The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has issued a stern warning to lawyers who publicly criticise or oppose official statements made by the NBA President, noting that they may face disciplinary action.
This development was disclosed in a statement published on the Association’s official X handle on Monday evening. According to the statement, the resolution was one of several decisions taken during the NBA’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Thursday, 15 May 2025.
Among the five key resolutions reached at the NEC meeting was a directive aimed at curbing internal dissent in public spaces. The resolution read in part: “NEC condemned the act of members publicly countering the official position of the NBA President, who speaks on behalf of the Association. It was suggested that such conduct be subject to disciplinary action moving forward.”
The statement was accompanied by images containing explanatory notes detailing all five resolutions. These included:
- Condemnation of the recurring cancellation of commercial flights without adequate alternatives for passengers.
- Reprimand of members publicly opposing the NBA President’s official statements.
- Condemnation of the suspension of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch Chairman, with a call for its immediate reversal.
- Objection to disciplinary actions targeting public servants who are also NBA executives.
- Criticism of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for its blanket cancellation of examination results despite acknowledged technical hitches.
“The NBA remains committed to defending justice, fairness, and the integrity of the legal profession,” the statement concluded.
The resolution to sanction dissenting members has since sparked conversations within the legal community, with many questioning its implications for free speech and internal accountability within the Association.
