Reject Democratic Tyrants, George Weah Tells Lawyers, Judiciary
Former Liberian President George Weah has urged Nigeria’s judiciary and legal profession to resist what he described as democratic tyranny and defend institutions ahead of the country’s crucial 2026 general elections.
Weah, who peacefully conceded defeat and left office in 2024, said lawyers and judges have a central role to play in protecting democracy, strengthening accountability and safeguarding the rule of law.
The former football star turned politician delivered the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Weah called for judicial independence and stronger democratic values not only in Nigeria, but across Africa.
He warned that elected officials could become “dictators with a Certificate of Return” when electoral victory is used to weaken accountability, transparency, and constitutional order.
Democracy Needs Strong Institutions, Weah Says
Weah told the legal community that democracy does not end on election night, stressing that it survives through resilient institutions rather than powerful individuals.
He also condemned corruption in the judiciary, accusing some democratic governments of colluding with judges to undermine the rule of law. He urged African lawyers to remain fearless in defending the independence of the bench and ensuring that the law serves humanity and peace.
NBA Returns to Port Harcourt After Rivers’ Political Crisis
The NBA Annual General Conference had initially been scheduled to hold in Rivers State in 2025, but the association cancelled the event in protest against the political crisis in the state.
The decision followed President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of elected officials, including Governor Siminalaye Fubara.
Under outgoing President Mazi Afam Osigwe, the NBA objected to the suspension of democratic structures and the installation of a sole administrator. The association said holding its flagship event under emergency rule would conflict with its values and its position on constitutional governance.
The conference was subsequently moved to Enugu State.
Refund Demand Sparks Backlash
After the NBA moved the conference to Enugu, Sole Administrator Ibok Ete Ibas demanded that the association refund the N300 million earlier provided by the Rivers State government under Fubara. He threatened legal action if the NBA failed to comply.
At a pre-conference briefing in Port Harcourt last Monday, Osigwe said the association had fulfilled its promise to return the AGC to the state once constitutional order was restored.
“We’re back here because a democratically elected governor is back in place, and the circumstances are such that we believe meet the constitutional muster for the NBA to operate under a climate of constitutionalism and come back to hold this conference,” Osigwe said.
NBA Set for Leadership Transition
The conference will also mark a leadership transition, as Osigwe and his national executive are expected to formally hand over to newly elected NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya and her team.
Badejo-Okusanya will become the 33rd president of the Nigerian Bar Association and the second woman to lead the body.
