The 2026 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association ended with a call for stronger institutions, judicial independence, respect for the rule of law, and accountability to protect Nigeria’s democracy, writes Onozure Dania
One message has been constant on the lips of most speakers at the week-long 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, which started last Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State: democracy can only thrive when the rule of law is respected, institutions remain independent, and lawyers have the courage to hold power accountable.
The stakeholders who offered varied perspectives on Nigeria’s democracy, justice system, security challenges, and the future of the legal profession.
Held under the theme “Beyond Limits Redefining the Practice of Law”, the conference featured strong calls for judicial independence, respect for the rule of law, electoral integrity, institutional accountability, and reforms in the justice and security sectors.
From the opening address by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the keynote speech by former Liberian President George Weah and interventions by judicial officers, security officials, and human rights advocates, speakers repeatedly stressed the need for institutions to work within the law and protect citizens.
