Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Liberian President George Weah have called for a stronger and independent judiciary capable of protecting democracy and upholding the rule of law.
The two leaders spoke at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where Fubara declared the conference open and Weah delivered the keynote address.
Fubara urged judges to consider the wider consequences of their judgments, stressing that the quality and integrity of justice are critical to law and order and national development.
He called on judges to ensure that truth prevails regardless of the status or social connections of those appearing before the courts.
The governor warned against political interference, corruption, excessive technicalities and other factors capable of weakening confidence in the judiciary.
He said judges must be courageous enough to hold both government and citizens accountable to the Constitution and the rule of law.
Fubara also argued that lawyers have an important responsibility to resist attempts by political power to circumvent constitutional provisions and democratic principles.
According to him, the legal profession must remain committed to protecting democracy, peace and good governance.
Weah similarly stressed the importance of an independent judiciary protected by a fearless legal profession.
The former Liberian president said democracy cannot survive on powerful individuals but requires strong institutions capable of functioning independently.
He warned that democratic governments could become a threat to democracy themselves when corruption and collusion with judicial institutions undermine the rule of law.
Weah urged lawyers and judges to remain impartial in the administration of justice and protect the rights and freedoms of citizens.
He also reminded delegates that democracy does not end when elections are concluded but must be protected and tested every day through strong institutions.
The former Liberian leader said the weakening of judicial institutions could pose as serious a threat to democracy as other forms of political instability.
The conference, themed “Beyond Limits,” brought together lawyers, judges, political leaders and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting Nigeria's legal system and democracy.
The calls from Fubara and Weah come as Nigeria prepares for another major electoral cycle in 2027, making questions surrounding judicial independence and electoral justice increasingly important.
Their message was ultimately centred on the need for the judiciary and legal profession to remain strong enough to check abuses of power and protect constitutional rights.
For Nigeria's democracy to remain resilient, both speakers stressed that citizens must be able to trust courts to deliver justice without political pressure or favour.