NBA reaffirms commitment to judicial independence, electoral reforms

… as 2025 Law Week kicks off in Ondo

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure Branch, has restated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through judicial independence, electoral justice, and institutional accountability as it unveiled activities marking its 2025 Law Week.

Speaking at a press conference in Akure, the Branch Chairman, Friday Umar, outlined a week-long programme themed “Nigeria: Quest for a Utilitarian Judiciary and Roles for Stakeholders.”

Umar said the event will not only celebrate the legal profession but also provide a platform to interrogate the state of Nigeria’s justice system and proffer reforms that can guarantee fairness, transparency, and public confidence.

According to him, Femi Fani-Kayode is expected to deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony slated for Tuesday, November 11, at The Dome, Akure.

He explained that Fani-Kayode’s presentation will set the tone for discussions on how the judiciary, legislature, and executive can align to ensure that justice delivery serves the greatest good of all Nigerians.

According to the chairman, the NBA Akure Branch will use the 2025 Law Week to push for reforms in the electoral system and correctional service, as well as advocate for judicial independence and ethical accountability within the legal profession.

“Democracy thrives only where there is an independent judiciary. The ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act must address pre-election litigations, forum shopping, and reckless conduct by political parties.

“There should be legal consequences for parties that violate internal democracy or abuse the electoral process,” he said.

He noted that the branch’s communique at the end of the Law Week will contain far-reaching recommendations to the National Assembly and other relevant institutions, urging them to prioritise electoral justice as a foundation for credible governance.

The chairman also decried the rising trend of conflicting judgments, explaining that while the judiciary is often criticised, “judges decide cases based on evidence and the law, not public opinion.”

He stressed that judicial integrity remains intact and credited the National Judicial Council (NJC) for tightening procedural guidelines to curb unethical practices like forum shopping.

“The judiciary does not rewrite laws; it interprets them. If the legislature makes a bad law, the courts must still interpret it within constitutional limits. The constitution remains the grundnorm, and any law inconsistent with it must bow.”

He said beyond legal discourse, the 2025 Law Week will also feature humanitarian visits to the Olokuta Correctional Centre, children’s homes, and the lepers’ colony in Akure, and said members will provide free legal advice and donate welfare items.

Other highlights include a health walk, cocktail night, football match between the NBA and Nigerian Medical Association teams, and a grand law dinner and award night.

Prominent personalities to be honoured include Senator Bode Olajumoke, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, Hon. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth, and veteran journalist, Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, who will receive the Friend of the Bar award.

The chairman further commended the Ondo State Government for ongoing projects such as the construction of the State Judiciary Complex, while calling for greater judicial autonomy in project execution to safeguard institutional independence.

“While we appreciate the government’s commitment, we believe the judiciary should have the capacity to embark on such infrastructure themselves, free from political or sentimental influence,” he added.

The 2025 NBA Akure Law Week will run from November 9 to 14, culminating in an interfaith Thanksgiving session at the Government House Mosque.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE