Group photo of some the participants of the Law week, Warri Branch on Wednesday
By Cynthia Eruotor
Nigerian Bar Association has organized its 2026 Law Week with a call for judicial independence, integrity, transparency, accountability, adherence to rule of law and respect for due process to have sound judicial system.
The programme which was held on Wednesday at RCCG Hall, along Chevron Clinic Road which its theme is:” Public Trust in the Administration of Justice in Times of Economic and Security Challenges” was attended by prominent personalities in the legal profession. In his address, the President of Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe charged the various stakeholders in the dispenser of justice to earn public confidence and trust in the system by their actions.
President of Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, delivering his address on Wednesday
His words: “No matter what we do, if the society does not have confidence in the court, lawyers, in the law enforcement agencies and in all persons who have a role to play to ensure justice works smoothly, all we do is in vein.” The President frowned at jungle justice being carried out in the society of any time crime is committed by a person or group of persons in the society and charged all and sundry to follow due legal process to solve such crimes instead of embarking on self-help.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, Warri branch, Othadua A. Okpakpor said, Nigeria is currently navigating complex economic realities with consistent security challenges which have placed the country’s institution especially the justice sector, the bedrock of order, stability and .democratic governance
Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, Warri branch, Othadua A. Okpakpor, Esq delivering his address at occasion on Wednesday
According to him, the administration of justice in Nigeria which is rooted in the constitution, sustained by the dedication of judicial officers, legal practitioners, and public trust in the system is neither automatic nor permanent despite the pivotal roles it plays in the society. His words: “Allegations or perception of corruption, inconsistency in judicial decisions and undue economic influence can erode credibility of the system.”
The Chairman said, in the time of economic hardship, citizens often face increased barriers to have access to justice due to high cost of litigation, delays in court proceedings and infrastructural limitations which are capable of creating perception that justice is distant or reserved for the privileged few, has created challenges in the system. According to him, initiatives such as digitalization of court processes, the establishment of alternative dispute resolution mechanism and continuous judicial training are commendable steps toward enhancing efficiency and accessibility and that more work would be done in this regard.
Chairman of 2026 law week committee, Eric K. Omare , Esq delivering his address at occasion on Wednesday
Okpakpor hinted that, to address security that range from kidnapping and banditry to communal conflicts and other forms of criminality, the justice is tasked to act with both urgency and fairness-the action to preserve public’ confidence. According to him, there is need to understand that the ongoing reforms within the Nigerian legal system is aimed at addressing some of these challenges that bedeviled the legal system and charged all stakeholders including judges, lawyers, policy makers, academics and the civil society to examine the challenges to restore the system.
His words:” …it calls on all stakeholders – judges, lawyers, policy makers, academics and civil society – to critically examine existing challenges and collaboratively chart a path toward a more responsive, transparent and trusted justice system.” He thanked the law week committee branch which is Chaired by Eric Omare (Esq) and guests for their presence.
Faces of other participants
In his welcome address, Chairman of 2026 law week committee, Eric K. Omare said the law week offers the opportunity for the legal professionals to engage in intellectual reflection, build capacity and promote Bar /Bench collaboration and community development hence the committee carefully selected experts in law, security and economics to dwell on the theme of the programme. He therefore, on behalf of the committee expressed gratitude to the keynote speaker, Chief Charles Uwensuyi- Edosomwan, SAN, all lead speakers, Chief Judge of Delta State, among others.
The programme which showcased Chief (Dr) Uwensuyi- Edosomwan and Gen. L.E.O.Irabor(Rtd), former Chief of Defence Staff who spoke on Law, Economy and Security Conundrum climaxed with questions and answers session.