– Fubara, NBA president charge lawyers to defend rule of law, judicial independence
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
Former Liberian President George Weah has warned African leaders against undermining democracy through political manipulation, pressure on the judiciary and the weakening of institutions, saying an elected leader can become a tyrant if he governs without respect for constitutional checks and balances.
Weah gave the warning yesterday as keynote speaker at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he charged lawyers across Africa to defend the rule of law and protect citizens from abuse of political power.
Speaking on the theme, “Beyond Limits,” the former Liberian president said democracy must not be reduced to the conduct of elections, stressing that its survival depended on strong institutions, particularly an independent judiciary and a fearless legal profession.
