The Nigerian Bar Association’s 2025 Annual Conference, held in the vibrant city of Enugu, was marked by deep intellectual engagement, cultural celebration and a stirring call for justice from one of the legal profession’s most respected voices, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN.
In a heartfelt reflection on the conference, Dr. Ubani hailed the event as one of the most memorable in recent NBA history, citing its rich discourse, warm hospitality and the robust participation of legal professionals from across the country.
Yet, amidst the camaraderie and celebration, he drew attention to a pressing matter, the continued incarceration of a fellow lawyer and lawmaker-elect, Barrister Bright Ngene.
Ngene, who won the seat to represent Enugu South Urban Constituency under the Labour Party, remains imprisoned under what Dr. Ubani described as “questionable circumstances.”
Despite winning a rerun election and enjoying the support of his constituents, Ngene has been unable to assume his legislative duties due to delays in hearing his appeal.
Dr. Ubani, a former chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), did not mince words as he made a passionate plea to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, urging him to consider the use of his constitutional powers to grant clemency.
“Releasing Barrister Ngene will not only affirm justice,” Ubani said, “but also restore the faith of his constituents, who reaffirmed their mandate through the ballot. It would be a rare and admirable example of political magnanimity.”
He acknowledged assurances from the Enugu State Attorney-General, Kingsley Udeh (SAN-designate), that the appeal has now been assigned by the Chief Judge and will likely be heard after the court’s vacation.
Still, Ubani maintained that justice delayed is justice denied, especially for a man who has yet to benefit from the office to which he was elected.
The conference officially began on August 21st with a spirited fitness walk, followed by a colourful opening ceremony.
Although former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was billed to chair the event, was absent, his place was gracefully taken by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar CFR.
The conference’s intellectual highlight was a rousing keynote speech by Julius Malema, the fearless South African politician, whose address on justice, equity and African solidarity set an energetic tone for the deliberations that followed.
Plenaries and breakout sessions tackled critical national issues, ranging from human rights and insecurity to access to justice, gender equity, and the justiciability of socio-economic rights.
The sessions were lauded for their thought-provoking content and professional depth.
Governor Peter Mbah and the Enugu State Government received high praise for their seamless hosting.
Security was tight, logistics efficient, and the social atmosphere electric. The lively mammy market became a hub of cultural exchange, offering everything from abacha and okpa to uha soup and palm wine, as delegates from across Nigeria immersed themselves in the East’s renowned hospitality.
However, not all was rosy. Dr. Ubani noted with concern the overrepresentation of politically exposed persons and relatively junior lawyers in key panels.
Prominent figures like Dino Melaye, Deji Adeyanju, and Osita Chidoka drew attention, perhaps too much of it, at the expense of seasoned legal minds.
“Seniority at the Bar is sacred,” he cautioned.
“Whatever the theme, respect for hierarchy must guide future planners.”
He also criticized the spike in hotel and transport prices during the event, lamenting the commercial exploitation of delegates by local service providers.
According to him, while the NBA must support local economies, there must be moderation and fairness in pricing.
While lauding the work of NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Conference Planning Committee led by Emeka Obegolu, SAN, and the Local Organising Committee chaired by Ikeazor Akaraiwe, SAN, Dr. Ubani reminded the Association of the gold standard set by the 2019 Lagos Conference under A.B. Mahmoud, SAN, and coordinated by Prof. Koyinsola Ajayi, SAN.
“That event brought us closest to international benchmarks like the International Bar Association. We must aspire to surpass it, not just repeat it.”
“The Enugu conference gave us much to celebrate, but the true test of its legacy lies in how we handle the issue of Barr. Bright Ngene. His people cry out for representation. The Bar must not look away.”
“Long live the NBA, and long live Nigeria,” he declared.
