Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged lawyers across Nigeria to remain steadfast in defending the Constitution, protecting citizens’ rights and speaking truth to power, irrespective of political pressure or other challenges.
Fubara made the call on Sunday while declaring open the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.
He described legal practitioners as critical pillars of democracy and urged them to remain committed to justice, accountability and the rule of law.
The governor said the responsibility of members of the legal profession extends beyond courtroom practice, stressing that they must defend ordinary citizens and public institutions whenever they are threatened or undermined.
He also challenged the judiciary to uphold its independence, integrity and impartiality, noting that public confidence in the justice system depends largely on the courage, competence and fairness of judicial officers.
Fubara cautioned against weakening justice through technicalities, unnecessary delays, political interference and corruption, insisting that the legal system must remain responsive to the realities confronting Nigerians.
He urged the Bar and the Bench to recommit themselves to serving the public interest with compassion and professionalism while ensuring that justice remains accessible to all.
Highlighting his administration’s efforts to strengthen the judiciary in Rivers State, the governor said more judges had been appointed, additional courts established and a new Federal High Court complex was under construction and expected to be handed over before the end of the year.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting judicial officers, respecting the financial and administrative autonomy of the judiciary and partnering with the NBA to promote constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
Welcoming delegates from Nigeria and other countries to Port Harcourt, Fubara described the conference theme, “Beyond Limits,” as a challenge to legal practitioners to rise above obstacles in safeguarding democracy.
He noted that the return of the NBA conference to Rivers State, after last year’s relocation, reflected the restoration of peace, stability and democratic governance in the state.
Earlier, the outgoing President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, said the theme, “Beyond Limits,” formed part of the association’s strategic commitment to examining the determination of Nigerians to accomplish their aspirations, particularly in promoting and protecting constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
Osigwe explained that the conference was rescheduled to Port Harcourt for 2026 after the city could not host the 2025 edition following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
He said the NBA, known for its defence of the Constitution, refused to host such a crucial conference under a sole administrator.
Osigwe commended Governor Fubara for his resilience and commitment to democratic principles despite the challenges, as well as his support for the judiciary through various initiatives.
Also speaking during the conference, former Liberian President George Weah, who delivered the keynote address, highlighted the critical roles of the Bar and Bench in safeguarding citizens’ freedoms and rights.
Weah charged lawyers and judges to remain impartial in the administration of justice, stressing that an independent judiciary supported by a fearless legal profession was crucial to the survival of democracy.
According to him, threats to democracy do not emanate only from the barrel of a gun or failed leaders seeking to perpetuate themselves in power, but also from the weakening of judicial institutions to the point where they can no longer perform their functions without fear or favour.
The former Liberian President warned that it was a dangerous threat to democracy when a government described itself as democratic but was corrupt and colluded with judges to undermine the rule of law.
