Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A renewed call for integrity and national responsibility echoed through Uyo as the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, urged legal practitioners to recommit themselves to justice, accountability, and development during the NBA-SPIDEL Conference held on December 2, 2026. Speaking to a hall filled with lawyers, academics, and public interest advocates, he reflected on the weight carried by the nation’s legal community and the moral expectations placed upon it.
He reminded attendees that the lines of Nigeria’s National Anthem represent more than ceremonial recitation, stressing that the promise to hand over “a banner without stain” is a duty that demands conscious action. According to him, the legal profession must embody the ideals that shape a society striving for fairness and stability, noting that the next generation will judge today’s actions more than today’s intentions. His reflection deepened as he drew parallels with the classic hymn “Only Remembered,” describing it as a reminder that true legacy comes from service, courage, and the positive impact left on others.
The NBA President stressed that society constantly observes the conduct of lawyers, paying attention not only to their advocacy but to their choices in moments of political pressure. He noted that the profession must resist the temptation to echo political flaws and instead elevate the standards of public service. He insisted that every lawyer—whether appearing in court, advising corporations, shaping policy in public service, or teaching in institutions—carries a responsibility to advance development and strengthen public trust.
He emphasized that justice should never rely on chance, stating that the public deserves confidence that the law is a sanctuary where fairness is assured. The address ended with a candid challenge to move from rhetoric to measurable action, noting that a better country demands more than good speeches. He urged the profession to work towards leaving behind a legacy strong enough for future generations to embrace with pride.
Stone Reporters observes that similar calls in previous years, made during moments of institutional strain, highlighted how critical collective professional integrity becomes when political and social pressures intensify. This address signals a more proactive stance, encouraging lawyers not merely to defend justice when called upon but to actively build systems that protect it, suggesting a shift toward a stronger public interest posture within the legal community.
The session concluded with the clear message that the future of Nigeria’s justice system will depend heavily on the daily decisions of its practitioners. If the profession embraces the challenge to act with purpose, the vision of passing on “a banner without stain” may gradually shift from aspiration to reality.
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