The curtains have fallen on the 2025 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), hosted by the Enugu State Government, with over 20,000 lawyers in attendance. The well-attended event featured South African politician and EFF founder Julius Malema as keynote speaker, while the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, chaired the proceedings.
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Speaking on Arise News Night, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, General Secretary of the NBA, outlined the key resolutions and direction of the association following the conference themed “Stand Up, Stand Out.”
Ojibara reaffirmed the NBA’s stance on defending democracy and judicial independence amid concerns that courts have enabled political misconduct. Reacting to criticisms that the judiciary has legitimized the excesses of politicians, he said:
“People go to court because they are aggrieved. Of course, when two people go to court, both cannot win. If someone loses, they may criticize the court’s decision, but that should not be mistaken for the judiciary enabling bad conduct.”
He dismissed partisan criticisms, stressing that while lawyers, like other citizens, may belong to political parties, the NBA remains an independent civil society body committed to safeguarding democracy.
Addressing the widespread perception that justice in Nigeria is reserved for the rich, Ojibara highlighted the NBA’s expansion of pro bono services.
“We now want every branch of the NBA to have a pro bono desk so that Nigerians regardless of gender, age, or economic status can access free legal representation. Justice must not be for the highest bidder.”
He emphasized that restoring public confidence in the judiciary requires removing financial barriers and ensuring ordinary citizens can enforce their rights.
Ojibara also defended the NBA’s commentary on Nigeria’s fragile economy, inflation, and reckless political spending, insisting the association is not straying into labor union territory.
“The NBA is Nigeria’s foremost civil society organization. Supporting citizens in their demand for fair wages and accountability is part of our duty, not interference.”
Citing the example of Enugu State, which has implemented full judicial financial autonomy, Ojibara pressed for adoption of the model nationwide.
“The judiciary cannot function independently if it goes cap in hand to the executive. Financial autonomy is essential for efficiency, dignity, and impartiality of the courts.”
Ojibara revealed that the NBA is pushing reforms to reduce frivolous challenges to arbitral awards in court.
“When arbitration awards are challenged in court, the process becomes as lengthy as litigation itself. We propose the introduction of bonds, so that those who file frivolous challenges risk losing what they stake.”
He added that arbitration and alternative dispute resolution must be time-bound to reduce the burden on Nigeria’s congested courts.
Ojibara concluded by stressing that the 2025 NBA Conference was more than a gathering of lawyers; it was a call to action.
“This year’s conference is a charge to stand out not for show, but for service, excellence, resilience, and integrity. The NBA will continue to defend democracy, strengthen judicial independence, and guarantee access to justice for all Nigerians.”
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