Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has criticised the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for inviting former Liberian President George Weah to speak at its 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Falana accused Weah’s administration of undermining judicial independence during his presidency and questioned whether the former Liberian leader was an appropriate speaker on democracy and the rule of law.
Falana: Stop inviting African dictators
Speaking in a video posted on the NBA’s YouTube channel following Weah’s keynote address, Falana urged the leadership of the Nigerian Bar to exercise greater caution when selecting African political leaders to address its conferences.
He described Weah as a dictator and alleged that his administration, which governed Liberia from 2018 to 2024, exerted undue influence over the country’s judiciary.
According to Falana, the situation became so serious that some Liberians had to seek legal redress through the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
ECOWAS judgments
Falana cited a case involving members of Liberia’s Mandingo community, whose properties were allegedly seized during the country’s civil conflict.
He said the ECOWAS Court ruled in favour of the affected individuals but alleged that the Weah administration failed to comply with the judgment.
Falana also referred to the case of an associate justice of Liberia’s Supreme Court who was removed from office. He claimed that the ECOWAS Court subsequently set aside the dismissal, awarded the judge $200,000 and ordered his reinstatement.
According to Falana, the Weah administration also failed to implement that judgment. These claims were presented by Falana and should not be treated as independent judicial findings about Weah’s personal conduct.
‘Is this the man to lecture lawyers?’
Falana questioned the decision to invite Weah to address Nigerian lawyers on democracy, judicial independence and the rule of law.
His criticism was particularly pointed because Weah’s keynote address had focused heavily on the importance of strong democratic institutions and an independent judiciary.
Weah told delegates that democracy could not depend on “strong men” but required strong institutions. He also warned against governments that manipulate judges or weaken institutions while claiming to be democratic.
Falana raises drug-trafficking allegations
The senior lawyer also alleged that drug trafficking became a major problem in Liberia during Weah’s presidency.
He referenced the reported arrest and prosecution of a former Liberian vice-president in connection with alleged drug trafficking and money laundering. However, an arrest or prosecution does not amount to a conviction, and the allegations remain subject to legal proceedings.
Falana further criticised Weah over his decision to travel to Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup to watch his son, Timothy Weah, represent the United States.
Weah defends strong institutions
Despite Falana’s criticism, Weah used his keynote speech at the NBA conference to advocate for an independent judiciary and a fearless legal profession.
The former Liberian president said lawyers and judges have a responsibility to remain impartial and protect justice regardless of political pressure.
He argued that elections alone do not guarantee democracy and that democratic systems require institutions capable of checking abuses of power.
Debate over NBA’s choice of speaker
The controversy has generated debate among lawyers and members of the public over whether professional associations should invite former political leaders whose records remain contested to speak on democracy and governance.
Falana’s intervention also highlights a broader question facing the legal profession: Should public figures be judged primarily by the principles they articulate today or by the record of their conduct while in public office?
The NBA conference, themed “Beyond Limits,” has brought together lawyers, judges, political leaders and other stakeholders to discuss justice, democracy, security and governance.
OnPointGist will continue to follow the major developments from the NBA conference and other stories shaping Nigeria and Africa.
