“SSS Has No Role In SAN Screening” — NBA-NEC Slams Security Service Involvement, Demands LPPC Guideline Review [COMMUNIQUÉ]

*Tinted Glass, ECMR Policies Unconstitutional: NBA NEC Vows Court Challenge Against Police
*Reaffirms Mandatory ICLE, CPD

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strongly worded communiqué following its Pre-Conference National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on August 23, 2025, in Enugu, reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and professional integrity.

The meeting, presided over by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, addressed critical issues of governance, security, and internal reforms, setting a firm agenda for the ongoing 67th Annual General Conference (AGC).

The communiqué, signed by Osigwe and General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, outlined resolutions from deliberations involving NEC members, branch delegates, past presidents, and representatives of fraternal bar associations. Held at the International Conference Centre’s Multipurpose Hall, the session emphasized the safeguarding of constitutional democracy and the advancement of the legal profession.

The NBA reiterated its dedication to accountability and due process, condemning acts of intolerance and lawlessness by political office holders, while stressing its role in speaking truth to power. “NEC reaffirmed the NBA’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law,” the communiqué stated, urging members to remain vigilant in defending democratic principles.

A major focus of the meeting was escalating human rights abuses and worsening security challenges. The NEC strongly condemned brutality by security agencies, referencing incidents such as the inhuman treatment of a female passenger on an Ibom Air flight and the assault of a youth corps member in Anambra State. Breaking from past practice, the NBA resolved to pursue public interest litigation on behalf of victims, rather than relying solely on press statements.

On security, the NEC expressed concern over the proliferation of non-state policing structures, insisting that any security framework, including state policing, must guarantee accountability, regulation, and oversight to safeguard citizens’ rights.

The NEC also opposed the involvement of the Department of State Services (DSS) in screening applicants for the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), describing the practice as “degrading, extraneous, and inconsistent” with Rule 23 of the Rules of Professional Conduct. It further called for a comprehensive review of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) guidelines to preserve the dignity and independence of the SAN conferment process.

In addition, the NBA condemned two controversial Nigerian Police policies. It denounced the tinted glass permit requirement as “unconstitutional, oppressive, and a tool for extortion,” resolving to challenge it in court. Similarly, it described the Electronic Central Motor Registry (ECMR) licensing policy as unconstitutional, mandating its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) to initiate urgent legal action to protect citizens’ rights.

Recognizing the importance of capacity building, the NEC reiterated that Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) are mandatory under Rule 11 of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Branches were urged to intensify training programs, especially in emerging areas such as technology, environmental law, and international trade, to ensure Nigerian lawyers remain globally competitive.

The NEC commended the AGC Planning Committee, led by Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, for its meticulous preparations, including safety measures and logistics for delegates. While praising the Enugu branches and state government for their hospitality, the council advised improved coordination of accommodation and transportation at future conferences to ease delegate challenges.

For institutional continuity, the NEC ratified the extension of outgoing trustees’ tenure and confirmed the nomination of Prof. Peter Terkaa Akper, SAN, OFR, as a trustee to replace the late Yunus Ustaz, SAN. Newly elected NEC members, branch chairmen, and secretaries were formally welcomed and charged with upholding discipline, humility, and accountability. The council emphasized that only the NBA President is recognized as the association’s official spokesperson, urging all officers to work in unison to strengthen institutional credibility.

The NEC also noted a letter from the Mid West Bar Forum, which resolved that the next NBA President should emerge from the Southwest. Stressing that NBA elections must embody integrity, prudence, and inclusivity, the council cautioned against acrimony and financial inducements, urging the bar to remain a model of democratic governance.

In conclusion, the NEC called on NBA members to uphold professional ethics, protect human rights, and defend constitutional democracy. The communiqué reaffirmed the association’s role as a beacon of justice and integrity, with delegates committing to the success of the 2025 AGC and to the NBA’s enduring mission.

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