Rivers Chief Judge tasks NBA to safeguard democracy ahead of 2027 General Elections

The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, has tasked the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) with playing a leading role in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, rule of law and justice before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
Amadi gave the charge in his goodwill message at the 2026 NBA 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Chief Judge said the NBA, as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s democratic process, had a grave responsibility to ensure that the 2027 elections were fair, transparent, credible, peaceful and successful.

He urged lawyers to rise to the occasion, stressing that the judiciary and the legal profession must not fail the nation at a critical period when citizens were looking up to them for fairness and stability.

“The 2027 general election in Nigeria, which is barely five months away, is uppermost. The NBA carries grave responsibility to the nation before, during, and after the election as a veritable stakeholder in our democratic transition,” he said.

According to him, political parties and their candidates must be reminded that no political ambition, no matter how legitimate, was worth the loss of human lives or the destruction of peace in the country.

He urged the NBA to continue playing its “noble and nationalistic role” in promoting credible elections and protecting democratic values.

Amadi also emphasised the complementary roles of the judiciary and the legal profession, describing the Bench and Bar as “twin pillars” in the administration of justice.

He said their ultimate objectives remained the attainment of justice and the protection of the fundamental rights and liberties of citizens.

The Chief Judge therefore called for a cordial relationship between the Bench and Bar, founded on mutual respect, professionalism and a shared commitment to justice.

Amadi commended the outgoing President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, for what he described as his proactive leadership and contributions to the development of the association.

He said Osigwe demonstrated professionalism and integrity during his tenure, particularly through constructive criticism of government policies and actions, as well as defending the fundamental rights of citizens.

He also congratulated the NBA on the successful election held on July 18, 2026, and congratulated the incoming 33rd President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, and her executive on their emergence after a keenly contested election.

According to him, the theme of the 2026 NBA Annual Conference, “Beyond Limits,” should inspire the association and its incoming leadership to break through perceived restrictions and pursue what appeared impossible.

Amadi further commended the NBA for sustaining its commitment to justice, integrity, the rule of law, innovation and dynamic leadership, recalling that the 2025 conference theme, “Standout, Stand Tall,” was a clarion call for lawyers to rise courageously to their professional responsibilities.

He said the Rivers State Judiciary had enjoyed a robust and harmonious relationship with the NBA national leadership and all nine NBA branches in the state.

The Chief Judge welcomed delegates to Port Harcourt, describing the NBA Annual General Conference as a major platform for professional development, policy debates, institutional reforms and discussions on the state of Nigeria’s justice system and other critical national issues.

He expressed confidence that the conference would further strengthen the legal profession’s contribution to the development of Nigeria’s democracy and justice system.