*Says “Artificial Intelligence Is Raising New Technical Questions For Both The Bar And The Bench”
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The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Hon. Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, has tasked the Nigerian Bar Association with playing a leading role in safeguarding the country’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 66th Annual General Conference of the Association in Port Harcourt.
The Chief Judge said the Association, as a critical stakeholder in the democratic process, bears a grave responsibility to ensure that the elections are fair, transparent, credible, peaceful and successful.
“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.
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 are looking to them for fairness and stability.
Amadi said political parties and their candidates must be reminded that no political ambition, however legitimate, is worth the loss of human lives or the destruction of peace in the country.
He urged the Association to continue playing what he described as its noble and nationalistic role in promoting credible elections and protecting democratic values.
The Chief Judge emphasised the complementary roles of the judiciary and the legal profession, describing the Bench and the Bar as twin pillars in the administration of justice, whose ultimate objectives remain the attainment of justice and the protection of the fundamental rights and liberties of citizens.
He called for a cordial relationship between the two, founded on mutual respect, professionalism and a shared commitment to justice.
He said the Rivers State Judiciary had enjoyed a robust and harmonious relationship with the national leadership of the Association and with all nine branches in the state.
Amadi commended the outgoing President of the Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, for what he described as proactive leadership and contributions to the development of the body, saying he had demonstrated professionalism and integrity during his tenure, particularly through constructive criticism of government policies and actions and in defending the fundamental rights of citizens.
He congratulated the Association on the election held on 18 July 2026, and congratulated the incoming 33rd President, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, and her executive on their emergence after what he described as a keenly contested election.
The Chief Judge said the theme of the conference, “Beyond Limits,” should inspire the Association and its incoming leadership to break through perceived restrictions and pursue what appears impossible.
He commended the body 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 welcomed delegates to Port Harcourt, describing the conference as a major platform for professional development, policy debates, institutional reforms and discussions on the state of the justice system and other critical national issues, and expressed confidence that it would further strengthen the profession’s contribution to the development of the country’s democracy and justice system.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, represented by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, spoke on the judiciary’s readiness to adapt to a technology-driven world.
“The world in which we practise is changing rapidly. Technology is transforming legal research, case management and the delivery of legal services,” she said.
She added: “While artificial intelligence is raising new technical questions, both for the bar and the bench, we must be prepared to understand these developments and use them responsibly.”
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