Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has lambasted the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, over its invitation of former Liberian President George Weah to its annual conference.
In a video posted on NBA’s YouTube channel, Falana alleged that Weah’s administration as Liberia’s president undermined judicial independence and disregarded court judgments.
DAILY POST recalls that Weah delivered a keynote address at the NBA’s 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he said a ‘tyrant with Certificate of Return remains a tyrant.’
According to Falana, the NBA should be cautious about inviting African leaders whom he accused of failing to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m delighted to be here. But let me say this, because you know I have to be frank with the audience. And this goes for the leadership of the Bar. I want to appeal that the Bar Association must stop—stop inviting dictators in Africa to come and address us,” Falana said.
The senior lawyer further alleged that during Weah’s administration from 2018 to 2024, the Liberian judiciary was compromised to the extent that citizens had to seek redress at the ECOWAS Court.
Falana blasts NBA for inviting former Liberian President Weah to annual conference