The Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) 2026 Annual General Conference (AGC) opened in Port Harcourt on Monday with an emphatic call for the strengthening of judicial institutions and renewed commitment to the rule of law, as legal minds, public officials, and dignitaries gathered under the theme “Beyond Limits.”
Declaring the conference open, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara expressed gratitude to outgoing NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe for returning the AGC to Port Harcourt following the lifting of the state of emergency. He assured participants of their safety throughout the week‑long event. Governor Fubara emphasized the judiciary’s central role in democracy, describing courts as “a refuge for the common man.” He urged judges to consider the societal impact of their decisions and to demonstrate courage in holding leaders accountable. His administration, he said, is ready to partner with the NBA to strengthen the rule of law in Rivers State.
NBA President Afam Osigwe recalled that Port Harcourt was originally slated to host the 2025 AGC but was dropped due to the declaration of a state of emergency. With democratic governance restored, he said, the association felt compelled to return. Reflecting on the conference theme, Osigwe lamented Nigeria’s unfulfilled post‑independence aspirations, noting that diversity—once considered a national strength—has become a source of division. He urged lawyers to push beyond personal and institutional limitations, stressing that constructive engagement with government is essential for national progress. “It is our duty that justice rolls down as a river,” he said, “and that the rule of law remains the foundation of society.”
Delivering the keynote address, former Liberian President George Weah described “Beyond Limits” as a philosophy of resilience. He warned that threats to democracy often arise not only from coups or contested elections but from weakened judicial institutions. “Democracy doesn’t end on election night,” Weah said. “It is tested every single day.” He argued that strong institutions—not strong men—sustain democratic societies, and cautioned against governments that manipulate budgets, pressure judges, or weaponize corruption. Africa, he noted, is rich in talent but lacks the infrastructure to fully harness it.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun, represented by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, described the theme as an invitation to reassess the ethical boundaries guiding legal practice. She highlighted the transformative impact of technology and artificial intelligence on legal research and judicial processes, revealing that the Supreme Court has begun implementing new procedures to modernize justice delivery. Judicial independence and ethics, she said, remain non‑negotiable.
The Shehu of Borno praised the NBA’s role in strengthening institutions and protecting the vulnerable, urging young lawyers to view the profession as a service to humanity. Uganda Law Society President Isaac Semakade advocated for dignity and freedom of expression, insisting that individuals should be allowed to live freely as long as their actions do not harm others.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Everest Okoro said national security is inseparable from justice and human rights. He pledged the Army’s cooperation with legal institutions to build a more secure and just Nigeria.
In a goodwill message, Chief Judge of Rivers State Justice Simeon Amadi encouraged the incoming NBA leadership to surpass the achievements of their predecessors and embrace technological advancements as artificial intelligence continues to reshape legal practice.
The 2026 AGC continues through the week with panel sessions, workshops, and discussions aimed at charting a progressive future for Nigeria’s legal profession.
