Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch, Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN, has extended heartfelt felicitations to the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF) as it holds its second quarterly meeting for 2025 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, urging members to confront the “stormy waters” currently threatening the legal profession.

In a goodwill message issued Friday, Akangbe acknowledged the numerous challenges plaguing the legal system in Nigeria, including insecurity, chronic underfunding of the judiciary, prolonged delays in justice delivery, economic hardship, and a growing demand for ethical leadership within the Bar.

“Let’s be frank: the legal profession today is navigating some serious stormy waters,” Akangbe said. “That’s precisely why this gathering isn’t just timely—it’s absolutely crucial. It’s a platform for honest reflection, vigorous advocacy, and fashioning out effective strategies to move us forward.”

He praised the Eastern Bar Forum for its unwavering commitment to defending justice and upholding the rule of law, not just in the Eastern region but across the nation. According to him, the Forum has consistently demonstrated professional excellence and principled advocacy.

“Credit to you all—the Eastern Bar Forum has consistently stood tall. You’ve been a strong, unwavering voice in the defense of justice, professional excellence, and the very bedrock of our society—the rule of law,” he said.

Akangbe concluded by wishing the Forum a successful and impactful meeting, encouraging them to adopt resolutions that will not only uplift the legal profession but also positively impact the broader society.

“I genuinely wish the Forum incredibly successful deliberations, a renewed spirit of fellowship amongst us, and, most importantly, resolutions that will genuinely advance the best interests of the Bar,” he stated.

The Eastern Bar Forum is a regional bloc within the NBA, comprising branches from the South-East and parts of the South-South zones, and remains a key voice in the advocacy for rule of law and legal reform in Nigeria.

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