idris for the confidence reposed in him and for giving him the opportunity to serve as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
The new SAN also appreciated his mother, uncles, sisters, other family members, friends, schoolmates and professional colleagues in the legal chambers for their prayers, encouragement and support.
He acknowledged the contributions of those who had stood by him over the years, describing his elevation as an important milestone in his legal career.
Professor Mashal also thanked the dignitaries and other well-wishers who attended the reception, praying for God’s continued blessings upon them.
The event was attended by Governor Nasir Idris; NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN; ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN; Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association in Kebbi State; the wife of the Kebbi State governor; members of the legal profession; government officials; family members; friends and other well-wishers.
Professor Mashal’s elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria marks a significant milestone in his career as a legal practitioner, academic and public servant.
