Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara declares 2026 NBA AGC open

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has challenged Nigerian judges to demonstrate courage, integrity and independence in holding both government and citizens accountable to the Constitution and the rule of law.

Fubara gave the charge while welcoming delegates to the 2026 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, describing the judiciary as a critical pillar of democracy, good governance and national development.

The governor said public confidence in the judiciary could only be sustained when judges demonstrate sound knowledge of the law, strong legal reasoning and the courage to dispense justice without fear, favour or political affiliation.

He said judges must not become “mere apologists or conformists” if they are to effectively serve as guardians of democracy, the rule of law, peace and good governance.

According to him, justice must go beyond being an abstract concept and become a reality that transforms the lives of ordinary citizens, including vulnerable and marginalised members of society.

Fubara said the rule of law remained the foundation of a democratic society, stressing that the legal system provides the framework for relationships between government, public institutions, private organisations and citizens.

He noted that the ultimate objective of law was to protect citizens, promote equality before the law, safeguard fundamental human rights and create an environment conducive to socio-economic development.

The governor warned that undermining the sanctity of the rule of law, democracy and good governance could lead to social disorder and undermine national progress.
He also described the courts as the “ultimate refuge” for citizens seeking justice,
accountability, protection of human dignity and enforcement of their constitutional rights.
Fubara further argued that the quality of justice delivered by the courts was closely linked to peace, order and national development.

He urged members of the legal profession to uphold their constitutional and moral responsibilities, saying lawyers must see their profession as more than a business or avenue for social status.

According to him, lawyers have a duty to safeguard the Constitution, promote the rule of law and defend the rights of ordinary Nigerians.

The governor also assured delegates attending the NBA conference of their safety and security throughout their stay in Port Harcourt.

He welcomed lawyers from across Nigeria, as well as international delegates from Africa and beyond, noting that the conference had become one of the largest gatherings of legal practitioners on the continent.

Fubara commended the outgoing NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and his National Executive Committee for bringing the conference back to Port Harcourt.

He recalled that Rivers State was originally scheduled to host the conference in 2025 but the event was moved to Enugu following the declaration of a state of emergency and suspension of democratic institutions in the state.

The governor said his return to office had made it possible for Rivers State to host the legal community once again, adding that the large turnout of delegates demonstrated the state's return to peace, security and economic transformation.

He expressed optimism that the conference would be peaceful, successful and memorable, stressing that the state government had partnered with the NBA leadership to ensure a conducive environment for the event.

The governor's message placed the rule of law, judicial independence and accountability at the centre of discussions at the conference, while urging lawyers to remain steadfast in protecting democracy and the rights of Nigerians.