In a candid keynote address at the 2024 Clarity Conference in Abuja on Saturday, Federal High Court judge Justice Mabel Segun-Bello shed light on the daunting challenges she faced in her journey to becoming a federal judge in Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme “The Constellation: Gathering of Stars, By Stars and For Stars,” Justice Segun-Bello emphasized that attaining the esteemed position of a federal judge requires either the backing of the presidency or support from a political party—neither of which she had.
“You may come from a poverty-stricken background. That is a powerful condition, but you must have the will to rise above it,” she told the conference participants. “If I tell you where I come from, two things will happen: you will either think I’m lying or start crying. And remember, I’m not just a state judge; I’m a federal judge.”
Justice Segun-Bello’s story serves as a testament to the power of determination in the face of adversity. “To become a federal judge, you need the backing of the presidency or support from a political party. I had neither. This goes to show that principles, when applied universally, can make anything possible,” she said.
The Clarity Conference, convened by Atuzie Tuzzi, aims to guide young people from the ideation phase to implementation. “Many struggle with feelings of inadequacy due to their early environment and the exposure they had during school years,” Tuzzi explained, highlighting the importance of such events in empowering and inspiring the youth.
Justice Segun-Bello’s keynote address not only sheds light on the challenges within Nigeria’s judicial system but also serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring legal professionals, demonstrating that with unwavering determination, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.
The post “To Become A Federal Judge In Nigeria, You Need The Backing Of The Presidency Or A Political Party,” Says Justice Mabel appeared first on Nairalaw.com.
