Governor Fubara, Weah, Kekere-Ekun, Osigwe and other legal leaders challenge lawyers to strengthen democratic institutions and embrace technology.
The Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) 2026 Annual General Conference opened in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with legal practitioners, government officials and dignitaries calling for stronger judicial institutions, protection of citizens’ rights and greater commitment to the rule of law.
The conference, themed “Beyond Limits,” returned to Port Harcourt after the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara assuring participants of their safety throughout the event.
Declaring the conference open, Governor Fubara thanked the outgoing NBA President, Afam Osigwe, for bringing the annual gathering back to the state. He said courts must serve as a refuge for citizens seeking justice and urged judges to consider the wider impact of their judgments on society.
The governor said public confidence in the judiciary would increase when judges demonstrate the courage to hold government officials accountable, assuring the NBA that his administration was ready to partner with the association to strengthen the rule of law in Rivers State.
Osigwe explained that Port Harcourt was initially selected to host the 2025 conference but the NBA postponed the event because of the state of emergency and the appointment of a sole administrator. He said the association returned the conference to the state after democratic governance was restored.
Reflecting on the theme, Osigwe expressed concern that Nigeria had yet to realise its potential 66 years after independence, citing tribalism and parochial interests as major obstacles. He, however, urged lawyers to push beyond existing limitations and offer constructive solutions to government rather than merely criticising its policies.
Former Liberian President George Weah, who delivered the keynote address, said strong democratic societies depend on independent judicial institutions and a fearless legal profession.
Weah warned that threats to democracy could emerge when judicial institutions are weakened or prevented from performing their constitutional duties. He stressed that democracy must be defended every day and cannot survive on strong individuals but on strong institutions.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, represented at the event by the Chief Judge of Nigeria, said the conference theme provided an opportunity to examine the boundaries of legal practice and the impact of technology and artificial intelligence on the judiciary.
She said the Supreme Court had introduced new procedures aimed at modernising the administration of justice, while stressing the need for judicial independence and adherence to professional ethics.
The Shehu of Borno also urged the NBA to continue defending citizens’ rights and strengthening critical institutions, while the President of the Uganda Law Society, Isaac Semakade, emphasised the rights of accused persons to dignity and legal defence.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Maj. Gen. Everest Okoro, said national security extended beyond military operations and depended on the rule of law, justice and protection of human rights.
The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, meanwhile, urged the incoming NBA leadership to surpass the achievements of its predecessors and encouraged lawyers to embrace technological advancement as artificial intelligence continues to reshape legal practice.