Over 17,000 lawyers gathered in Abuja from August 25 to September 1, 2023, for one of the largest legal conferences globally, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual Conference. With the theme “Getting it Right – Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Nation Building,” the event focused on key national issues like security, economy, and justice reform. The conference was an opportunity for legal practitioners, both experienced and emerging, to discuss national development while networking with peers.

NBA President Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) highlighted the need for lawyers to play an active role in Nigeria’s progress, noting that the conference aimed to set a national agenda on security, economy, and justice. High-profile attendees included the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who emphasized the role of lawyers in supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Business mogul Tony Elumelu, the event’s guest speaker, called for collective national efforts to reset Nigeria.

Conference Drama: Treasurer’s Protest and AGM Chaos

The conference wasn’t without controversy. The NBA Treasurer, Caroline Ladidi Anze-Bishop, sparked a row during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) by disowning the financial report, accusing the NBA president of bypassing her office on financial matters. Anze-Bishop claimed she was excluded from financial committees and undermined by President Maikyau. Her public refusal to present the financial report led to a chaotic AGM session, with Maikyau defending his actions and accusing national officers of attempting to misuse lawyers’ annual fees.

Football Brawl and Ethical Conduct Concerns

A physical altercation during a football match between NBA teams from Abuja and Onitsha further sullied the conference. The fight, which erupted over officiating disputes, raised questions about the ethical conduct of some lawyers. Disciplinary actions were swiftly taken, with players and coaches facing penalties.

Portable’s Performance Sparks Backlash

The “Unbarred” concert, a closing event for the conference, took an unexpected turn when controversial artist Portable performed, prompting some lawyers to walk out in protest. The decision to feature Portable was widely criticized, with many questioning the appropriateness of his appearance at a legal event. NBA later clarified that Portable was invited by the event’s sponsor, Cubana Group, not the association itself. Portable’s performance has since led to a threatened lawsuit from an internet lawyer over the musician’s “poor performance.”

Conclusion

While the NBA conference brought legal minds together to discuss critical national issues, it was also marred by controversy, from internal disagreements over financial transparency to public backlash over entertainment choices. Despite the disruptions, the conference underscored the critical role of Nigeria’s legal community in shaping the country’s future.