By Sylvester Udemezue
In the early hours of 20 May 2025, I came across a post on Twitter alleging that the Nigerian Bar Associationโs National Executive Council (NBA-NEC) had passed a resolution to penalize any NBA member who publicly disagreed with official statements made by the NBA President. As a committed advocate for the rule of law and constitutional freedoms, and the Proctor of the The Reality Ministry of Truth, Law and Justice, (a nonaligned, nonprofit public interest law advocacy group), I found the alleged resolution deeply concerning and wholly inconsistent with the noble ideals upon which the NBA was founded.
In immediate response, and driven by an unwavering commitment to the defence of free expression within our professional community, I authored and published an article titled: โRe: NBA-NEC’s Resolution to Reprimand NBA Members Who Publicly Oppose the NBA Presidentโs Official Statements.โ The article, which was widely shared across social media platforms, expressed my strong objections to any move, real or perceived, that seeks to stifle dissent or curtail membersโ constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression, as provided under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
However, shortly after the article began to gain attention and circulation, I received a private message on WhatsApp from the NBA President himself. His message read:
โGood evening, Udems. No such resolution was passed. In fact, even though someone suggested that in passing, it was never discussed. Apparently, the person who made that post did so in grave error.โ
To this, I respectfully responded:
โGood evening, our esteemed President and Learned Silk, sir. I shall write again shortly in light of this clarification from the horse’s mouth. Thank you immensely, Mr. President, Sir. Respectfully, Mr. Udems.โ
Permit me to publicly commend and pour sincere encomiums on the President of the Nigerian Bar Association for this singular act of humble, transparent, and responsible leadership. It takes uncommon grace, maturity, and a genuine commitment to truth and service for a leader of his stature to personally reach out, without airs or hesitation, to clarify a matter of public concern. His action not only reflects strength of character but also exemplifies the kind of leadership the Bar and indeed the nation require: one grounded in humility, openness, and constructive engagement.
This clarification is timely, necessary, and highly commendable. It is important to set the record straight and assure members of the Bar and the general public that no such resolution was passed by the NBA-NEC. The strength of our profession lies not in silencing differing views but in fostering robust dialogue, principled disagreement, and unwavering fidelity to the rule of law.
I therefore urge us all, members of the NBA and concerned citizens alike, to remain vigilant but also measured in our responses. Let us always seek the facts and engage with respect, even when we must disagree. And as I always say, the rule of law must not just be a slogan; it must be our way of life, especially within the premier association of legal practitioners in Nigeria.
Long live NBA!
Respectfully,
Sylvester Udemezue (Udems),
Proctor of the The Reality Ministry of Truth, Law and Justice (TRM)
08021365545.
[email protected]
(20 May 2025)
